Bansko's bike boom

In this week’s Buzz:

• Can you go to Lidl in Razlog by bus?

• New director of Rila National Park Directorate is from Bansko

• Ballet performance and classical music concert in Razlog this coming weekend

• Bansko Veterans Sports Club’s second cleanup on Saturday

• Why this summer has started to feel busier earlier

• A unique flower only found in Vratsa and Bansko

• Weekly events over summer list updated

Over 1,000 participants joined this year's Bike Festival as the town pushes to become a leading cycling destination

This weekend was the second annual Bansko Bike Festival in town and it was a little bit different from last year’s event: both in the size of the event and the time of year it took place. Last year, there were hundreds of participants and it took place in September. This year, there were over 1,000 participants and the event took place in the middle of July (this weekend).

There was an abundance of events in many different parts of the town, from children’s events in the main park to timed events starting at Banderishka Polyana, and a “Bike Rally” to Vihren (15km with an elevation of 1,000 metres), as well as some gourmet food tours and a trip on the local narrow-gauge train. If you’re into cycling and adventures, then this was one event in the calendar you didn’t want to miss.

The event is one of a few that the local mayor, Stoycho Banenski, wants to attract to the town for cyclists in an effort to transform Bansko into one of the leading cycling destinations in the Balkans (as mentioned in issue #94 of the Buzz). For all abilities and all ages.

You can see the wide variety of events for the Bike Fest on their website here.

This, together with many other developments in the town (sports courts, walking paths, cycle tracks, outdoor gyms), makes it truly feel like Bansko is embracing the summer season with lots of fitness-based events/festivals alongside the traditional ones of food, drink and music.

We’ve got a wonderful amount of greenery and mountains surrounding Bansko, it’d be a shame to keep it all to ourselves.

Unique Food in The Heart of Bansko

Wondering where to go for great-tasting, high quality food in Bansko?

Head to Five M. We offer some of the most delicious moments you’ll have during your time in Bansko, alongside a warm, enjoyable evening.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 109 New Posts, 💬 360 Comments, 👍️ 1,518 Reactions

Can you go to Lidl in Razlog by bus?
Julio wants to go to Lidl but doesn’t have a car, so he wants to take the bus and wants to know the best way to get there. See what people suggested.

So many helicopters flying about. Did something happen?
Марина posted that she’d heard quite a lot of flying about above Bansko by some helicopters and wondered what it was. See what the outcome was.

I’m looking for a good electrician to fix some poorly installed lamps
Томас has some lamps that aren’t exactly up to the standard he believes they should and is looking for suggestions for a good electrician. See who people recommended.

New animal non-profit introduces itself to the community
Bansko Strays, a registered foundation in Bulgaria, has introduced itself to the local community. They hope to help both cats/kittens and dogs/puppies, working closely with the municipality similar to Bansko Street Dogs.

An update on business posts in the group
Nick (me) posted an update on how often businesses can post in the group and what types of posts they can make. This was in response to a large up-tick in business posts, which meant it was time to implement some restrictions.

Bansko & Beyond

International Festival Academy opens ahead of concerts
This week, the International Festival Academy opened to bring young people together through music. They will learn, develop, and practice all this week and take part in the concert performances in the events section below. More info. See a video of some of the students singing together in preparation here.

Faith, tradition and a shared meal in Gostun
An age-old tradition in the village of Gostun is to sit down, break bread, and celebrate faith at the Holy Sunday Chapel. Residents of the village came together “…to offer a prayer for health, peace, and prosperity, with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.” Read more.

Three-day course on karting and building aircraft models
As part of the summer programme for young people organised in part by the local municipality, there was a three-day course on karting and building (and flying) small aircraft models. Great to see investment in a number of activities and events for young people. Read more.

Regular meetup to play chess in Dobrinishte
Dobrinishte Chess Club has announced weekly meetups every Tuesday at the local community centre in Dobrinishte. If you like to play chess, message their Facebook page to secure your place on Tuesdays between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Read more.

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• Vihren Hut road closure notice [until mid-September]

• Photos of new pedestrianised/sports area on other side of the river

• Waiters attacked Bulgarian tourists in Greece after a disputed bill [Translation required]

• Man from Bansko becomes new director of Rila National Park Directorate [Translation required.]

• Bulgaria remains key EU country seriously affected by demographic decline

• A unique flower only found near Vratsa and Bansko [Translation required]

• UK deports two convicted “Bulgarian Kremlin spies”

Plus Property: Get The Best Price for Your Apartment

If you own an apartment in Bansko and you’re thinking about selling, then we offer a free valuation and listing of your property.

We help you through the whole process to get the best price for your property, offering a realistic for-sale price, ensuring that all local property and maintenance fees are paid, showing prospective buyers around, and making everything easy. We have lawyers on hand and use one of the best notaries in the area.

If you’re looking for a local property expert who can help get the best price for your property, contact us today

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Events Next Week

Exhibitions at The Tourist Information Center
These run most days from 9am to 12noon and 1pm to 6pm at the Tourist Information Center near the old tree. Tip of The Brush (by Lora Bojilova) continues on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. Then, from Friday (17th) to Tuesday 21st, Kostadin Kalaidzhiev displays his Inspiration painting exhibition.

Under The Light of The New Moon
On Tuesday (14th) at 7.30pm in the Ecopark, join Aksiniya, Kristina, and Anna who “…will guide you through this immersive sound journey, while Anya’s voice will weave an additional thread of magic—bringing depth, tenderness, and a truly enchanting presence.” Entrance is via a donation. More info.

Bansko Football Academy
On Thursday (16th) and every Thursday going forward, from 2.30pm at the Oborishte square football field (here; just up the road from Groshe Supermarket), children aged 8 to 11 will take part in a football academy to improve their skills and make new friends. More info.

Over 50s Meetup
On Thursday (16th) at 7pm, at Pirin 75, there is a meetup for individuals 50 and older. This is the second weekly meetup. The goal is to meet up, have a drink (alcoholic or otherwise), and get to know new people. More info.

International Festival Academy Concerts
On Thursday (16th), Friday (17th), and Saturday (18th), the international festival academy that has brought together musicians in Bansko over the past week will hold three concerts. The concerts will take place at 8pm every day in the main square (with the final concert being on Saturday). More info. [Translation required.]

Demonstration of Local Trade & Handcrafts
Outside the Tourist Information Center between 5pm and 7pm is a tapestry demonstration (Friday) and a spinning of wool demo (Saturday). Live folk music between 6pm and 6.30pm on Saturday only (see the singers perform here).

Splash Classical Music & Ballet Concerts (Razlog)
On Friday (17th) and Sunday (19th), “…experience the magic of classical music and ballet by the lake” in Razlog. The main ballet performance will be on the Friday and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on the Sunday. See a video of last year’s event here. On both nights, the events starts at 9pm in the park in Razlog (a few minutes walk from the square). More info. [Translation required.]

Predel Moto Rock Gathering/Festival (Razlog)
On Friday (17th) and Saturday (18th), the annual event brings together thousands of bikers who love riding on two wheels and rock music, organised by the Pirin Wolves Motorcycle Club. On Friday, the event starts at 7pm with a rock concert. On Saturday, there is an honorary lap of Razlog town from 1pm, moto games at 6.30pm, and the rock bands start at 9pm. More info. [Translation required.]

Veterans Sports Club Second Major Cleanup Event
On Saturday (18th), the Bansko Veteran Sports Club is organising its second major cleanup of the green, mountainous area in Bansko, starting at the gondola at 9 am and ending at Banderitsa Chalet. Over 100 people participated in their first cleanup this year last month (see some photos here). More info [Translation required].

Three Mountains Hard Enduro Championship
On Saturday (18th) and Sunday (19th), this annual competition takes place in Bansko, where licensed riders come together to battle for top spot and conquer the Pirin Mountains. Runs from 8am on both days, registration & events taking place in the main square, in the St Ivan Rilski area, and on the mountains around town. More info.

Anita’s Art Studio Grand Opening
On Saturday (18th) from 6pm to 9pm, join Anita at her relocated art studio on Otets Paisiy Street (near the traffic lights up from the police station) to learn about upcoming interesting workshops and children’s activities at the studio. The first glass of wine is on Anita. More info.

Bansko Street Dogs’ Pub Quiz
On Monday 20th of July, at Sky High Kitchen starting at 7.30pm, is BSD’s returning pub quiz. After being announced the other day, they only have a few spaces left, so if you want to go, then get booked in. Always a fun evening, and it’s a new venue for the quiz. Entry is 5€ per person. More info.

Regular Weekly Events in Summer

Check with individual organisers/venues as event details may change.

• Mondays: Group fitness; Bear Functional Training at 8am

• Tuesdays: Run Club (5km); 6.30pm at Altspace (Central)

• Tuesdays: Chess club; 7.30pm at Dobrinishte Chess Club

• Wednesdays: no recommended events on this day

• Thursdays: Pool competition; Tipsy 360 at 7pm

• Thursdays: Live music; ZZ Land Play Cafe from 7pm

• Fridays: Beers at Altspace (Summit); 6pm to 8pm (BYOB)

• Fridays: Latin dance party; DiVino from 9.30pm

• Fridays: Karaoke at Tipsy 360; 8pm to 11pm

• Saturdays: BSD’s Saturday Sale; 10am to 2pm

• Saturdays: BBQ Evenings; Kempinski Hotel, 7pm to 10pm

• Saturdays: Live music; Ginger from 8pm

• Sundays: Free walking tour; under the old tree at 11am

Planning Further Ahead?

Here is a list of events/festivals coming up over the next few weeks.

• 21 & 22 July: International Folklore Festival. More info.

• 22 to 27 July: Bansko Rock Fest. More info.

• 24 July: Local Tradesmen Connect at Sky High Kitchen. More info.

• 24 to 26 July: Table Tennis sports weekend (competition). More info.

• 25 July: Todorka Vertical (running event; registration still open). More info. [Cyrillic]

• 25 July: Bansko Street Dogs’ Summer School Sports Day. More info.

• 31 July to 9 August: Bansko Jazz Festival (main summer event). More info.

Organising an event in or around Bansko? Submit it for consideration here.

Inside The Beehive🍯 

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Photo of the Week

A walk through the Eco park. “I had forgotten just how beautiful it is here.”

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Before You Go…

p.s. You have until the end of the month to purchase a Bansko.me email account.