19.9
PDI
19 mi
DISTANCE
4,395 ft
GAINED
4.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland
INTRO
Popski Preslop, also known as the Popovi Livadi Pass, climbs 30.6 km (19.0 mi) from the village of Katuntsi in southwest Bulgaria, gaining 1,340 m (4,395 ft) at a 4.1% average grade. The route starts at 169 m (554 ft) in the warm Sandanski valley and finishes at 1,424 m (4,671 ft) at Popovi Livadi, a mountain settlement in the Pirin range, passing through the villages of Gorno Spanchevo and Pirin on the way.
The first 9 km (5.6 mi) climb only gently along the river, then the road begins to work: a first group of switchbacks above Gorno Spanchevo reaches grades of around 10%, and from there the road climbs steadily through mixed forest that opens up in places. The road is fully paved, in good condition, and one of the quietest long climbs you will find in Bulgaria, with only occasional traffic.
It is also the only fully paved road that crosses the Pirin range from east to west south of Bansko, linking the Sandanski valley and the wine country around Melnik with Gotse Delchev and the Rhodope foothills on the far side.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The climb averages 4.1% over 30.6 km (19.0 mi), but the average is misleading. The opening 9 km (5.6 mi) to Gorno Spanchevo run along the valley floor at a very gentle grade, so most of the gain comes in the last 20 km (12.4 mi), where the road averages roughly 5%.
The hardest stretches come in the upper half: the steepest 0.5 km (0.3 mi) averages 10.6%, the steepest 1 km (0.6 mi) 9.4%, and the steepest 91 m (100 yd) reaches 15.2%. Over the hardest 5 km (3.1 mi) the grade averages 7.3%, and over the hardest 10 km (6.2 mi) it averages 6.0%. Hold something back for the switchbacks above Gorno Spanchevo.
Roadway: Road 198 is paved from Katuntsi to the pass and in good condition. The road climbs in a handful of switchbacks above Gorno Spanchevo and then settles into a steady grind through the forest to Popovi Livadi. Drinking fountains stand at the pass and at intervals along the road, as is common in Bulgaria.
Traffic: Light. Traffic is occasional and rarely a bother, and long stretches of the upper climb are very quiet.
Parking: Katuntsi is a small village, so park courteously on the edge of the village and keep driveways, gates and field accesses clear. For a bigger base with more choice of lodging and services, Sandanski lies about 18 km (11 mi) away in a straight line, and you can ride out to the start along the valley.
Provisions: Fill your bottles at the fountains along the road, especially the one at the pass, and stock up on food in Katuntsi or Sandanski before you set off, since services on the road are sparse. Plan for a long day: this is a climb of well over two hours for most riders.
Gear: A compact crankset with a 28 to 30 tooth cassette is comfortable for the switchbacks and the sustained grade. The valley start is among the warmest in Bulgaria, so bring sun protection, and pack a light layer for the descent, since Popovi Livadi is more than 1,250 m (4,100 ft) higher than where you began.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Sandanski is the natural base for this ride. It sits at 296 m (971 ft) in the Sandanski-Petrich valley, about 20 km (12.4 mi) from the Greek border, and is statistically the warmest place in Bulgaria, with roughly 2,700 hours of sun a year and a concentration of thermal springs that make it a spa town. Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria and the center of a well-known wine district, is a short drive away, and the nearby Rozhen Monastery is a worthwhile detour on a rest day.
The mountains above are protected: Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, lies to the north and is crowned by 2,914 m (9,560 ft) Vihren, with visitor centers in Sandanski and Bansko. From Popovi Livadi, hiking and mountain-bike routes lead into the Pirin range, and the road continues east to Gotse Delchev if you want a one-way crossing. The summit is far higher and cooler than the valley, so check conditions before you go with our Weather tool.
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