Prisjeka (Bosnian border)

Naturally Borko has a contact on my route south to the Bosnian border. The border lies approximately 70km south of Zagreb and is not in the Schengen zone. 

Borko has suggested this new route to avoid the busy and dangerous roads further east. 

Croatian car drivers are generally patient with cyclists, but the roads can be narrow and curvy, meaning that it is sometimes a nervy experience. Some of my Croatian friends use very primitive dirt trails to cross Croatia, but this means fewer kilometers per day and probably a more suitable bike. 

I meet up with Igor after 82km of hilly terrain in a town called Prisjeka. He lives with Sveta for the past 2.5 years on an eco farm he is developing. This involves planting fruit trees, growing shiitake mushrooms and expanding his honey production. Oh yeah, he now also has more than fourteen dogs on the farm; ten being born in the past year. Needless to say, there is a lot going on here, but Igor is a more attentive host and cooks a delicious ravioli meal for the two of us. 

I learn more about Croatia's history, economy and transition to the Euro as we chat until midnight. A new route taking in more of Croatia is also suggested, as I plan to cross the border tomorrow.