Sunday mornings in Tirana have a special kind of light in spring. Soft, warm, and inviting—perfect for riding. I started from the hills of Sauk, leaving behind the city’s slow awakening and heading toward the rural landscapes of Baldushk.
The weather couldn’t have been better. Clear skies, gentle sun, and just enough breeze to keep the ride comfortable. At around 24°C, it felt like the kind of day that reminds you why you ride in the first place.
From the first kilometers, the rhythm was easy. The road was quiet, almost meditative. No rush, no noise—just the steady sound of wheels on asphalt and the occasional call of birds. Spring was everywhere: fresh greenery, blossoming trees, and fields alive with color.
As I moved deeper into the countryside, the atmosphere changed even more. The air felt cleaner, richer. I passed small greenhouses glowing under the sun, patches of cultivated land, and homes surrounded by nature. Domestic animals appeared here and there—goats grazing lazily, chickens crossing the road with no concern for passing cyclists. It’s these small, simple moments that give rides like this their soul.
I did cross paths with a few other cyclists along the way—always a nice, unspoken connection—but today my rhythm was different. I had planned this ride not just to cycle, but to film. The drone was in my bag, waiting for the right moment.
And that moment came with a small surprise.
At the point where I expected the asphalt to end, ready to turn back, I found something unexpected: the road continued. Fresh asphalt, stretching further into a landscape I hadn’t explored before. A bonus. The kind that feels like a reward for curiosity.
So I kept going.
The road led me into a beautiful, quiet valley—untouched, peaceful, almost hidden. It felt like discovering a secret. That’s where I stopped, took out the drone, and let it fly. From above, the landscape revealed itself in full: rolling green hills, scattered homes, winding roads, and the soft geometry of cultivated land. One of those moments where cycling and storytelling come together perfectly.
The return was calm. No rush, just a steady ride back with that quiet satisfaction that comes after a good day out. I chose to finish through the main boulevard of Tirana—a gentle transition back into the city after hours of silence and nature.
54.5 km, a few hours, and a lot of small moments that made it special.
A simple ride—but one that reminds you how much there is to discover, even close to home.
