The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, November 2025, Volume 43, Issue #11
Albania 2025 Trip Report
This first CCCTS Albania UNESCO Tour, capably led by CCCTS member Janet Whitehead working with Cycle Albania, ran from 29 August-11 September 2025.
There were 14 hotel nights with 8 days of riding.
Of the 20 participants, 13 were on E-bikes and 7 used pedal power.
Total distance ridden was 438 kilometers with a total elevation gain
of 5606 m. The longest continuous downhill was 14 km.
Those are the facts, what follows are the feelings – a compilation of participants’ highlights and favorite memories. We think you’ll agree that it was a trip well worth repeating!
Our adventure began in Tirana, Albania’s lively capital, where recent unconventional architecture contrasted with older Communist-style buildings – a clue to the country’s difficult modern history. Visits to the vine-covered “House of Leaves”, Albania’s Museum of Secret Surveillance during WWII and the Cold War years, were eye-opening. At the Women’s Museum, learning about the lives of women during that time fascinated some. A day on our own allowed us to better understand this unique country.
So, from the start, it was clear that we were in for something special — not just a cycling trip, but a journey through rich history, dramatic landscapes, and the warmth of a country that welcomed us with open arms (and the occasional hatchet).
We pedaled through a land of contrasts — from lakes to rugged mountains and then the sparkling coastline
from medieval castles to sea views to bustling towns
and through remote rural areas where shepherds and their loyal dogs tended herds of goats, cows, and sheep along (and on!) the road. Every day offered a new terrain, a new view, and a reason to stop and simply take it all in.
An unforgettable moment came on a visit to the 5th-century church in Butrint. As our guide explained the intricate mosaic motif, interwoven circles surrounded by ivy, she bent down and picked up a dried ivy leaf lying beside us — a small, serendipitous gesture that felt like a message from the past, echoing through time.
We especially loved the mountains, both for their beauty and
their challenge. Long, winding descents often brought us to a halt, not for rest, but to admire jaw-dropping vistas. But first there were the climbs, including the legendary Llogara Pass — 1658 meters over 63 km, in the heat of the day. On that climb, one of us was joined by a much younger Albanian cyclist, training for a race. The two rode together for a while, sharing stories, effort, and a passion that transcended language. Near the summit the young cyclist turned back toward his village, but not before a final farewell — a simple, human connection on a hard-earned road. 
Around the midpoint of the trip, we arrived at Coli guesthouse near Përmet, and were greeted in the most Albanian way possible — with a warm smile and a hatchet wielded by our host as she prepared that night’s chicken. The rustic charm of Coli quickly won us over.
After an entertaining trip to natural hot pools the farm table became our base — for cold beers and a home-cooked dinner, all enjoyed under a canopy of fig trees and squash vines beside ancient stone fountains. It also became the stage for Julian’s bar tricks sparking belly laughs and tears in equal measure.
And then there were the evenings — like the one from the guesthouse balcony, where we looked down a peaceful valley at dusk and a far-off mountain glowing as if sprinkled with snow. A quiet, perfect end to another day of effort and beauty.
As we cycled on, we visited Gjirokastër, a UNESCO hilltop town, just as a storm rolled in. Against the dramatic black sky, the red Albanian flag with its fierce black double-headed eagle stood defiant above the castle, symbolic of the country’s fight for democratic independence from a brutal communist past — a postcard image we’ll not forget. 
Through it all, our trip was guided with care and dedication by Julian and our ever-reliable driver, Bato. They made sure the tour ran smoothly, but more than that, they gave the trip its rhythm and soul.
By the end, we were left with sun-kissed skin, tired legs, and full hearts. We had tackled big hills, swum in the Adriatic, celebrated with cheap beers, lingered over meals that lasted forever and shared stories. We discovered not just a beautiful country, but wonderful people — generous, curious, and proud of their homeland.
This wasn’t just about cycling. It was
about connection
with the land,
the past,
the people,
Albania, you were unforgettable!
2026 Tours
We have another busy season internationally with three tours already fully subscribed. A ski and snow shoe tour, and cycling tours in Japan and Portugal.
Other tours are in the works as well and include:
Morocco – Marrakech to Marrakech –likely – May
Coordinators Robin and Dan –- using tour contractor Spice Roads – organizer’s Moroccan friend will travel along with group by vehicle for part of the time. Waiting for final tour details from tour contractor.
Balkans– likely – September
Coordinator Janet Whitehead working with Cycle Albania.
Tuscany – likely
September 7-22 – Coordinators Rhonda and Eamonn Ryan – using tour contractor Sitnica – beginning and ending in Firenze (Florence) and traveling to Arezzo, Montepulciano, Siena and San Gimignano with some hub & spokes in these areas. The tour will include some wine tours, cooking classes and agriculture tours.
Taiwan – possible
October/November – Coordinators Robin and Dan – using tour contractor Spice Roads – hopefully, we will be able to coordinate dates with the Vietnam tour so they can be back-to-back if anyone wants to do both.
Ultimate Vietnam – likely
Mid–November to early December – Coordinators Diane Swindell and Chris Hodgson – using tour contractor Pedal Tours – covers both south and north Vietnam.
BC Camping Tour – possible
Too early to tell you when and where….
2026 Hub & Spokes
Shuswap – likely
June 7-12 – Coordinator Rhonda Ryan with a very capable team of volunteers will host the H&S event at the Sorento Retreat & Conference Centre near Salmon Arm BC.
Penticton – possible
Late May – Coordinators Diane Swindel & Chris Hodgins
Victoria – possible
Late June – a Chapter hosted event
Ottawa – possible
Dates to be determined – a Chapter hosted event
Trip Reports
- Albania 2025 Trip Report
Albania Trip Report This first CCCTS Albania UNESCO Tour, capably led by CCCTS member Janet Whitehead working with Cycle Albania, ran from 29 August-11 September 2025. There were 14 hotel nights with 8 days of riding. Of the 20 participants, 13 were on E-bikes and 7 used pedal power. Total distance ridden was 438 kilometers … Continue reading Albania 2025 Trip Report
- 2025 Veloroute des Bleuets and Quebec City Tour
Veloroute des Bleuets and Quebec City Tour – 8th to 15th of September 2025 Submitted by Richard Hatherill* Day 1 – Introduction The Veloroute des Bleuets tour took place for four days around Lac Saint-Jean in the Saguenay region of Quebec. Sixteen riders from Ottawa and seven riders from the Vancouver area traveled mainly from … Continue reading 2025 Veloroute des Bleuets and Quebec City Tour
- 2025 Central Europe
Central Europe CCCTS Ride 2025 – Prague to Bratislava then onto Budapest . A wonderfully memorable trip. Many thanks to Maureen Angen and the Sitnica group for creating such an adventurous tour of Central Europe. Castles, culture, cycling and connecting with our local hosts, a great design for a rich and exciting tour. Photo: (Sitnika … Continue reading 2025 Central Europe
- 2025 Croatian Adriatic as it Used To Be.
Final Report 2025 Croatian Adriatic As it Used To Be -Trip Summary
- 2025 Maritimes Camping And Cycling Tour
The Maritimes Cycling And Camping Tour ran from July 7 – July 23, 2025. 17 members started in Charlottetown, PEI, made their way across the island and then took a ferry to Nova Scotia where they spent time riding the Cabot Trail.
- Notes From the Camino Primitivo
Notes From The Camino: The Challenges, Lessons and Rewards! Spring 2025 So here we are, seven of the finest and fittest members of the CCCTS assembled together at the Hotel Carreño, designated as the official start of the Camino Primitivo in Oviedo Spain. At our first introductory meet and mingle in our delightful (read comfortable) … Continue reading Notes From the Camino Primitivo
- 2025 Sand Dunes Of PEI And The Cabot Trail
This Canadian east coast tour ran from July 19 – August 2, 2025. Members Danielle Amerongen and Audrey Sonnenberg organized this event with tour operators Pedal and Sea.
Published at least ten times a year by The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, a non – profit organization for retired people and others who enjoy recreational cycling.
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