7 October 2023, Prilep, 43.84km
Elmari Apartment 1110 den [R360]

Our Bulgarian visa begins October 15; our North Macedonian visa expires October 16. This gives us a two-day window to cross the border. 
250km and 2500m elevation gain lie between Bitola and the border.
Yesterday, in preparing our route out of the country, we calculated we had to cycle a minimum of 25km per day to remain legal. In reality, of course, distances are pre-determined by accommodation options first, and terrain next.
Today we did almost 50km to unexpectedly pleasing Prilep where we so like our tiny apartment we have decided to spend two nights! The weather is still fabulous, sunny but not hot, and our route took us across some of the 15% of North Macedonia not covered by mountains, in other words, we had an easy ride. The only bit of "excitement" is when Charl swerved violently to avoid killing a lizard in his path and almost came off his bike.
The town centre was abuzz with people...