9 October 2023, Kavadarci, 46.57km
Hostel Emi 1355 den [R440]

We made a late start this morning as we needed to have my chain repaired. The physio who runs his business from a room on the property of our apartment host, drew a map to a nearby frontyard business where we found what we needed. While Charl worked with the repairman, I popped across the road to have my cycle shirt patched. It is beginning to fall apart, thinned by hot sun and age. 
--
We cycled almost 50km on the busy A1 from Prilep to Kavadarci, known for its wine. We climbed mildly for 6km then more steeply at 7% for 4km. From the top of the pass, just under 1000m in height, we dropped like stones for the first 4km, then more gently for another 20km or so. Our final climb for the day, around 8km, was pretty tiring, so we were very happy with a brief descent into town and a late lunch (15:30) on the central square. The municipal workers left their building in droves at exactly 16:00.
--
En route we paid a visit to the Pletvar monument at the place of the murder of Lazo Kolevski and Borka Taleski. These two young communists, partisans fighting underground against Bulgarian (Axis) occupation during World War II, were killed in an ambush in 1942. 
Behind the human-scale momument were several shrines containing icons and cash donations. I am not a religious person, but I adore religious icons. I am not entirely sure what attracts me. The richness of the colours, the often elongated faces, the look of empathy... 
--
We have a very short run tomorrow to make the next leg to Shtip possible. We are still experiencing perfect cycling weather and are hoping for a late-onset winter.