Reli se PRETVARA u nešto sasvim DRUGO…

Reli se PRETVARA u nešto sasvim DRUGO…

Šime is good, he follows you… at a pace. Šime is an excellent companion. Here we are working great. Sooooo I’m satisfied with Chika Story. Uncle Story, yes, you? I salute you very much. Yeah. I watched you a lot and that. Thank you. It just so happens that you… Where are you from? Prijepolje… but I live in Germany, too. Yeah. Čika story is the editor of the show Welcome to the 2nd episode of the Balkan Rally Gastro 2025. Today we are in the city of Pljevlja in Montenegro. Hearty breakfast. It’s cloudy outside. Today there are numerous activities. Right at the start, you are listening to my conversation with Željan Rakel, a man who will reveal all the details and interesting facts about the rally itself. After that, we start the engines and start the Durmitor Ring. A real driver’s treat. The road leader is Ante Jukić . Everything is under control, we stopped here in Žabljak. I will introduce you to some of the participants and their motorbikes . Goran. Goran from Split? Yes. You will also see how Šime Elez, “Mr. Perfect”, manages in all this. You follow his movements, he to the left, you to the right, or the same, huh? And I try not to end up in the bank. Were there any critical situations? So far it hasn’t. They weren’t critical, but it was, it was tricky, tricky to say the least. Along the way, we also talk about the locations we are moving around. Last break before lunch. We stopped there on the bridge of Đurđevića on Tara. Look at this one, hey… What is it with? Beetroot, and this is nettle And then, we stop at a rural household, where real domestic service awaits us. Upon return, weighing. Yes, you heard right. Because the winner of this rally is the one who gained the most weight. It doesn’t end there. Professor Dr. Željan Rakela gives a lecture on motorcycle safety and management. So, not all the way to one tape, not all the way to the second tape. And we will also hear Misha Hromčik. What is important, you know yourself when you are driving and you see a pothole. If you look at the hole, you will sew it up, like two and two. For the finale, the end of the day with a donor’s dinner. You will find out how much money was collected for humanitarian purposes. Here we are close to 2500 EUR. Kudos to you and thank you for this and I’m proud of you all. Get ready, this is Balkan Rally Gastro episode 2, full throttle and good atmosphere. With me is Rakela Željan, the man behind Balkan Rally Željana, good day. Good afternoon. Greetings to you and your viewers. Thank you. I am participating in this event for the first time. My first question is about how long the preparation for this rally took and how many people besides you were involved in the whole project? Well, I usually come up with everything that is needed. Then I have dear friends in various locations who give me some kind of “support” in their locality. Well, I did it once 2 months before the start itself. Exactly how many participants are there and from which countries are they all? There are 62 participants, most of them from Croatia. There are some from Austria, some from Serbia, some from Bosnia, Slovenia, but most of them are from Croatia. What is the ratio in the number of participants between veterans, that is, those who have participated in the Balkan Rally several times, and those who have participated for the first time? Well, there is a large number of those who keep coming back to the Balkan Rally, considering those who are doing it for the first time. So that one 80% of people who have driven the Balkan Rally until now and one 20% of new ones. Is there a record holder who has been, let’s say, 10 times? Well, I think that Goran is the Philippine record holder and that out of these 14, I think he was one 8 or 9 times. By the way, he works on a ship, so he couldn’t be the other one, but I think he is the record holder. There is also our Borko from Šibenik, Ivica Matešić, so there are a lot of repeaters. Šime Elez is with me for the first time. Je, je, je Šime Elez is more popular in Croatia as “Mr. Perfect”. We met recently. He was at our club, we talked a little. He was interested in going to the Balkan Rally. Here, we managed to agree on a sponsor engine, which met “Novema Nova”. I ran him something with equipment. The man just recently passed his test with our friend Marušić at the driving school, this higher category, right, five days before the Balkan Rally, there is our Jukić and the team from the club who are looking after him and here he is doing great with the Royal Enfield , he is making good progress, he also had that baptism in the rain, right, but he has done everything for now as it should be and I hope everything will be ok. Yes, he and I were talking a little while ago, and he told me that he privately drives a Yamaha T-Max. Yes, he drives a T Max scooter… And those are probably city rides only? City driving only. I don’t think he’s ever been out of town, especially on a trip like this. He is very young, so he will probably manage. Yes, but we prepared seriously and I instructed him in some things on how to drive. So people may think that he just started like that, but he prepared himself quite studiously. Today we also have an educational lecture that all participants will go through, so we pay a lot of attention to that safety as well. When you started this project 14 years ago, what motive did you have in mind, that is, what is your mission with this project? Well, my mission was that today, tomorrow it grows into something this big. I, my friend Bubalo, set off. Blatnjak was there , Kramarić was there, Vidaković was there, and we practically went from friend to friend visiting the neighboring countries. However, as it grew from year to year, we had to start making hotel reservations because we can’t come to anyone, 30-40 people came to our friends. The biggest Balkan rally that was intercontinental in 10 years. We went to Cappadocia and back, with all participants having to drive 1200 km on the last day. It was a challenge day and when I say had to, it was some kind of goal and everyone managed to drive 1200 km in one day. So we grow year by year. When I imagined it, when I first started, I had a vision that it would grow into something this big. So you believed that? Yes, I believed and I am sure that next year we will reach over 100 participants. And where do you see the Balkan Rally in five or 10 years? And where do I see him? I don’t know, all sorts of things come to mind. I’m even thinking of mixing it up, so that people can come with both cars and motorbikes, so we can make a Mega Balkan rally, because a lot of people call me and would like to go, but they are not motorcyclists, and they like that concept, I like that socializing, that humanitarian work and that gastronomy. For us who live here, it is the highest in the Balkans. Some destinations are often targeted, which means that you have good friends in those places, for example, Zrenjanin, Vlasotince. Well, this year should have been the tenth year that we have been coming to Vlasotinac and helping their kindergartens for 10 years. We have a very good cooperation down there with them. They gave me an award from the city of Vlasoticin for that humanitarian work. We are really well received every year. You traveled the whole world on a motorcycle, but those true friends can be found close to home, the Balkans has everything the world doesn’t have. Yes, in this small area we have so much diversity, such good gastronomy and nature that it is really desirable. This year you combined driving and gastronomy. I think that people accepted it well, which is also indicated by the number of participants. We also have the Miro Gastro search engine. What is his role? Well, Miro and I worked together on the route, so actually I told him where we were going, and then he looked for restaurants, and then we turned those restaurants into check points. Checkpoints are no longer viewpoints, they are not natural landmarks, they are restaurants, right… so this year we added the name Balkan Rally Gastro. People are happy with that concept and are very happy. Because when you ride a motorcycle, when you go on a trip, what is most important to you is that you have good roads, that you have good company and that you have good gastronomy. We have now combined it all into one. It is precisely this gastronomic taste that sets this event apart from others. What do you think is the greatest value that a participant gains after the rally? Are they memories, friendships or something else? Well, I think that all that you listed are memories and friendships. I saw them yesterday, they came on the first day and they stayed for a while, that one, until they filled out the registration forms and took the shirts, they got caught in the rain and it wasn’t really nice weather, and then in the evening a good dinner, good music and they simply celebrate life and have fun and get to know those who haven’t met before. Later it grows into great friendships, a social gathering. I am very proud of myself for bringing so many people together. I am that man who builds and who unites, who does not separate and does not tear down. How hard is it to keep dozens of bikers under control and yet let them run free? Well, you need to balance that very well. It is very difficult to work with people. I have the privilege of being respected, and the respect I gained around them, you can neither buy nor inherit, you simply have to earn it. Regardless of the fact that we are dealing with presidents of large companies, captains, people who manage their companies, directors, when they are at the Balkan Rally they are motorcyclists, they accept my decisions, my guidelines, they have complete trust in me. And that’s the only way you can safely take 60 people 3,000 km and return home, if you know your head and tail, if there is a hierarchy, if there are very clear rules that they must follow. Does the Balkan Rally change people when they return home after those 9 days, are they the same or different? They are certainly different. Especially those who came maybe for the first time, certainly 30 – 40% are better drivers. They feel a lot different. A lot of people have changed their view of this environment of ours, be it political or one way or another , but they experience a completely different impression than what they might have thought, that something was a little different. And finally, what is your message to all motorcyclists and adventure lovers who follow this event through my YouTube channel? Well, my message would be to all your viewers to continue watching, because what you are doing is really a very beautiful thing, you are doing it so casually, on the other hand, with a touch of professionalism. I personally love watching it. I want to tell all people to travel, to drive, to socialize and to devote as much time as possible to that engine, to be careful, to look out for themselves, for the safety of both themselves and other road users and to simply, like us, dare to live their dreams. My opinion is that in the coming years many new participants will want to be a part of this story. The atmosphere is superb, the people are phenomenal and this is something that must be experienced in person. Here I am now for the first time and it’s really wonderful. It’s kind of hard to describe what the Balkan Rally is. You really need to experience it, ride it, to feel that energy, that one positive vibe that is felt among all those participants, and it’s hard to describe it in words. You really need to come, take away and feast on it. Željan, thank you for the conversation and for everything you do for the development of motorcycling in these areas. Thank you and I am glad that you are here and that you supported us. Thank you. The second day of the Balkan Rally begins. I am in the parking lot opposite the Franca Hotel. The hotel did not have enough space to accommodate all the participants, so a part of the guests was accommodated in the Pljevlja hotel. However, this does not disturb the atmosphere, which is a real caravan. The first stories and experiences from yesterday’s trip are exchanged . Pljevlja is known as the northernmost town of Montenegro, which is located in a valley at about 770 m above sea level. This is an industrial and mining center, but also a place of rich history and long tradition. It is interesting that the climate here can be harsher than in the rest of Montenegro. That’s exactly what we feel this morning. The weather is changeable. Sometimes the sun shines, sometimes the clouds roll in, so no one is sure whether we will be accompanied by rain or good weather during the day. The participants of the Balkan Rally are a motley group. There are experienced travelers with hundreds of thousands of kilometers behind them, but there are also those for whom this is their first big adventure. We have a whole day of veterans ahead of us here, in the city where the starting point is the 14th Balkan Rally Gastro. This is followed by morning coffee and a conversation with Željan, Rade Popadić and Leo. Good morning. Good morning Boss, how are you boss? Did you get enough sleep? This is where you will sit. Bye Rade. Nice today. Yes, I arranged everything with him. He said it would be nice weather. Since the tariff? Look, the price is not questionable. It is important that the agreement is respected. I suggest you don’t sit in the car with him. His car steals personal ID cards. My personal one fell into the hole from the window of his door And it can’t be taken out? Well , it can’t. It can, the door has to be disassembled, all those moldings and that . Lucky, I brought my passport… lucky for me… it’s good that you even saw that it was there. Well, we are standing on the border. We are waiting, we are waiting. I’m playing with… and I’m not looking at it, you know, I’m spraying something with my personal on the window. At some point it disappears. Hello, what, ugh, fell into a hole. Oooooh We’re going on a ride together, road leader. Here is the Lord… It is I. Jukić That’s me. Here we go. We have quite a large group today , so we will still divide that group into two groups, so that we don’t get crowded and all that. Well, Matešić ivica will be the leader of that second group and here we go, start at 10 o’clock, let’s go. Which route? Our route is Žabljak. The southern, southern ring of Durmitor to Lake Pliva and back. It is about 200 km. Yes. This is my first time participating in the Balkan Rally and I have to admit that I only now see how demanding this kind of organization is . Accommodation should be provided for 62 participants, checkpoints should be determined , additional activities should be planned and so on. Before the start of the rally, I was worried about how it would all work when checking into hotels? Will the hourly rate be respected? What will it be like driving and parking so many engines and even refueling. But already on the second day, I understand, everything is going smoothly. When the group is this large, the discipline must be greater, and that’s why everything works perfectly. Today we had the right to choose between kayaking, rafting with Tara or zipline, and I decided to ride the Durmitor Ring. About 20 engines started for us. The first stop will be Žabljak, a symbol of Montenegro and an unmissable place when driving around Durmitor. We will stay for a short time, then continue on over the Sedlo pass. There will be a gentle climb, beautiful serpentines and views that will make you ride a motorcycle, so we will stop at several places. The final destination today will be the village of Pišče. On the way back, the checkpoint is the Etno vodenica Ćirović, where unforgettable hospitality and respite awaits us. And this is not all you will see in today’s episode. The following is more interesting content from rallies, gatherings and events that show that the Balkan Rally is not just a ride, but a real motorcycle adventure. The largest number of motorcyclists are members of the BMW motorcycle club Dalmacija Split, so they know each other very well. Before the rally, I only knew Željan Rakela, but I can say that I had no problems fitting in with everyone. The club gathers over 200 members whose obligations are reduced to a minimum, so the club stands out as an atypical Founder and long-term president who dedicates himself completely to the organization of activities. Under his leadership, the club regularly organizes major motorcycle events. For example, on June 1, 2024, the 15th anniversary of the club’s existence was celebrated in Split. The club organizes events such as the humanitarian manifestation “Ride for Life” and Endurance races. Along with the entertainment dimension, the club also promotes education. This is Shime Elez. He was a candidate in one season of RTL’s Reality Show “Mr. Perfect” He participated as one of the guys who fought for the affection of female candidates. The audience remembered him as a charming and cultured Dalmatian, often singled out for his calm demeanor, sense of humor and honest approach. Only a few weeks ago he passed for the “A” category, and already today he is racing with us on the Balkan roads without a trial period, without waiting. His plan: to travel 3,000 km through 6 countries in just 9 days with an engine that is far weaker than all the others and is not designed for long trips. If that’s not brave, I don’t know what is. Before he sat on this motorcycle he was riding a scooter. In the beginning, he was not drawn by a romantic love for motorcycles, but by pure practicality. The solution to traffic jams in Split and the eternal hassle of parking. But once you feel the power of the engine and the freedom of the road, there is no going back. Šime is now with us at the rally where both the engine and the man are being tested. Rain, breakdown to follow, bad roads. He will accept it all as part of the adventure. In one of the next episodes, you will see that he had a problem with the engine. Others would give up, and Shime experienced it as a new episode of the story. That’s the mentality of a real biker. And best of all, it’s not just about the ride, it’s about the attitude, about showing that it’s not how long you’ve been on the bike, but how ready you are to push your limits. Šime is proof that courage and enthusiasm can replace experience. He also stood out for his humor at the rally. Whenever it was hard or when complications started, he had a line that would make the whole team laugh. Always ready to lift the atmosphere, and that means a lot in a big group like this. Well, it’s good, we’re fighting. Let’s move on. Here we are at the Đurđević Tara Bridge, one of the most famous symbols of Montenegro and one of the most beautiful bridges in this part of Europe. The bridge was completed in 1940 and at the time was the largest concrete arch bridge on the continent. It is 365 m long, and the main arch rises as much as 172 m above the river. When you look down, you realize that Tara is not called the “Tear of Europe” without reason. Its gorge is 82 km long and is the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Colorado. The bridge is not only significant for its beauty and architecture, but also for its history. During the Second World War, in 1942, the partisans decided to disable it in order to stop the advance of the enemy. Legend has it that one of the engineers was the one who blew up part of the bridge and thus sacrificed his life for freedom. He was later captured and executed, and his story remained a part of the people’s memory and history of this region. Today, the bridge is not only a road but also a real tourist attraction. There are ziplines, restaurants and lookouts. But for us motorcyclists, crossing Đurđević Tara is a special moment. It is a combination of nature, engineering marvel and history. Something you simply have to experience on a motorcycle. We arrive at Žabljak. There is a break. Reported by Ante Jukić. Ante, is everything under control? Here everything is under control. We stopped there in Žabljak to refuel. We still have about 40 km to complete the Durmitor southern ring and return back to Pljevlja. Everything is under control for now. Participants are great at driving. It’s a dynamic ride, so here’s an extra for now. Shime is good, he follows you… at a pace. Šime is an excellent companion. Here we are working great. First ride, Shime, right? I am satisfied. Everything is ok for now. Good. What is your name? Goran. Goran from Split? Yes. When did you buy the motorcycle? 23.11. How far have you been with him? Since November 23, without this Balkan Rally, I have traveled 13,500 km. With this Balkan Rally some 3,000 and I hope by 23.11. we will do 20,000 km a year. If everything goes well. Of course. Are you satisfied? I did, I did. Overjoyed. It’s a gray color, how do you manage it? Multicolored. Multicolor They are rare, aren’t they? There aren’t many of them. Suitcases are vario. Yes. It’s all his factory everything. Akrapovic, everything that is on him. Everything on it is original, except for the visor, which is slightly raised. This one is the only thing on it that is not original. Otherwise, everything on it is original. What is the consumption? 5.5 l, five, five and a half and that’s it. Fine Let’s go, fuel, so that we can continue, so that we don’t slow down the column . The break is over. We continue driving along Durmitor. We start from Žabljak, the highest inhabited nest in the Balkans located at almost 1500 m above sea level. The city itself is the gateway to Durmitor, and in front of us is a route that is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Balkans. Road to Sedlo Pass. Right at the exit from Žabljak, you feel that you are entering a completely different world. The road changes slowly, curve after curve, and every kilometer opens up new vistas. On one side are rocks, on the other pastures and mountain streams, and above all the sharp peaks of Durmitor. This section is special for motorcyclists. The asphalt is good, but narrow, so every encounter with a car requires extra attention. That’s part of the charm, though. Driving is dynamic, concentration is at its maximum, and the reward is breathtaking views. As we climb towards the Saddle, the landscape becomes more and more harsh. Less forest, more rock, so you feel like you’re driving on the roof of the world. Bobotov kuk, the highest peak in Montenegro, dominates the horizon. 2523 m high. Sedlo Pass is located at about 1907 m above sea level. It is the highest point of the road and when you get here you have the feeling that time has stopped. The silence, the mountain air and the view of the endless massifs of Durmitor make this climb one of the mandatory stops for every motorcyclist driving through Montenegro. How’s RT going? Excellent. What year? Eleven. 134,000. So it was 70 when I took it. Yeah. So there will be 74,000 now. Do you do any longer tours? I went with him to Italy, Serbia, Romania, Transalpina, Transfagarasan, Greece, Turkey, Siciija Lepo. It’s comfortable. Are you going alone or not? Well, sometimes alone, sometimes with the team, and with the club. You also have a drone, I see. And here is the most beautiful engine in the Je group. Well, there’s one more. Robert There is another one, it seems to me, but this one is automatic and the other one is not. I think he has, but I don’t know if he came here now. Robert, how old is the engine? Well, a couple of months. We went with him only once here in Pljevlja a few weeks ago and now here is this… this Balkan rally. Are you satisfied? Excellent, excellent. Overjoyed. Do you have a side suitcase? I have Only for this ring, I took it off for the ring. It’s a little more comfortable for me, so we’ll put it back when I get back. Yes. How much does he spend, by the way? Well, it seems to me as much as I watched, maybe 5.5 something like that. 5.5 may be even stronger. But there are two of us on the bike, it’s loaded for sure and that has an effect. You also have Insta, right? I have, there is an X5, like this, on the helmet and this Everything… the whole equipment is there. And side bags Are you planning a longer tour this season? Well, this seems to be the longest. Before, we went to Portugal in the fifth month, I went with RT, the same with Rakel. Just to say hi. And respect. Uncle Story. Uncle Story. Yes, you? I salute you very much. Yeah. I watched you a lot, too. Thank you… It just so happens that you… Where are you from? Prijepolje. But I live in Germany, that. Yeah. Where? In which place in Germany? To the north, Hamburg, near the top, Kiel and so on . I was there a couple of years ago. Is it? I was driving. So, you have now made this tour and that. Are you alone or in this group? I am here with Balkan Rally With this group. Me, me. We just met this colleague from Pljevlja, that. Uncle Story. What’s the name? Fadil Isovic. Fadil Isovic. I’m glad, Fadil Nothing, I follow you there. This one. Thank you With that… Thank you. Nothing. Pleasant. Lots of enjoyment. Good luck. It’s a nice feeling when you are recognized on the road. Then I see that people follow my channel, my tours and that what I share means to them. Some come up to me at the pump, some at the border, some in the middle of the drive just to say: “Congratulations, we’re watching you.” And there is no false modesty. It’s pleasant, but also motivating, because I realize that what I’m doing is not only for myself, but also for the entire motorcycle community. This is what makes a motorcycle more than a means of transportation. It connects people, creates stories and friendships, and when someone recognizes me on the road, that’s my greatest reward. We stop at another viewpoint and the atmosphere is as if we have known each other for many years. Relaxed, everyone laughing. Sime is immediately in action. He photographs the engine from every angle. He is active on social networks, so he shares moments with his followers and that is part of the whole story. Each of us records memories in our own way, but we all build one great experience together. I share stickers and paste. These are not just stops, these are the moments that give the rally its soul. Story is one. Whoever planned this day, kudos to them. And the day is not over yet. Soon we take another break and turn back. In the following, you will hear the itinerary, and then Šime will share his first-hand impressions. You will also see what serving in a rural household looked like . A real home story. Upon returning to the hotel, the weight measurement of all participants is waiting for us. It will be tense. Everyone wants the cup. I’m betting on Raquel, who will then give us a lecture on safe driving in a group. Miša Hromčik, a legend from Zrenjanin, will join us. And then, at the end, a donor dinner and the realization of a humanitarian mission. It will be interesting, so stay until the end. We’re taking another break. There is space here to stick a sticker. Today is a beautiful day on Durmitor. A really nice group ride. The team is good. All are excellent drivers, disciplined. So far, everything is fine. The second day of the Balkan Rally is going exceptionally well. Ante, where are you taking us next? Let’s go back the same way. The destination is now Etno vodenica Ćirović. It is about 15 km before Pljevlja. We stop there. We stop there. There we have some snack and continue further towards the hotel and free time. Good. Excellent. Is Rachel waiting for us there? Yes. The president is waiting for us there. We continue with driving and preparation. Shim, you drive behind the leader, right? That’s right. The two most experienced. You follow his movements. He on the left, you on the right, that is, the same, huh? And I try not to end up in the bank. Were there any critical situations? So far it hasn’t. They weren’t critical, but it was, it was tricky, tricky to say the least. This road is really narrow. Yes. The road is bad, but the scenery is also beautiful, so it’s worth even slowing down and looking around a bit. Have you ever been here on Durmitor? Never never, but I’ll be back. But it definitely looks really, really nice. Nice, yes. A lot of people ask you what it’s like to drive in the Balkan Rally. Well, the formula is simple and in my opinion completely correct. Everyone has the freedom to drive with whoever they want or to drive alone. There is no pressure to stick to a column of 50 engines, instead people spontaneously group according to pace and preferences. We all received a detailed plan for each day and checkpoint locations. And then everyone chooses their own rhythm. That’s a huge advantage. When you ride in a small group or solo, you ride at your own pace, it’s safer and you enjoy it more. And when we gather again during the break, then there will be socializing, stickers, photos and stories. You feel like no one is excluded, and everyone is part of the same story. Although this year’s Rally has a record number of participants and the route is over 3,000 km, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. From the first day, the organizer emphasized safety and there is no compromise. There are lectures on group riding, reminders of the rules and it seems to work. Drive responsibly, yet freely. It is also interesting that for all 13 previous editions, I did not come across data on serious traffic accidents related to the rally. If there were, they were not publicly recorded. It only confirms that this approach, freedom of choice, but with clear rules gives results. Ante Jukić chose to return the same way. We will soon stop at the bridge on Đurđevića Tara, where Ante will tell us more about this bridge. Here, Ante got a sticker and immediately stuck it on the suitcase. Ante, last break before lunch, right ? Here’s the last break before lunch. We stopped there on the bridge of Đurđevića on Tara. The bridge that was built first in concrete after the Second World War. I even think it was the biggest, er, concrete bridge at the time. Well, here is something nice to see, something, an attraction For some old times. Mostly we continue on towards Ethno village. Everything is fine for now. We have great weather. We are even being followed by Time is getting more and more beautiful. That’s right. The sun started to warm us and here we go. Shime, are you hungry? I’m hungry as a wolf. Like a wolf. Like a wolf. Like a wolf. When all these years are added up, thousands and thousands of kilometers have been covered by the participants of the Balkan Rally. Each season brings a new route, new borders and new stories, but the standard is pretty much the same. Safety in the first place, companionship and humanitarian mission right behind that. Honestly, kudos to the organizer, harmonizing so many people, engines, countries, activities, and making everything run smoothly, it’s a huge job. And we participants have the luxury of just sitting, driving and enjoying. And that’s why the Balkan Rally is something special. An adventure, a challenge and a time to remember. Chika Story How are you? Great. How do you have fun? Excellent. Great. First league. Top team? Phenomenal. It couldn’t be better. Well done, I’m glad. We are located in Ethno vodenica Ćirović. Look at this, hey… What’s that with? Beetroot, and this is nettle. Now there are no more beets. Of course, Here they are, we have, these are buckwheat flour pegs. They have rolls with buckwheat flour, with nettle, with beetroot. Pie with cheese, cream and Swiss chard. And now cheese, jam. That’s some jam, isn’t it? Plum jam We are going back to Pljevlja and new activities “Mr. Perfect” will follow, the first one, eh? Let’s see if the weight is perfect. A new discipline follows in the hotel, measuring all participants. They step on the scales one by one, and the same kind of measurement awaits us at the end of the rally in Split. It sounds funny, but it’s actually a great idea. 104 and 30 20 20 20 20. Okay, it fell . That means a lot. It’s a special kind of competition that pulls you to visit all the restaurants at the checkpoint locations and indulge in the food recommended by the Gastro search engine. So, it’s not just about speed and driving, but also how much you enjoyed the gourmet part of the story. Honestly, that combination of engine, travel and good food makes the Balkan Rally unique, because here it’s not just about kilometers but also about bites. The organizer also introduced a special control. Each of us has our own checkpoint list that is stamped at each location. It’s the best way to see who was where and where they weren’t. So it’s not enough just to go for a ride. You have to reach all the points, register and get a stamp. It gives the rally an extra dose of discipline, yet in a fun way. In the end, when everything is added up, it is clear who has been to all destinations and who has skipped a few. A real motivation not to miss a single part of this gastro moto adventure. A lecture follows. Željan Rakel has the floor. Safety lecture means driving in a group. Our member Miša from Zrenjanin is here with me, who is also an instructor at a driving school and the owner of his own private driving school, so he would like you to say hello to him. So, here I am going to briefly start with one of those lectures, let’s remind ourselves a bit. Most of you know what it’s about, but it’s good to keep repeating ourselves or, as they say, repetition is the mother of knowledge, isn’t it? As you know, we are the majority here, we ride in a group. If there are two or three of you, it is already considered a group and you must know some rules about who drives. What are the most common mistakes when driving in a zigzag formation? The first overtaker finishes overtaking and does not pay attention to the one behind him. Because he thinks, I finished overtaking and stays like this one stayed left. If you drive short overtakes, fast overtakes, you must always move to the right to give your colleague space to enter. Don’t forget to leave room for the driver behind you. At the start of the Balkan Rally, the gathered motorcyclists get something much more important than driving itself, knowledge. The organizer and creator of the rally, Željan Rakela, gives a lecture on safe driving to the group. His words are not formality but experience translated into advice that can save lives. As he talks about proper spacing, column layout and the importance of communication on the road, the participants listen intently without a single interruption. Everyone knows that a long and demanding route awaits them and that only togetherness and discipline can ensure that everyone arrives safely. This is not just a rally, this is an open road driving school where safety comes first. Zigzag formation, what happens if you go into a turn? A lot of people make mistakes and enter the turn in a zigzag formation. You cannot enter a turn in a zigzag formation. It is canceled. Everyone looks at the best path to get out and when they get out of the turn they go back to the zigzag formation. Misha Hromczyk also took the floor and one can really learn a lot from him. And thirdly, what is most important, an unfrozen view. The view is the key thing for us motorcyclists. That’s what I’m telling now , er, to most experienced people. But what is important, you know yourself when you are driving and you see a hole… if you look at the hole, you will sew it up like two and two. So watch where you want to go, because where you want to go, you will get there. Well done. Thank you. We came for dinner, let’s go, it’s a nice restaurant. Illuminated, even has music. The atmosphere is just the way we like it. Warm, cheerful. Food smells waft around us. At this evening, we will collect donations for equipping the salt room in the Pljevlja Day Center. Do you know what a salt room is? It is a halotherapy room where a fine layer of salt is spread and the salty air is inhaled. 40 minutes in that room has the effect of 3 days by the sea. And the best thing is that it will be available to children with developmental disabilities and beneficiaries of the “Ray of Hope” humanitarian organization. There is a lack of funds to complete the works. That’s why every help from the heart means. Between bites and laughs, we will pay as much as we can for that little corner that changes lives and show what it means when the community drives for the community. You were excellent guests. It was our great pleasure to host you. I just have to say that Mr. Peđa Cvijović, as the owner of this facility where we are tonight, you are the first guests, Hotel Pljevlja, will support this action with some 1,000 EUR as we are approximately… Good evening to all, dear people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the socially responsible activities that you have been implementing all this time. And a special thank you for including the Pljevlja Day Center on the map of your humanitarian work. Today, when everyone is divided, somehow every addition is a precious victory and that’s how I feel My heart is full when I see you here in Pljevlja and I thank you very much for that. I would like to ask the representatives of the Rotary Club of Pljevlja, the Rotary Club of Dalmacija Kaštela , as well as the BMW Motorcycle Club, to award certificates of appreciation and thank you from the bottom of my heart once again. Here, respected participants of the 14th Balkan Rally, as you know, it has been a tradition for 10 years to organize a humanitarian action at each Balkan Rally . Until now, these 10 years, it was a kindergarten in the town of Vlasotinac. I would like to invite you to donate as much as you can now, to help the needy. There, our two wonderful hostesses will pass the tables, so whoever can donate as much as they can. And here’s what I can say, except thank God for giving us the opportunity and awareness to be able to help the needy. Thanks again. Here, the four-member commission counted the money. We don’t have a bookkeeper to count it now… Petrićević. In general, we collected 2,035 EUR. Well done. A round of applause for all of you. And here is that amount, with another 400 EUR will be added by the BMW Moto Club Dalmacija. As we say, “The club is big”. Here we are close to 2,500 EUR. All honor and thank you for this and I am proud of all of you and this is an example of how to work and help. And here I am now handing this to the representative of the Association and I hope that the money went to the right hands and that it will help you. That would be all for today. Thank you for your attention and all the best. Uncle Story is a real adventurer When chaos starts in his head with a motorcycle His path is carefully designed Gasoline money and a passport in his pocket Only gas. Chika Story is that There is no road that has not been taken

Dobrodošli u 2. epizodu serijala Balkan Rally Gastro 2025 – i to iz samog srca Crne Gore! 🚀
Ovoga puta vas vodim u Pljevlja, na Žabljak i Durmitor, na rutu koja oduzima dah i pokazuje zašto je Balkan raj za bajkere.
👉 Prvi put sam na reliju – i odmah vidim koliko je sve zahtevno: 62 učesnika, smeštaj, ček point lokacije, benzinske, satnica, kolona motora, parking… Iskreno, imao sam bojazan kako će sve to da funkcioniše. Ali već drugog dana shvatam – ovo ide glatko, kao podmazano. Kad je veća grupa, disciplina mora biti veća – i upravo zato Balkan Rally funkcioniše perfektno.
📌 Šta vas čeka u ovoj epizodi:
Intervju sa Željanom Rakelom – rešetam ga pitanjima o reliju, organizaciji, pravilima i njegovim iskustvima (od 2:52).
Vožnja Pljevlja – Žabljak – Sedlo – Durmitor ring – Đurđevića Tara most – Pišče – Etno vodenica Ćirović. Spektakularni predeli, serpentine i vidikovci koji ostavljaju bez daha.
Šime Elez – Gospodin Savršeni – društvene mreže, fotkanje, humor i njegova vizija relija (od 30:50).
Merenje težine i pečatiranje ček point listi – posebna disciplina koja motiviše sve učesnike da obiđu restorane na ruti i uživaju u hrani.
Predavanje Željana Rakele o sigurnoj vožnji u grupi – ozbiljna tema, saveti koji mogu spasiti živote.
Donatorska večera u Pljevljima – skupljamo sredstva za Slanu sobu u Dnevnom centru Pljevlja. Humanitarna misija je sastavni deo ovog relija, i upravo to ga čini posebnim.
🎥 Minutraža po segmentima:
0:00 – 0:22 Intro trailer
0:22 – 2:52 Najava sadržaja
2:52 – 12:13 Intervju sa Željanom Rakelom
12:13 – 13:20 Informacije o Pljevljima
13:20 – 14:31 Jutarnje okupljanje u “4 Sobe”
14:31 – 21:39 Vožnja Pljevlja – Žabljak
21:39 – 23:39 Pauza na Žabljaku + razgovor sa učesnicima
23:39 – 25:10 Vožnja Žabljak – prevoj Sedlo
25:10 – 27:47 Pauza i razgovor sa motoristima
27:47 – 28:27 Vožnja do vidikovca
28:27 – 29:05 Pauza na vidikovcu
29:05 – 30:50 Vožnja po Durmitoru
30:50 – 31:27 Razgovor sa Šime Elezom
31:27 – 33:11 Vožnja do Đurđevića Tare
33:11 – 34:04 Pauza kod mosta i zanimljivosti
34:04 – 34:45 Vožnja do etno vodenice Ćirović
34:45 – 35:33 Seosko domaćinstvo i posluženje
35:33 – 37:10 Merenje težine + špečatiranje ček point lista
37:10 – 39:55 Predavanje Željana Rakele
39:55 – 43:30 Donatorska večera i humanitarna misija
43:30 – 44:10 Odjavna špica
🔥 Ovo nije običan moto vlog – ovo je priča o bajkerima, prijateljstvu, disciplini, prirodi, dobroj hrani i humanosti. Ako voliš motore, putovanja i Balkan – ovo je epizoda koju ne smeš da propustiš!
👉 Klikni SUBSCRIBE, ostavi komentar i lajkuj ako ti se sviđa – jer ovo je tek početak.
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🔥 Balkan Rally Gastro 2025 – Episode 2: Pljevlja, Montenegro | Durmitor Ring, Đurđevića Tara Bridge & More! 🔥
In this second episode of the Balkan Rally Gastro 2025, we take you on an unforgettable ride through Pljevlja and the stunning landscapes of Montenegro. This is not just a motorcycle rally – it’s a gastro, cultural, and adventure experience like no other.
👉 From 0:00 to 22s – intro trailer
👉 22s to 2:52 – preview of today’s content
👉 2:52 to 12:13 – exclusive interview with Željan Rakela, the man behind Balkan Rally – no questions spared!
👉 12:13 to 13:20 – discover Pljevlja and its hidden stories
👉 13:20 to 14:31 – morning gathering at “4 Rooms”
👉 14:31 to 21:39 – ride from Pljevlja to Žabljak
👉 21:39 to 23:39 – pause in Žabljak + chats with participants
👉 23:39 to 25:10 – ride towards Sedlo Pass
👉 25:10 to 27:47 – break + biker talks
👉 27:47 to 28:27 – Durmitor viewpoints
👉 28:27 to 29:05 – stop at the viewpoint + social vibes
👉 29:05 to 30:50 – Durmitor ride continues
👉 30:50 to 31:27 – chat with Šime Elez, social media biker star
👉 31:27 to 33:11 – ride to Đurđevića Tara Bridge
👉 33:11 to 34:04 – pause at the bridge + amazing facts
👉 34:04 to 34:45 – ride to Ethno Watermill Ćirović
👉 34:45 to 35:33 – local village hospitality & food tasting
👉 35:33 to 37:10 – participants’ weight-in & checkpoint stamps
👉 37:10 to 39:55 – Željan Rakela’s lecture on group riding & safety
👉 39:55 to 43:30 – charity dinner & humanitarian mission
👉 43:30 to 44:10 – outro
⚡ For the first time, I’m participating in this rally – and I can confirm: organizing such an event is no easy task. 62 participants, dozens of checkpoints, restaurants, accommodation, timing, parking, refueling – everything runs smoothly thanks to Rakela’s top-level organization.
👊 The rally rule is simple but brilliant – you can ride solo, with a group, or with your own team. Discipline and freedom in perfect balance. And the coolest part? The winner is the one who gains the most weight by the end of the rally in Split! 🏆
🌍 Expect breathtaking rides through Durmitor National Park, local hospitality, culture, motorcycles, stories, laughs, and a lot of food. This is more than a rally – it’s a lifestyle.
#balkantour #bikerlife