Balkan Rally 2024 - From Budapest to Kotor

Our route took us through Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia. Covering more than 1350 kilometers, we traversed mountainous regions with a total elevation change of nearly 20,000 meters. The mix of long highway stretches, twisty mountain passes, and scenic coastal roads challenged both us riders and the eight bikes. Particularly impressive was the diversity of the routes: from the vast plains of Hungary, through the alpine mountain ranges of Serbia, to the wild landscapes of Montenegro, and finally the Mediterranean coasts of Croatia.

The opening of the Balkan Rally took place in Budapest, where dozens of bikes prepared for the start. The courtyard of the university was filled with the sound of engines, and participants made final preparations. Start numbers were attached, GPS trackers mounted, and the briefing provided the most important information about the upcoming stages. The goal: to complete each route in the "perfect time." Arriving too early or too late risked point deductions. Vehicles built after 1990 also received a small penalty to ensure equal chances.

The first stop then led us to the impressive Wenckheim Castle, where the rally was officially inaugurated. Here, the timing began, and from that moment on, every kilometer counted.

From Hungary, our route led us to Serbia, where Belgrade, one of Europe's oldest cities, served as the gateway to the southern regions. The mix of ancient fortresses and modern streets was fascinating, but for me, the true adventure began when we left the city behind and headed into the Kopaonik Mountains at 2000 meters altitude.

The twisty road offered numerous challenges for riders and bikes alike. Along the way, we also had to complete two photo challenges: a picture in front of a dystopian-looking, abandoned outdoor pool and finding an old motorcycle mounted on a car roof. The stage was marked by technically demanding sections that required precision and control.

My BMW R12 handled the challenge with aplomb, but the other bikes in the crew also proved their strengths on these demanding roads. Marcel on the Yamaha XSR 900 and Mex on the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 seemed to enjoy the twisty roads, while Philipp on his iconic Kawasaki Z900 RS with its powerful four-cylinder engine rode relaxed and controlled.

Solving the puzzles along the route and racing against time always served as motivation - and the prospect of a relaxing evening in the hotel spa offered a nice contrast to the adventurous day tours.

One of the most nerve-wracking moments of the rally occurred at the border from Serbia to Montenegro the next day. We had already been riding for several hours in rain and cold, had gotten lost twice, and the mood was accordingly dampened. The chosen route led us to a remote border crossing, which turned out to be for locals only. After an initial failed attempt by part of the group to persuade the police officers to let us pass, we decided to bypass the border posts. We didn't want to resort to bribery, even though two other rally participants had succeeded an hour earlier. So, we rolled down the hairpins for 10 minutes without the engine, hoping to remain unnoticed. Ultimately, that was not the case, but the wildly gesticulating border guards couldn't stop us anymore. The relief was immense when we arrived, frozen, at the hotel parking lot an hour and a half later – despite the rain and cold, a true adventure!

For me, the ride through Montenegro was the highlight of the rally. The Durmitor National Park, with its deep gorges, rugged rocks, and turquoise glacial lakes, was a true test for both rider and machine. Especially the Tara Canyon, the second deepest canyon on the planet, attracts people from all over the world and is definitely worth the journey. The narrow, twisty roads demanded full concentration, yet I couldn't help but let my gaze wander repeatedly to the breathtaking landscape. It was one of those moments when you realize why you participate in such a rally – the blend of riding challenge and the beauty of nature.

After the challenges in the mountains, the route led down to the Bay of Kotor. Here, it suddenly became Mediterranean, and the beautiful yet rather narrow roads around the bay offered us not only spectacular views but also pure riding pleasure once again. The sparkling water and the Venetian-influenced old town of Kotor created a magical contrast to the rugged mountains of Montenegro. On the last evening of the rally, we took advantage of the hotel's beautiful setting for filming and gathered at the traditional rally gala with riders and organizers over food and drink. A perfect conclusion and a wonderful opportunity to soak it all in one last time before the return journey. Unfortunately, the return was not very sunny, and for part of the group, it became quite uncomfortable due to torrential rain on the highway.

The Balkan Rally 2024 was more than just a sporting challenge. It was a journey through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes, an opportunity to enhance riding skills, and to test the limits of both man and machine. Each stage presented new surprises, whether they were technical trials, tricky navigation tasks, or unpredictable weather conditions.

In the end, the realization remains: this rally was a unique experience that brought us closer together with all its facets. The blend of adventure, sporting ambition, and the discovery of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Balkans made the Balkan Rally 2024 an unforgettable chapter on two wheels.