About Us
Our team
Hristo Nikolov – Icho is born at the foot of the Balkan Mountain. Since his childhood he has spent a lot of time in his native mountain, touching every detail of it. Later on he leaves to Sofia where he graduated urban and regional planning. Still a student he joins the Bikearea association, which has been developing the mountain biking in Bulgaria for more than 10 years, focusing on route marking, travel guides and maps, guided tours and bike expeditions. Being an active guide, Icho keeps on discovering new routes across the mountains in Bulgaria and neighbouring countries. He also biked in the Nepali Himalayas, Atlas Mountains in Morocco and the Canary Island La Palma, Mallorca, Andorra, Liguria, South Tyrol, Bavarian Alps, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece. Next to mountain biking he enjoys rock climbing, ski touring mountaineering and time with the kids.
With Balkanche he shares his guiding experience and love for Bulgarian mountains.
Icho is licensed as an International Mountain Leader by UIMLA.
He just… „never stop exploring“
Manuela Nikolova – Manu is a native Bulgarian who lived in Germany from 2001 to 2020. Since 2020, she has returned to her hometown in the northern foothills of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). She holds a degree in Printing and Media Technologies, but her true passion for mountaineering and mountain biking proved stronger than a stable office job. That’s why she became a professional mountain bike guide and trainer. Her “small backpack” is packed with experience from epic long-distance rides like the Transalp and the Super Marathon Kom–Emine. She discovered mountain biking in Les Gets, France, and downhill riding and racing remain her absolute favorites. Known for her addiction to new trails and destinations, Manuela fell in love at first sight with La Palma (Canary Islands). Today, she has a deep connection to every single trail on this magical island. As the founder and driving force behind Balkanche, Manuela brings people and mountains together.
“Your safety and a truly unique riding holiday are my top priority and greatest motivation.”
Ivan Penchev was born and raised in Sofia. Nevertheless, the seek for unknown places and mountains, thrills of nomad activities and the joy of biking characterize his way of life and inspired him in the last 15 years as a mountain guide. While looking for new challenges he traveled with his bike to the Alps, Morocco, Ladakh, Pamir, Nepali Himalaya and the mountains of Greece and Macedonia. During the last years he has been taking part in developing and reopening old mountain paths in the Bulgarian mountains.
Simeon Dimitrov was born and raised in a city, but this never stopped him of exploring the nature and mountains. His grandmother took him to the highest peak of Vitosha mountain when he was a young boy and ever since that day he is in love with the outdoors. Hiking, climbing, skiing and mountain biking are his salvation from the concrete jungle as well as a way to empty his head.
Mountain biking remains his passion No1 and he truly enjoys all its different faces. He likes riding long XC trails with steep climbs as well as technical and gnarly downhills. The pure All Mountain style is his favorite and if you ask him he will never mind carrying or pushing his bike for a while in order to reach the top of the mountains.
Naturally, all of this evolved into a desire to share with other people what he has explored and learned on his own. The project Balkanche is the best way to do so and Simeon will be happy as the day is long to ride the Bulgarian mountains with you.
Our philosophy
What We Do…
Balkanche offers guided mountain bike adventures in Bulgaria, across the Balkan countries, and at carefully selected destinations abroad. Our trips are inspired by pristine nature and enriched with the authentic flair of local traditions and culture. When creating your active cycling holiday, we blend physical challenge with discovery of the most breathtaking places and stunning landscapes, while immersing you in Bulgarian history and folklore.
How We Do It…
At Balkanche, we pour our heart and soul into every outdoor adventure. Each year, we explore new trails and destinations to continually refine our programs and deliver experiences that go far beyond guidebooks and marked paths. We believe the best way to truly discover a place is to become an active part of it. That’s why we seek out wild nature, picturesque mountains, and enchanting villages where life remains authentic and untouched. Depending on local infrastructure, we use shuttles or lifts to maximize trail rides. Higher up, above the roads, we rely on our own strength and skills.
We carefully select family-run hotels and small guesthouses that preserve the ancient spirit of Bulgarian hospitality. Here, you’ll meet our friends who share stories of the unique culture and its rich history. A key part of the experience is the warm group atmosphere built on friendship and connection. That’s why we focus on small groups and private tours – ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, allowing us to be flexible and truly integrate into local life. Above all, we treat nature and wildlife as our own home – with deep respect and care.
Why We Do It…
Bulgaria may be a small country, but it is rich like a universe. It has been home to many civilizations and cultures throughout history. With its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, pristine nature, incredible biodiversity, abundant mineral springs, and ancient historical sites, it offers endless variety for an unforgettable holiday. Driven by our passion for our homeland and its people, we want to inspire visitors from around the world to join us and experience the magic of Bulgaria.
Come ride with us – discover the mountains, immerse yourself in local culture, and share our love for this enchanting country. Once you’ve fallen in love with Bulgaria, trust us to guide you through other stunning regions of the Balkans and beyond.
Our partners
