2025 European H.O.G. Rally: Adventure Through the Enchanting Balkans

The year 2025 began spectacularly, with a journey across the lands of Romania and Moldova, tasting exquisite Moldovan wines in historic wineries, and experiencing the grandeur of the Danube along the impressive Iron Gates gorge, nestled between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, up to Moldova Nouă, where time seems to have stood still.

After just a short week’s break, we reunited enthusiastically at the iconic OMV gas station at kilometer 49 on the highway towards Pitești, a traditional departure point for the Hai Hui gang. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation of another memorable adventure through the Balkans, lands that promised once again unforgettable experiences, especially following our remarkable journey in September 2024.

The outlaw spirit quickly reignited as we passed through Craiova to gather our Oltenian friends, making an energizing and delightful stop at Don Bila, filled with hearty breakfasts and loud laughter. The road to Skopje greeted us with perfect weather and smooth asphalt, the sound of our engines echoing energetically through the mountains, bringing with it the unparalleled freedom of traveling on two wheels.

Arriving in Skopje, we rested briefly, gearing up for the spectacular days ahead. At dawn the following morning, our engines roared to life as we embarked on a fabulous 370 km route through Tetovo, Hot, and Tamare, ending our day in the tranquil town of Gusinje. The winding mountain roads filled our hearts with joy, the engines resonated between the peaks, and the crisp, fresh air carried a strong scent of pine forests and pure freedom. Tight curves challenged our riding skills, and wide smiles strengthened our bonds even more.

The next day, Tara River Canyon welcomed us with open arms, stunning us with its majestic natural beauty. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it offered breathtaking roads, timeless villages, and warm-hearted encounters. "Romania, our brothers!" exclaimed our host at the isolated guesthouse, welcoming us like true friends. The zipline experience at Tara River Canyon, reaching speeds of 82 km/h, elevated our adrenaline and gave us an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the canyon’s stunning landscape.

Our accommodation, nestled beside a tranquil lake that mirrored the starry night sky, gave us precious moments to admire the peaceful reflections and breathe the profound silence of the mountains. The fresh scent of pine trees and clear lake water soothed our senses, making the night dreamy and restful.

Our next stage to Dubrovnik took us through Trsa and the breathtaking Piva Canyon, a route straight from a fairytale, with tunnels reverberating under the roar of our engines. Amazement filled our helmets with continuous exclamations of "wow, this is incredible!" as the landscape relentlessly surprised us.

Bosnia’s roads challenged our endurance with their rugged surface but rewarded us generously with dreamlike views. We paused above the stunning Drina River, exchanging excitement while marveling at the captivating scenery and inhaling fresh mountain air.

In Dubrovnik, we lost ourselves within the medieval fortress walls filled with history and charm. The following day, we continued along the scenic Dalmatian coast toward Zadar, a well-loved route among the Hai Hui adventurers. In Zadar, we celebrated MaiNea with healthy meals and the joyful atmosphere that defines our group.

Our final leg brought us to Medulin for the grand event—the 2025 European H.O.G. Rally—where we reunited with our brothers from the HOG Bucharest Chapter Romania. The Istrian Peninsula delighted us with fascinating spots like Grožnjan and the Baroque beauty of Buzet. Predjama Castle, spectacularly built into a cliff, amazed us not only with its unique architecture but also with its legendary tale of the rebel noble Erazem Predjamski, who was famously killed by a well-aimed projectile while seated on his toilet. Postojna Cave, with its impressive formations, was another essential stop.

Our journey concluded with a marathon ride of 1500 km back to Bucharest, a long and monotonous ride on the highway, yet deeply satisfying, leaving us with wide smiles and the lasting realization that every kilometer was worth it.

This adventure was an odyssey of camaraderie and the endless discovery of the Balkans’ beauty, leaving us eager to return once again.