A dream on two wheels, the inspiring story Orgest Noka
Orgest Noka is not just a professional cyclist; he personifies the adventurous spirit of mountain biking in Albania. With a passion for the two wheels that knows no bounds, Orgest has found freedom and purpose on his beloved bicycle, a vehicle that has shaped the very fabric of his life.
Orgest's dreams of seeking greener pastures abroad were shortly halted by family circumstances. But fate had a different plan for him. He only wanted to go to quiet places somewhere in the middle of nature to forget his pain. He found refuge into the trails of Tirana Lake Park, and then, gradually explored new places off the beaten track.
“Finally, I found my dream. Biking became my new life,” Orgest says.
When a friend introduced him to a mountain bike race, Orgest didn't hesitate to take on the challenge, even though he was an amateur with no formal training. His tenacity and love for the sport propelled him to the podium, where he caught the attention of a Swiss cyclist who saw potential in Orgest's talents.
Bevis Fusha
“Together, we have built tours and paths and have accompanied hundreds of tourists through mountain roads in Albania and the cross-border areas,” says Orgest.
The turning point in Orgest's journey came with the EU-funded project: Cross-Border Biking: Next-level adventure tourism in Mavrovo-Rostuse & Dibër. Taking on a dual role, he spearheaded the creation of four breathtaking bike trails in Dibra, proudly standing as a testament to his expertise. Moreover, the intensive training provided by the European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides elevated him to new heights, setting the gold standard for his future aspirations.
Fuelled by ambition and a love for his homeland, Orgest envisions a ground-breaking venture named ‘Ride the Balkans,' a mountain biking haven nestled in the heart of the Dibra region. With a passion that knows no bounds, he plans to build a cycling paradise – a complex that houses a hotel, camping site, and top-notch bike repair center.
The transformation in Dibra has become his driving force. “Some years ago, I saw small huts where older people lived in poverty. Now I see beautiful dwelling places turned into guesthouses,” he says.
In addition, the nature and mountains in the area are breath taking. “I remember one of our tours when we were climbing a hill with tourists, and they stopped to see the butterflies for a while. One of the tourists said: In our country, these have disappeared.’ Nature has remained virgin in Albania's mountainous areas, so we must preserve it,” says Orgest.
While he might not have pursued a traditional university education, Orgest's profession is one that he cherishes dearly. Grateful for the path he chose, he stands proud, as he has created a secure future based on the natural assets of the Dibra region and his passion for mountain biking.