16866

Czech Republic: MotoGP Race

Sunday was race day and the highlight of the weekend. After breakfast, we made our way from the city back to the Masaryk Circuit and settled into our usual spot in Sector C. Having arrived early, we didn't miss any of the action and spent the entire day at the track.

The day began with the MotoGP Warm-Up session, where riders made their final setup adjustments before the Grand Prix. Once the warm-up was over, the racing got underway with the Moto3 race, followed by Moto2 and, finally, the main MotoGP event.

The highlight of the afternoon was, of course, the MotoGP race. Marc Márquez continued his dominant season by taking victory for the Ducati Lenovo Team. Marco Bezzecchi secured second place for Aprilia Racing, while Pedro Acosta completed the podium for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The return of MotoGP to Brno after several years away attracted a fantastic crowd and created an atmosphere worthy of one of the sport's most iconic venues.

We wrapped up the day back in the city, sharing a few drinks and reliving the best moments from the weekend. With all the racing action behind us, there was not much left on the agenda. The plan for the next day was simple: pack our bags, hit the road, and make the journey back home.

Start of the Moto2 race.

The Moto2 race, contested over 18 laps, was just getting underway as the riders charged through the opening laps in front of Sector C.

We had some KTM fans nearby.

The highlight of the afternoon, the MotoGP race.

 

Our GOLD ticket for 2990 Kč (cca 120 €) was valid for the whole weekend.

#MotoGP

16865

Czech Republic: MotoGP Sprint Race

As on every Brno trip, our second day was dedicated to the legendary Masaryk Circuit. We spent the day watching practice sessions, qualifying, and the MotoGP Sprint race while enjoying the unique atmosphere of MotoGP's long-awaited return to Brno after a four-year absence. The weekend featured action from the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 classes, ensuring there was always something happening on track. The Sprint race was won by Marc Márquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team, ahead of Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Enea Bastianini representing Red Bull KTM Tech3.

The Masaryk Circuit is one of the most popular venues on the MotoGP calendar. Measuring 5.403 km in length, it combines fast corners, dramatic elevation changes, and excellent viewing spots for spectators. The track features 14 turns, 8 right-handers and 6 left-handers, making it a true challenge for both riders and engineers.

 

Our beloved hammer didn't make it past the security check, as it was classified as a weapon. In reality, its only purpose is to help us dig small holes for our chairs so we can sit comfortably on the slope. We survived the day without it, and luckily it was waiting for us when the racing was over.

Our home address in Brno. In case we got lost.

Typically we watch the race on sector C.

Great day for a beer and a race.

Valentino Rossi still has a lot of fans.

Marc Márquez won today's race.

In the evening, we attended a performance by the U2 STAY Tribute Band at Náměstí Svobody in the heart of Brno.

#MotoGP

16864

Slovenia / Austria / Czech Republic: Driving to Brno

After an eight-year break, we finally decided to return to Brno for another MotoGP weekend. This year's crew consisted of Mrki, Dejan, Matej, Grega, Čuri, and Tuši.

As usual, the first day was mostly about the journey itself, and, as tradition dictates, it included quite a few beer and snack stops along the way. By the evening, we reached Brno and checked into Hostel John Galt, which would serve as our base for the weekend.

Looking back, our Brno trips have become something of a tradition, with a different "official driver" leading the expedition almost every year:

Van drivers of the Brno expeditions:

• Damir Pintarič (2007)
• Matija Stegnar and Matjaž Štrukelj (2009)
• Grega Lang and Gašper Zupan (2010)
• Primož Jurjevčič (2011)
• Dejan Štrukelj (2012)
• Urban Premrl (2013)
• Matjaž Štrukelj (2014)
• Mirko Žuran (2015)
• Žiga Gorenc (2016)
• Boštjan Nemec (2017)
• Gregor Meglič (2025)

A new chapter in the long-running Brno story had begun.

Our fuel for the trip.

Pee stop in Austria.

#MotoGP

16863

Slovenia: MTB - Exploring Šentanska dolina valley

Thursday came around again, bringing another guided MTB tour. This week's ride, titled Exploring the Šentanska dolina valley, attracted only two participants, Nada and me.

The starting point was conveniently close, at a local campsite. We began with a climb towards Za Šijo area, followed by a short descent into the valley. The second part of the route took us uphill once more, this time towards Reber and the Završnik farm. From there, we were rewarded with another enjoyable descent down to Cimper.

To complete the loop, we returned to the starting point via the old motocross track, wrapping up another pleasant evening ride on familiar trails - Garmin Connect.

 

Nice gravel road took us to a place called Za Šijo.

  

First single trail.

 

Ending the first section.

 

On our way to the Završnik farm, following a mix of asphalt and gravel roads.

 

View to our valley.

 

Plaque on the Završnik farmhouse, recognizing its historical role in the Slovenian Partisan resistance during World War II.

 

2nd trail.

My cockpit on Black Mamba.

 

Last downhill section of the day.

Below the climbing spot.

This used to be the motorbike track.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks

16859

Slovenia / Austria: Villach Alpine Road

After a morning walk to Ljubelj Pass with Bronco (Garmin Connect), Nada and I hopped on our motorcycles and headed towards Austria via the Korensko sedlo (Wurzen Pass), with Beljak (Villach) as our first destination. From there, we continued onto the Villach Alpine Road, one of Austria's most scenic mountain roads. The winding route climbs high into the Dobratsch Nature Park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and lakes, before reaching an altitude of around 1730 metres.

We took our time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the fresh mountain air, and the impressive panoramic views from above Beljak. After a relaxing stop, we began our journey home, crossing the Ljubelj Pass and returning to Slovenia after another enjoyable day on two wheels.

Short pause on our way up to Villach Alpine Road.

 

At Rosstratte we explored the "Sun Trails" installation, a fascinating combination of art, astronomy and education.

 

The "Sun Trails" stone sundial at Rosstratte, designed to mark the changing position of the Sun throughout the year and Dobrač (Dobratsch ).

Nada and Tuši.

At Skywalk Rote Wand, overlooking the 400‑metre rock face below.

The landscape around Dobratsch bears the marks of the devastating 1348 Villach earthquake, which triggered one of the largest historic rockslides in the Eastern Alps.

Thunder and Blue Horse.

View to Beljak (Villach).

 

Four of us.

Lunch back at home.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #motorbike

16858

Slovenia: Hike & Fly - Potoška gora

After quite a long break, I finally went paragliding again. Potoška Gora is one of the easiest places to get back into the air, thanks to its spacious takeoff and landing areas. Miha joined me for the flight, and together we enjoyed a perfect start to a Saturday morning - Garmin Connect.

At the take-off site.

We were not alone.

Sternbergov klinček (Dianthus sternbergii).

Miha landed.

#hiking #paragliding #mountains #KamnikSavinjaAlps