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

16856

Slovenia: MTB - Dolga Njiva

Thursday came around again, which meant it was time for another guided MTB tour. This week's destination was the Dolga Njiva mountain pasture, and a group of eleven riders gathered for the ride.

We met in Jelendol and followed the Tržiška Bistrica stream towards Medvodje. There, the signposts for Dolga Njiva directed us left along the Košutnik creek. The climb went smoothly, and everyone successfully reached the mountain pasture. The only minor setback was a broken chain on Andreja's bike, but we quickly fixed it and continued on our way.

At Dolga Njiva, we were greeted by a small animal park and some excellent food, making for a well-deserved break after the climb. We didn't stay too long, though, and soon mounted our bikes again for the descent back into the valley - Garmin Connect.

Another enjoyable Thursday ride was behind us, with good company, great weather, and yet another beautiful corner of the Košuta mountains explored.

 

Some of us started from home, enjoying an early ride through the beautiful Dovžan Gorge.

We just followed the signs.

Kristina and Nada.

 

We fixed the chain and successfully continued to the mountain pasture.

 

Maybe those two will join us on our way back.

Mountain Pasture Planina Spodnja Dolga njiva, 1400 m.

 

A few curious piglets enjoying life on the mountain pasture.

Rabbits.

 

Our dinner.

Freedom below Košuta ridge.

That's us.

 

Returning back to the valley.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks