16901

Slovenia: Prelaz Ljubelj

Today's walk with Bronco took us to Ljubelj Pass. The road was packed with tourists heading across the border into neighboring Austria, so we had to leave the car a bit lower down than usual, which made the hike slightly longer. The extra distance was hardly a problem, though, as the familiar trail offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding scenery and the fresh mountain air. On our way back, we met Nada, who had chosen the smarter approach for the day: tackling the climb on her eMTB. While Bronco and I had earned our views step by step, she seemed to be enjoying the ascent with a little technological assistance.

38th ascent to Ljubelj Pass this year - Garmin Connect.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16900

Slovenia: Around Medvedjek

This morning, Bronco and I set out for a short walk around part of our village. We first headed towards Za Šijo and then followed a forest skid trail in the direction of Medvedjek. The trail soon came to an end, so we simply followed our bearing through the forest and successfully reached the ridge leading towards Medvedjek. Since the summit itself is nothing particularly special, we decided not to visit it and instead descended earlier towards Dolenčeva guba. From there, we passed through the village center and continued uphill through the village before getting to Kamp Podljubelj - Garmin Connect.

 

View to Črni Gozd.

On the path, that leads to Medvedjek.

Reber.

Dolenčeva guba.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16899

Slovenia: MTB - Planina Planinca - Poljška planina - Smokuški vrh

With the holiday season coming to an end, a strong turnout returned to our regular Thursday ride, but this week we had it on Friday. Ten riders gathered in Begunje na Gorenjskem, ready for another day in the mountains.

We started by riding through the beautiful Draga Valley towards Planina Planinca, where our friend Šurjak welcomed us with refreshments. After a well-earned break and some time to refuel and relax, we continued our journey past Poljška planina and on towards the junction below Smokuški vrh.

With plenty of time left, we decided to continue all the way to Smokuški vrh. As the trail became steeper near the summit, some riders left their bikes below the top and completed the final section on foot, while others pushed their bikes all the way to the summit. In the end, we all reached the top together and were rewarded with beautiful views before heading back down to the valley - Garmin Connect.

Another excellent Thursday ride, combining great company, mountain scenery, and a few extra metres of elevation for those willing to push their bikes all the way to the top.

 

Through the Draga valley.

 

Mountain biking and homemade treats, a perfect combination.

Participants: Aleš, Tuši, Aleš, Rokly, Manca, Nada, Andreja, Mateja, Jerneja and Nina.

 

Some sections were a little more difficult.

 

Nice single trail through the forest.

 

Some walked, some pushed, everyone reached the summit.

Me and Black Mamba on Smokuški vrh, 1122 m.

View towards Lake Bled.

Ljubljana Basin.

 

After capturing the moment with a group photo, it was time to start our descent back into the valley.

 

The hard work was done. From here, it was all downhill.

 

Flat before the end, but we quickly fixed it.

#MTB #Guide #KamnikSavinjaAlps #Karawanks

16896

Slovenia: Ride to work

Every now and then, I ride my bike to work, but it is quite rare that Nada and I manage to meet somewhere along the way. That was exactly what happened today. We met in Podbrezje and continued together to Bistrica pri Tržiču - Garmin Connect.

 

The benefits of riding behind: less wind, more photos.

#roadcycling

16894

Croatia / Slovenia: The Road Home Is Never Straight

In the morning, we tidied up the cottage, packed our gear, and began our journey home. At least, that was the original plan.

As usual, the direct route home never seemed like the most interesting option. Instead, we followed a collection of winding back roads and added a few extra curves to the day. One detour turned into a rather significant one, taking us across the beautiful hills of the Gorjanci range.

Around lunchtime, we reached the small village of Šiljki, where we stopped to visit Nada's relatives. Their warm welcome and a delicious home-cooked lunch provided the perfect break from the ride and a chance to enjoy some good company before continuing our journey.

Refreshed and back in the saddle, we carried on towards home, making the most of the final hours of our motorcycle weekend. What was supposed to be a simple ride back once again became an adventure of its own.

By the time we finally rolled into the driveway, nearly 300 kilometres had been added to the odometer. Not bad for a day that was only supposed to be the ride home.

 

Time to go home.

The shortest route was never really an option.

Geocache found:

- Luka, GCAM1B8, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#motorbike #HrvatskoZagorje #geocaching #Gorjanci

16893

Croatia: Riding in Hrvatsko Zagorje

Since yesterday's motorcycle ride was quite a long one, Nada and I decided to take it a little easier today and enjoy a shorter tour through the rolling hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje. The day was all about relaxed riding, quiet country roads and picturesque villages. Along the way, we also made a brief stop at the Monument to the Croatian Anthem, a landmark dedicated to the patriotic song "Lijepa naša domovino", which was first performed in this region.

Easy riding.

Chillin'.

Geocache found:

- Lijepa naša domovino, GCBAZDG, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#motorbike #HrvatskoZagorje #geocaching

16892

Croatia / Slovenia / Hungary: Slovenia's Easternmost Point

Today was all about the ride. The destination was Slovenia's easternmost point, a remote corner where the borders of Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary come together. Of course, we took the long way around, exploring roads on all three sides of the border and collecting more than 300 kilometres before returning to our base in Hrvatsko Zagorje.

Riding along the Ledava border river.

Not the best bikes motorbikes for this adventure.

Too early to smile like that, we still need to go back.

The meeting point of the Ledava and Kerka (Krka) rivers, near the tripoint of Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary.

The quiet Ledava may not be one of Slovenia's famous rivers, but it is the largest river of the Goričko region and accompanies travellers all the way to the country's easternmost edge.

Unlike many famous landmarks, Slovenia's easternmost point is hidden deep within the forests of Murska Šuma. There are no crowds, no ticket offices and no souvenir shops, just rivers, woodland and a quiet corner where three countries meet.

 

Off-roading again.

 

Huge lunch in Lenti.

Exploring the remote borderlands where Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary meet.

Geocaches found (all received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8):

- Crkva Svetog Vida u Vidovcu, GC6MB05

- Slo_E, Multi, GC27W8H

#motorbike #HrvatskoZagorje #geocaching