Tuši's blog: 16815

Bosnia and Herzegovina: MTB trip with AO Tržič - Above Rakitnica

Our local Mountaineering Society AO Tržič has been organizing a mountain biking trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2015. For our 2025 adventure, we decided to return to Umoljani, the very same destination where our journey began ten years ago in 2015.

After breakfast in Umoljani, we saddled up and set off towards Lukomir, following the so-called "Bosnian Contour Line" by us - a route that roughly follows the natural contours of the mountains by 100 meters up and down. The morning motivation was still at its peak, so a bit of mud, pushing, and carrying our bikes didn't bother us. The effort was well worth it, especially with the spectacular views over the Rakitnica Canyon.

After all the morning adventures, we finally reached Lukomir, Bosnia and Herzegovina's highest traditional village. Marija, Primož, and I still had enough energy for a little extra adventure, so we climbed the nearby Vijenac, 1496 m, to search for a geocache. Afterwards, we joined the rest of the group in Lukomir for a well-deserved short break.

Before continuing, we pumped up Želo's tire, hoping it would survive the rest of the day's ride. It didn't. The tire was flat again not long afterwards, so we had no choice but to replace the inner tube.

It wasn't long before another mechanical problem struck - this time, my chain snapped. Fortunately, with the right tools and a bit of ingenuity, we managed to get it fixed quickly. By then, however, the group had split up, so we continued towards Konjic along two different routes.

Our route took us past Blatačko Lake, a beautiful mountain lake tucked away in the highlands. By this point, the batteries on the e-bikes were running low, so the group split up once again. The e-bike riders headed directly towards Konjic, while we climbed higher and tackled another trail starting near Zlatar Barracks. The trail eventually brought us down into Konjic as well.

In the end, we all reunited in Konjic (Garmin Connect) and made our way back to our base in Umoljani - tired, happy, and with plenty of stories from a very eventful day on the bikes.

Previous day of this years trip: Day 1 - 16814.

Previous MTB Trips with AO Tržič: 1. 2015 (13161, 13162, 13163), 2. 2016 (13518), 3. 2017 (13889, 13890, 13891), 4. 2018 (14253, 14254, 14255), 6. 2020 (14997), 7. 2021 (15353, 15354), 8. 2022 (15715, 15716, 15717), 9. 2023 (16079, 16080, 16081, 16082), 10. 2024 (16443, 16444, 16445, 16446).

Start from Umoljani.

Leaving the asphalt road.

We bought some home made products at the saddle called Gradina.

The day got off to a beautiful start, but we already knew that it wouldn't stay that way for the entire ride.

Along Studeni potok creek.

Paradise for cyclists.

Approaching the edge of Rakitnica canyon.

Our general Janez says hello.

Looks like somebody marked our trail.

Nice single trail.

It's easier if you don't have electric bike.

Short break for photo session.

Above the canyon.

At the lookout point.

Nada and Marija.

Muddy section.

Shepherd dogs.

Approaching Lukomir and Vijenac, peak on the left.

The mastermind behind our trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A lot has changed in ten years, especially the growth of tourism, but Lukomir still feels like Lukomir.

Riding the main street.

We found the geocache so we are also going in the village.

The highest village in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Lukomir sits at around 1495 m above sea level, making it the country's highest inhabited settlement.

Time for a longer break.

Quick snack.

Watch out for mines and Janez!

The first flat tire of the day - we simply pumped it up and hoped for the best.

Continuing on Mrkovalje, around Lovnica and Kotplani.

Endless gravel roads ahead of us.

Thank goodness for GPS, otherwise finding our way would have been a lot harder.

The tire didn't hold for long, so we replaced the inner tube.

The chain snapped.

Movie time.

Fixed. We were ready to move on.

Towards Čuhovići.

Looks like we have been racing.

Blatačko Lake - a peaceful mountain lake hidden in the heart of the Bosnian highlands.

Srpska pravoslavna kapela - a small Serbian Orthodox chapel nearby.

There is no visible stream flowing into the Blatačko Lake. It relies mainly on rain and melting snow, while water drains away through karst sinkholes.

The lake and its surroundings form part of a protected cultural landscape and National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, designated in 2009.

By the time we reached the trail, only five of us remained, including Marija, the photographer. No e-bikes anymore.

Half way down the trail.

View to Konjic.

My Black Mamba and Janez.

Konjic was getting closer, but after missing the trail ending, we ended up making our way into town the hard way - scrambling over a wall and weaving our way between the apartment blocks.