16823

Slovenia: Chillin in Bovec

After yesterday's long day in the saddle on our Pony bikes, it was finally time for a bit of recovery. The day started with a proper breakfast before we headed to the Koritnica River, where we had planned a rather questionable culinary experiment: surströmming, the infamous Swedish fermented herring known worldwide for its incredibly strong smell. Originally developed as a preservation method, the fish ferments for months inside the can, creating an aroma that many describe as one of the strongest food smells on the planet. Naturally, we had to find out for ourselves. The final verdict was unanimous: while surströmming certainly deserves its legendary reputation, it is probably not something any of us will be craving again anytime soon. At least now we can say we survived the experience. After that, the program became much more enjoyable. A picnic lunch by the river was followed by the journey home. Well, for some of us. Most of the group decided to stay for another day, but I had arranged transport to Bistrica pri Tržiču, where Nada's e-bike was waiting for me. Compared to a Pony, the ride home felt almost unfairly easy - Garmin Connect.

Previous Pony rides to Bovec: 2025 (Day 1 - 16822), 2024 (Day 1 - 16452 and Day 2 - 16453), 2022 (Day1 - 15722, Day2 - 15723, Day3 - 15724 and Day4 - 15725)

Breakfast.

Opening the can of surströmming.

  

During the production of surströmming, just enough salt is used to prevent the raw herring from rotting while allowing it to ferment. A fermentation process of at least six months gives the fish its characteristic strong smell and somewhat acidic taste. A newly opened can of surströmming has one of the most putrid food smells in the world, even stronger than similarly fermented fish dishes.

Surströmming has been part of northern Swedish cuisine since at least the 16th century.

Fortunately, the picnic lunch that followed served as an excellent antidote, helping us replace the taste of fermented herring with memories we'd much rather keep.

#Pony #cycling #guysonly

16822

Slovenia: With Pony Bikes to Bovec, Edition 2025

In 2025, I set off for Bovec on a Pony bike for the third time. Just like last year, Puhar was my partner in crime for the journey. After the obligatory morning shot of schnapps, we rolled towards Bled, where a mandatory photo session by the lake was, of course, part of the plan. From there, we continued towards Bohinjska Bistrica along the new cycling route. Well, at least along the parts that had actually been completed. Several sections were still under construction, forcing us to carry our Ponies over gravel piles, construction areas and unfinished stretches. It was not exactly what the project planners had in mind, but it certainly added a little adventure to the day. Having carefully studied the train timetable, we were convinced that our timing was perfect. With confidence that only two Pony riders can have, we entered the Bohinj railway tunnel, expecting a smooth ride through to the other side of the Bohinj mountains. Unfortunately, we soon discovered that Slovenian trains and published timetables do not always share the same understanding of time. Before long, we found ourselves facing an approaching train inside the tunnel. Fortunately, the engineers who built the Bohinj Tunnel in 1904 had the foresight to make it wide enough for two tracks, even though only one was ever installed. Thanks to that bit of forward thinking, stepping aside and letting the train pass turned out to be much easier than panicking. A few kilometres later, a literal light at the end of the tunnel in Podbrdo finally appeared. Emerging into daylight looking like a pair of chimney sweeps, we stopped for the obligatory cleanup before continuing on our way. By the time we reached Most na Soči, we had caught up with our friends, who had chosen a two-day route over Petrovo Brdo. From there, the road followed the emerald-green Soča River upstream, taking us through one spectacular view after another until Bovec finally appeared before us - Garmin Connect. After setting up camp at Camp Liza, the bicycles were parked for the day, the "first" drinks were opened, and the traditional process of solving the world's problems could begin. The ride to Bovec was behind us, but the weekend was only getting started.

Previous Pony rides to Bovec: 2024 (Day 1 - 16452 and Day 2 - 16453), 2022 (Day1 - 15722, Day2 - 15723, Day3 - 15724 and Day4 - 15725)

It's 5 a.m. in the morning.

 

2 Pony riders in Bled.

Morning tranquility.

When the Bohinj Line was opened, the tunnel was 6339 meters long, but today it is 12 meters shorter because in 1945 German troops detonated the northern entrance while withdrawing.

 

Smoke was coming out of the tunnel, so we assumed that the train has just left. So wrong.

The light was getting smaller and smaller.

There is plenty of water inside.

Our rides Pony bikes were quite shaken due to the rough surface.

Light at the end in Podbrdo.

Puhar and Tuši.

The local guy in Podbrdo, who convinced Puhar, that the ride through the tunnel is doable. He didn't believe me.

Meeting the rest of the gang in Most na Soči.

From Tolmin towards Kobarid.

A wheelie in front of the Church of St. Bricius near Volarje, one of the oldest and most beautiful medieval churches in the Soča Valley.

 

Making our way across the Soča River via Napoleon's Bridge before continuing towards Bovec.

 

Assembly point.

Last big climb.

 

Before the final push, where 125 kilometers were behind us.

Geocache found:

- Bohinjski predor / Bohinj tunnel, GC327H2, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#geocaching #Pony #cycling #guysonly

16821

Slovenia: MTB - Planina Spodnja Konjščica

After work today, I organized an MTB ride around our local trails, with the main destination being Planina Spodnja Konščica. Seven of us gathered in Grahovše and set off towards the mountains. We made our way via Potarje and climbed up to the mountain pasture, enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings along the way. After a short break at the top, it was time to head back down into the valley. Some riders opted for a slightly more challenging trail, while most of us chose the gravel road. This took us on a scenic loop past Pavšel estate and eventually brought us back to our starting point in Grahovše. A great after-work ride, good company, and another beautiful evening spent on the bike - Garmin Connect!

View to the main ridge of the Karawanks.

After a little bit of asphalt, we were alone on the gravel road.

Hydration stop.

Ascending towards our pasture.

One more view to the Košuta ridge.

The green grass is already waiting for the cattle.

Grega, Sabina, Janez, Nada, Tuši, Boštjan and Aleš.

Planina Spodnja Konjščica, 1451 m.

 

Though guys.

Lučka and Košuta.

Returning back to the valley.

Back in Grahovše.

Just a few more metres to go, and then it’s time for a well-deserved beer.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks

16817

Bosnia and Herzegovina: MTB trip with AO Tržič - Bjelašnica, Malo Polje and Lukomir

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.  

Once again, the final day of the trip had arrived. We had planned a combination of two shorter rides, with different members of the group joining each one. I decided to take part in both.

The first ride took us beneath Bjelašnica to Babin Do, where most of the group loaded their bikes onto the trailer and headed towards Sarajevo. A few of us decided to take the trail down to Sarajevo instead. We had to search for the trail in a few places along the way, but eventually we all made it down safely - Garmin Connect.

Once we had all regrouped in the valley, it was time for the long drive home - complete with the usual long wait at the border.

Previous day of this years trip: Day 1 - 16814, Day 2 - 16815, Day 3 - 16816.

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).

Infront of our base.

Our surroundings.

Janez at the spot where his inner tube “on guard duty” exploded back in 2015.

On the way to Sarajevo.

Information board describing historic route that served as a vital supply and evacuation corridor during the Siege of Sarajevo.

Ratna Džamija, meaning "War Mosque," stands high on Mount Igman. Built between 1993 and 1994 during the Bosnian War, this simple wooden mosque became a symbol of faith, culture, and community during the defense of Sarajevo.

One of those unexpected places that makes you stop, look around and wonder about the stories behind it.

Sarajevo is near, but still far.

One last push downhill before the trail finally brought us back to Sarajevo.

 

Way back home.

#MTB #Bjelašnica