XC Rides

MTB Učka: Lovran – Mala Učka – Balin

Country: Croatia
 Mountain: Učka/Mala Učka – Balin
Length: 43 km
Elevation gain: 1350 m
Maximum elevation:  880 m
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Download GPS Track:  Mala Učka_Balin_Cyclotrail
Date of ride: 31.03.2019.
Suitable for E-bike: Yes

Today, I wanted to ride another route, but my friends prepared something else for me. They’ve got some interesting gpx file and  outvoted me, so we went to Mala Učka and peak Balin. Initial plan was to go on peak Vojak, but we decided to leave that trip for another time. Our route started in Lovran, and first part is on paved road that goes through Liganj, Janjetići and Tuliševica. At 7th km, after Tuliševica we go right to unpaved road that leads to Mala Učka. All the way to Mala Učka is unpaved road with some short singletrack sections. (Two years after we went again this route and parked our car in Moćenička Draga, which is better because when you descend you are closer to car.)

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MTB Medvednica Leustek – 9

Country: Croatia
Mountain: Medvednica
Length: 35 km
Elevation gain: 880 m
Maximum elevation:  1010 m
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Download GPS Track: MTB Medvednica Leustek – 9_Cyclotrail
Date of ride: 19.02.2019.
Suitable for E-bike: Yes

Leustek trail is very popular MTB uphill access path to peak Sljeme. It is also very popular hiking path so it’s forbidden to ride this trail downhill. There is a tacit agreement between hikers and mountain bikers not to ride downhill this path, so it is very important for everyone who read this text to follow this simple rule. Trail number 9  that starts at Risnjak hut and ends in Mikulići is also very popular with hikers, so if you really want to enjoy, avoid riding this trail downhill during weekends. There are many downhill trails on Medvednica, so you can choose another downhill path.

Leustek – 9 circular route was mine favorite route last few years. But now, because of very high traffic, and because woodcutters massacred singletrack parts on trail 9 I use those trails mostly for uphill.

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MTB Hahlić Mudna dol ridge

Country: Croatia
Region: Grobnik Alps/ west ridge of Mudna dol
Length: 30,8 km
Elevation gain: 940 m
Maximum elevation:  867 m
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Download GPS Track: MTB Grobnik Alps Cyclotrail
Date of ride: 08.10.2018
Suitable for E-bike: Yes (if e-bike has push assistance)

I’ve studied in Rijeka and lived there for a good part of my life, so  I have many good memories and friends that connect me with this place. First time when I traveled to Rijeka I saw these mountains that look like downsized Alps. It took me almost ten years, since i first saw them, to visit this meadow mountains painted with rocks.  I looked at many pictures, and watched many videos of Mudna dol ridge, but nothing compares to real life experience when descending through its singletrack, but let’s start from the beginning. My route started in the village Soboli near highway, and is really accessible and plenty of space to leave car.
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