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How fit do I need to be for the Trans Dinarica cycling route? Where are the biggest challenges?

The Trans Dinarica cycling route requires a certain level of fitness due to its mountainous terrain and diverse landscapes. For some, the route may feel like a moderate challenge, while for others, it could be more demanding. To that point, one joke in Bosnia and Herzegovina claims it would be the biggest country in the world – if it were flattened. So the question of how fit you need to be to ride this long-distance bike trail is difficult to answer. This article might be read by world ace Tadej Pogačar or some average Franc Novak (the most common Slovenian first and last name), who has just bought his first touring bike. 

 

Three cyclists on gravel bikes riding over Visočica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Riding over Mt. Visočica on Trans Dinarica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

It is good if you are aware of what it means to cycle 1,000 meters of altitude in one day. Sometimes there will be fewer, sometimes even up to twice that amount, but the criteria should be the elevation more than the distance.

 

The first stages in Slovenia are one of the easier ones

Those less prepared or less confident in their abilities may start the Trans Dinarica bike tour at the beginning, in Slovenia, where a relatively easy introduction to the Trans Dinarica awaits you. None of the stages on the main route (the secondary route is more demanding) require more than 880 meters of ascent. All the way down to Senj in Croatia, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, you will be warmed up enough to be ready to really push the pedals.

 

Gravel cycling path in Slovenia.

A perfect example of a perfect road: a new cycling path in Slovenia.

 

Cycling is also a bit easier in North Macedonia (except for the second stage via Mt. Galičica and the fifth stage to Mavrovo or Galičnik) and Kosovo, which leads between two mountain ranges on relatively flat stages. The most difficult stages are in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Serbia. Cycling there will be particularly challenging if you tackle some of the stages in the opposite direction from the original one. Be sure to check the Trans Dinarica trail map, read the stage descriptions, and check the elevation profiles to make the most out of your biking vacations.

 

Not all macadams are perfect

Another factor that affects your enjoyment of cycling is the ability to maneuver on gravel roads. For the most part, we were able to find hard, well-carried macadams, but that’s not always the case. If you’re planning a bicycle adventure, with your bike and all your luggage, you must also be prepared for some descent on softer macadam and even some ‘hike&bike’ sections. You can read the article about the surface of Trans Dinarica here: How many paved roads and how many macadams can I expect on the Trans Dinarica cycling route?

 

Two cyclists on gravel bikes in Theth valley, Albania.

The most demanding road awaits you on the secondary route in Albania – it’s described as technical and difficult.

 

No, cycling in our part of the world is not easy, but it is your effort and the realization of what you are capable of that gives the cycling experience an unforgettable dimension. You will never experience that in a comfortable air-conditioned car. Are you ready for one of the best cycling tours in the world? Get the Trans Dinarica cycling route navigation pack and hit the road.

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This web page was produced by Good Place and is developed with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the regional Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project.
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