Cycle Tourism – pedalnorth

Racing mountain bike marathon in Austria

Robert Thorpe — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:20:54 +0000

My Road to Salzkammergut

16th overall — 10h 07min — 202 km — 7,000 m of elevation

Salzkammergut is one of the toughest mountain bike races in Europe, and after finishing it, I can honestly say that the elevation profile doesn’t really tell the whole story. Austria has a particular image for all of us who love the mountains, and this race was something both beautiful and testing.

I had a small plan going into the race, but since this was my first time racing for around ten hours, I knew most of what I needed to learn would happen out on the course. The elevation profile makes it look like the biggest challenge comes at the beginning and the end; but in reality, the climbs in the middle are the ones that slowly destroy you. They don’t necessarily look impressive on the graph, but after hours of riding they become brutal. They slowly eat into you and your reserves of energy and willpower. The race is a battle in so many ways.

Planning and preparation

My only real preparation specifically for the race was getting used to waking up much earlier than usual during the two weeks before it. The start was at 5:00 AM, which meant breakfast at 3:00. I arrived in the area on Wednesday and, much to my coach’s frustration, rode a little more than planned because I wanted to recon as much of the course as possible. That turned out to be extremely useful, especially towards the end. I rode the final two long climbs, the last descent and several of the flatter sections between the villages, so I knew what was waiting for me when things got difficult.

The day before the race, the organisers also required an official bike inspection – something new for me. After racing, I understood why they take it so seriously: they check things like brake pad wear, possible cracks and other details that become important when you are asking a bike to survive 200 kilometres and 7,000 metres of climbing. In truth, these things are aspects that we all need to pay more attention to when riding into the mountains.

I managed a short nap during the afternoon and then slept around four hours before the race. For an event like this, the important rest happens in the days before because you probably won’t get much sleep on race night anyway.

Early starts for epic events

Anyway, at 3:00 AM, bright and early, I was awake and eating my special oats. And by the ungodly hour of 4:10 AM, I was already in the start area, with around 500 riders lining up for the main event. No sensible person would be awake and riding – but that’s what makes mountain bike marathon so special.

The weather forecast looked good, even though it had been raining continuously until about 30 minutes before the start. When the torches came on, we were off. My plan was to stay as controlled as possible. The first climb immediately started splitting the field, and you could already see some riders making the classic mistake of going too hard too early. It reminded me about focus and the need to stick to my plan, and I joined two guys and started ticking off the kilometres at a steady pace, following one of them on the descents because he clearly knew the lines better than I did.

A huge part of the course runs on incredibly smooth forest roads, which sounds easy but is actually quite dangerous from a pacing perspective. They make you want to ride very fast and can tire you out much more than you expect. It’s these elements that you really need to be disciplined when riding. Then, when the course suddenly changes and throws you onto a technical trail, you have to change your rhythm and concentration instantly.

Early injuries to test my willpower

That is exactly what happened to me around kilometre 40. After about 30 minutes of flying down forest roads, I entered a technical, rocky section, my front wheel locked up and I went over the bars, landing face-first into the rocks and my handlebars. I saw a white flash, then a lot of blood on my clothes and legs. The left brake lever moved inwards, and that’s how I rode for the rest of the race.

When I reached the first support point where Teodora was waiting, she didn’t tell me just how bad my face looked. I left the small backpack I had started with and continued. I didn’t feel any major problems, although every time I ate or drank my face burned badly and the bleeding would start again from time to time. I think half of the official race photos have me riding around with blood all over my mouth. And yes, the crash definitely affected me on the next few descents; but as long as I could pedal, I decided that everything was fine. Living and working in the mountains, I know that we have to be tough at times – and this was one such time.

By kilometre 95, everything was still more or less on schedule. We were around halfway through both the distance and the elevation, and I picked up my small backpack again for the next 40 kilometres. This was also where the longer course merged with some of the shorter races, creating a bit of chaos and causing me to lose the group I had been riding with. The next 20 kilometres alone were much harder than they looked on the profile. Actually, that became one of the main lessons of the race: many sections were considerably harder in reality than they looked on the graph.

Group riding for aided motivation

Then came around 30 kilometres of flatter riding, where I joined a group from one of the shorter races. It wasn’t exactly the pace I wanted, but riding with a group was better than doing it alone. I reached kilometre 140 with an average speed of around 20 km/h and started getting a little disappointed. The hardest climbs were still ahead, and I was convinced my pace would only get worse. Nutrition had worked almost perfectly for the first seven hours: around 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Then, little by little, I couldn’t take that much anymore, so I dropped to around 80 grams per hour, and during the final hour and a half I managed only one gel. Before the penultimate climb, I finally got rid of the backpack and mentally prepared myself for the suffering.

I knew this climb because I had ridden it three days earlier. It was brutal, with steep sections coming after many hours already spent on the bike, and my knees were beginning to give up. Somehow, though, I managed to maintain a surprisingly decent pace. I descended into the opposite valley and found Teodora waiting with a very welcome Coke. I had been racing for eight and a half hours and was around kilometre 160, so I told her I wasn’t going to make my ten-hour target. There were still 40 kilometres and another 1,000 metres of elevation to go.
And then something strange happened…

Almost inexplicably, I rode the final big climb at the highest pace of the entire race. Pushing around 320 watts after nine hours was an incredible experience and probably one of the best fights with myself, I’ve ever had on a bike. It was a truly unique and strange moment – but welcomed by me.

The final descent brought another surprise: the sky opened up. Cold rain, hail, almost zero visibility, and we were still flying down a forest road. I started counting the kilometres, just wanting to get back into the valley where I could see the sun again. The final ten kilometres became a time trial when I realised I might still be able to make my original target. I didn’t know the finish very well and thought the last five kilometres would be mostly asphalt, but instead the course sent us back onto trails around the finish area. That cost me a few minutes, and I eventually crossed the line seven minutes outside my original ten-hour target.

I didn’t get much time to celebrate because I had to go to hospital for some checks. Thankfully, nothing serious — just three nasty cuts on the inside of my lip that needed stitches. So instead of the burger and fries I had been dreaming about, I got a week of soup.

Was ten hours ever realistic?

Honestly, I had set the target without thinking about it too much. I wanted to raise the bar, but I wasn’t convinced I could actually do it, especially since I had never experienced how my body would react to such a long effort. And, in the end, I finished 16th overall. At one point I was even riding in the group fighting for the top ten, but for that level I still have a bit more bread to eat. The race itself is absolutely brutal. At some point I started thinking the organisers must have been laughing at us.

“You want to pedal? Fine. Here you go.”

When they designed the course, I imagine the conversation was something like: “Where should we take them?” — “Everywhere.”

And they really did. Forest roads, village roads, technical trails, buildings, lakes — at some point I genuinely felt like I had been riding for at least two days.

Racing with support

I also think it is extremely difficult to achieve a really fast time here without support. Pretty much everyone in the top 30 had someone helping them, with bottles and gels waiting at different points. Even though the race has aid stations roughly every ten kilometres, having someone hand you exactly what you need is incredibly valuable because you don’t have to carry so much with you. I started with a small backpack for the first two hours because I wasn’t sure exactly how Teodora would manage to get from one support point to another and didn’t want to take any chances. Officially, the rules are quite clear: outside assistance is allowed only in designated areas and cars are not allowed on certain sections of the course.

In practice, things are a little more relaxed. You don’t necessarily have to be exactly inside the designated area to receive support, especially because it isn’t always possible to reach every section by car. The same goes for the car restrictions: sometimes there simply isn’t another way to get somewhere, and nobody seems particularly bothered by it.

The race admin and organisation

The organisation is impressive when you look at the scale of it: around 1,000 volunteers spread across 200 kilometres, plus hundreds of spectators along the course. Putting this together is truly impressive and helps to make this a world-class event and worth travelling for.

The course itself isn’t heavily marked by Romanian standards. The organisers mainly use arrows and X signs at the major intersections, while smaller junctions are often completely unmarked. And yet, I didn’t see anyone getting lost. Everyone had the GPS track and everyone was paying attention. If we had a course marked like this back home, I suspect 70% of the field would get lost! Note for riders reading this: learn map and compass navigation!

I’ve said many times that mountain bike marathon racing is also about being able to read the terrain and understand where you are going, and I hope we eventually reach this level of experience at home. The public roads aren’t closed, and some aren’t even restricted, but the locals know about the race. They stop immediately when they see riders coming, check before leaving their driveways and give riders priority, while tourists sometimes find themselves completely stuck when a hundred cyclists suddenly come through.

I think I saw only two police crews during the entire race. In Romania, something like this would probably generate plenty of complaints, but we simply don’t have the same sporting culture yet, so I understand why things work differently here.

And it’s not like we can’t organise races well ourselves. We can. The difference is the customer.

The part nobody sees

The thoughts and emotions during a race like this are probably the hardest thing to explain. There were long moments when there was almost nothing in my head except rhythm: pedal, breathe, eat, drink, repeat. The thoughts became much louder during the moments of weakness, but I always knew someone I cared about was waiting for me at the next support point. I also knew that the longer I stayed out there, the harder it would be to recover, so the only option was to keep moving and finish as quickly as possible.

I don’t even know if this was my best result, but I know it was my hardest effort, especially considering the crash at kilometre 40. What I do know for sure is that this was the hardest race I’ve ever done.

And, having now competed in the race, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Seriously. The smaller races are more than enough. Now, if you are like me, you’ll probably take on the challenge anyway!

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Cycling locations for adventure

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:15:22 +0000

Cycling away from the crowds

Finding cycling locations for adventure

Recent news articles have shown that those previously welcoming Spanish islands are no longer welcoming – in fact, that’s an understatement. Protests are now frequent, and the local transport services are frankly fed up with cyclists all over the road, blocking local traffic from free passage. Ultimately, they have a valid point. There are too many visitors on two wheels,all seeking fase fame. Rather than finding peace and tranquility in the mountains, it can be like cycling around Trafalgar Square in London – and that is no fun at all.

With this in the background to any cycling holiday you plan, the question then arises: where should I go? It can be difficut to decide, but fear not. Our riders search out amazing locations so that you don’t have to. They also live in amazing places, and get to ride some epic routes whenever they like. For instance, I’m lucky enough to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and a short ride from the North Yorks Moors National Park, or the Howardian Hills – each as spectacular as anywhere abroad, and all challenging. There are some 2 hour rides I can take when I see only a handful of cars as I pass through picture-postcard villages that look like film sets. And, if I plan correctly, I can ride all day and see very fewcars or people, weaving along winding country roads, and descending ribboned roads that fall magically across the sublime landscape.

Cafe stops for cyclists who love cake

One of the great things about riding here in North Yorkshire are the cafe stops. The baking is unrivalled, and the choice of teas and coffees is also superb. They’ve been catering for tourists for a long time, and they know exactly haow to refill and replenish those carbs.

Whether you choose the famed ‘Cafe in the Square’ at rural Masham, or the Leadout Cycling Clubhouse cafe at Bedale, you can guarentee that the refreshments will be worth a future visit. Fundamentally too, cycling should be about taking the time to relax with friends over coffee and cake, and shre those epic riding moments. Creating memories is far more important than collecting Strava kudos.

When I’m overseas, I also have favourite cafe stops. Lumos in Sibiu, Transylvania is amazing, nestled in the centre of this historic World Heritage Site city centre – a living musuem that burns into your heart and soul. Their toasted snacks and salads are to die for – following which you can cycle out to Paltinis with the Carpathian Mountains rising beside you. Or alternatively, ride out to one of the nearby villages, with Saxon history all around you – fortified churches, cottages and cobbles. And, if you visit Sibiu in July, you also get to see their world famous FITS Arts Festival – second globally to the famed Edinburgh Festival – but for me, Sibiu FITS is far better. There’s also the chance to cycle up the famed Transfagarasan Road in a closed road sportive event.

Jeremy Clarkson rightly called this ‘the best road in the world’, and having cycledit twice, I have to agree.

Cafe on the Square, Masham & Cafe Lumos, Sibiu

Cycling some of the best roads & trails in Europe

If Sibiu and Transylvania isn’t yet on your radar, then give your head a shake. As well as being home to writers here at Pedalnorth, Alex and Teodora, and previously to Larisa who wrote for us for 7 years, Sibiu and the surrounding Fagaras Mountains are home to some of the best road cycling routes in Europe. The UCI and UEC have also noticed the quality of the trails, with nearby mountan resorts hosting world class mountain biking championships.

There’s the epic TRIADA Mountain Bike race series throughout the year, with routes planned by former Olympian , Tudor Oprea. Whether you ride enduro, trail bike, cross country mtb or even gravel, the forested mountains will provide you with seemingly endless trails, and superb apre cycling in nearby Sibiu.

Alex and Teo run their own guiding company locally, and they’ve already hosted several overseas travellers in search of isolated adventures in epic mountain locations. The mountains of Transylvania are rightly regarded as Europe’s last great wilderness. When the crowds are packing the trails elsewhere, Paltinis can offer that escapism, along with some of the best road and mountain biking in Europe – with unequalled history and culture alongside.

Where are the best places to ride – be surprised

It’s an interesting question: where are the best places for a cycling holiday? I’m not convinced that its where it used to be – those crowded roads and crwded towns are not as welcoming as they once were. Thankfully though, both North Yorkshire and Transylvania share several key ingrediants for the best cycling trip in Europe:

Epic road cycling routes
Amazing landscapes
Great cafe stops
A wealth of accommodation choices at all price points
Brilliant bike shops
Easy access for transport
Tranquility

With international flights to either Leeds, Newcastle, or Manchester, North Yorkshire is as easy as stepping on a flight. For 2027, Max will also be offering his gravel and road cycling tours here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with stays at the beautiful Swinton Castle hotel near Masham.

Likewise, Sibiu has an international airport, with direct flights from London, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Vienna and Rome, it’s even more accessible. Once here, you can stay in 4 star quality hotels, such as my own favourite, The Art Hotel in Sibiu’s old town, walking distance from everything, and with a pedestrianised city centre allowing you soak up the myriad of historic buildings. You can then plan your cycling or take on a guide, such as Alex for: road,mtb or gravel.

Yes, there are epic alternatives to the Spanish Islands for 2027, and hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to take further. Why not search our online routes database and put together your own unique cycling adventures. Don’t ever follow the crowd to the crowded venues and locations.

Join the cycling revolution and find adventure in epic places you hadn’t considered. After all, don’t we all seek that perfect ride, that spiritual cycling experience? It is still possible – you just need to know where to look!

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Mountain Biking Adventures in Madeira

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:10:40 +0000

Madeira Mountain Biking – Like Nowhere Else on Earth

There are beautiful places in this world—and then there is Madeira

By Alex Sabin

I first visited the island three years ago, with no expectations beyond simple curiosity. But from the moment I arrived, I knew this place was different. Some destinations impress you; others stay with you. Madeira did both. It sits now within me, as one of those places that we instinctively know that we will always return to. And, I left knowing one thing for certain: I had to return, and next time, I had to bring a bike.

What I didn’t realize then was that Madeira is considered by many to be one of the very best mountain biking destinations not only in Europe, but in the world. Riding in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, and elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe, I’d been busy as a semi-pro rider, and I simply hadn’t realised that growth in trail riding on the Island. Anyway, a year later, I returned to support someone close to me racing MIUT, one of the most spectacular mountain ultra races on the planet. During that trip, I rented an MTB and got my first real taste of the island’s trails and it simply confirmed what I already felt.

Travelling for mountain bike adventures

Despite being fortunate enough to ride in world-class destinations such as the Canary Islands, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Andalusia, Liguria, Antalya, Cyprus, and Sicily, my thoughts kept drifting back to Madeira. This spring, after postponing my usual winter training camp, everything finally aligned for three full weeks of mountain biking on the island. I was excited and couldn’t wait – everything I needed awaited me. And Madeira delivered everything I had hoped for — and more. In truth, when you look at Madeira in detail, few places in the world offer such an extraordinary diversity of terrain packed into such a compact space.

Yes, from pine forests to volcanic rock, from alpine meadows to tropical jungle, from perfectly shaped trails to raw wilderness… From high mountain peaks to the ocean, it is, without exaggeration, one of the most varied riding environments I have ever experienced. But Madeira is not easy.

This is not a destination for effortless riding or casual trail cruising. The island demands respect. It demands full commitment, positivity and determination. Climbs regularly sit at 10–12%, with steeper pitches reaching 20–25%. Unless you rely entirely on shuttles, every descent must be earned. And once the climbing is over, the real work begins. Because Madeira’s descents are long — often brutally long, and often brutally technical. However, they test far more than your technical ability. They test your endurance, your concentration, and your upper body strength. It asks questions of you as an athlete. By the end of a proper descent, your arms are burning, your hands are numb, and your focus has been pushed to its limit.

The Wild North

The northern side of the island feels raw and untamed. AS a landscape, it is wetter, moodier, and less predictable, often covered by mist and sudden rain showers. Trails here are fewer, but they hide some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery. Riding in the north feels more exploratory—less polished, more adventurous. It’s a place that rewards curiosity. Take your bike and see where the wheels roll and take it all in – you won’t be disappointed.

The Southwest Playground

For pure trail riding, the southwest is Madeira’s mountain bike hub. Starting from the small village of Prazeres, riders climb on smooth asphalt before gaining access to a dense network of descending options in nearly every direction. This area offers everything from flowing blue trails to steep, technical black descents, all spread across one of the island’s rare plateau-like landscapes.

Estaca – My Favorite Trail in Madeira

Further inland, near Funchal Ecological Park and Funchal Alta, lies my personal highlight of the trip: Estaca.

It begins high above the island, among barren volcanic rock and exposed alpine terrain. From there, the trail follows ridgelines before diving into pine forest, then into thick jungle, changing character constantly as you descend. It feels less like riding one trail and more like riding through multiple ecosystems in a single run; and it ends with a long, flowing finish that carries you almost all the way into town.

Riding Above the Atlantic

Toward the east of the island, the terrain opens into another unforgettable zone around Machico and Porto da Cruz. And here you’ll find one of the most dramatic trails anywhere in the world: Boca do Risco / Vereda do Larano, a narrow ribbon of trail cut into steep cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. There is space for one bike – no more. And it is absolutely not the place to make mistakes. It asks even deeper questions of you, physically and mentally. Your focus and concentration are however rewarded.

Finally, if you keep heading farther east, to Ponta de Sao Laorenco, the landscape gradually transforms until you reach the driest, most desert-like part of the island.

Built for Riders

One of Madeira’s biggest strengths is how rider-friendly the island has become. Nearly every trail is mapped on TrailForks, most entrances are clearly signposted, and many trails are linked together through logical connecting roads and transitions.

The infrastructure makes exploring easy while still preserving the island’s wild feel. Getting to Madeira is also easy, and they’ve been catering for tourists for a very long time. Everything you need is accessible on the island.

Final assessment

Madeira is not just another riding destination. It is a place where every ride feels bigger, steeper, longer, and more dramatic than expected. It is physically demanding. Technically rewarding. Visually overwhelming. And once you ride here, it’s hard not to compare every other destination against it. In many respects, Madeira can easily be called one of the true homes of mountain biking. And if you are searching for the ultimate riding escape during the colder months, few places come close. Take my word for it and book yourself a Madeira mountain biking adventure!

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Chasing a Rainbow through Serbia – Grand Fondo Worlds

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:38:16 +0000

Chasing a Rainbow Through Serbia

My Road to Gran Fondo Novi Sad

The decision was made during a training ride in the hills above Barcelona. I had been putting in long hours on the bike and accumulating kilometres week after week. But something was missing. I wanted a goal. Something to look forward to. Something that would push me beyond simply training for the sake of training. It had been several years since I had lined up for a major international race, and I wanted to test myself again. More importantly, I wanted the chance to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

That evening at home, doing that internet search that we cyclists frequently explore, and with me still thinking about the ride, I found myself scrolling through the UCI Gran Fondo World Series calendar. One event caught my attention: Novi Sad, Serbia. Yes, I know that it still conjures up particular images for many people – and those events were so real that it’s understandable – but this country in the heart of Central Europe and the Balkans has a longer history than those events of the late 20th century, and Serbia had been on my travel bucket list for years.

Like many people, when I thought about the country, I thought about Belgrade—the capital, the history, the culture and the energy that these days draws visitors from across Europe for the right reasons. Novi Sad, however, was a place I knew almost nothing about. I had never visited, never researched it, and honestly hadn’t given it much thought before seeing its name on the race calendar. However, only a few clicks late and I was registered.

The attraction of challenging yourself

The attraction wasn’t just another Gran Fondo. It was the possibility of something bigger. Like every event in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, Novi Sad offered qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Finish in the top 25% of your age group and the reward isn’t a medal or a T-shirt — it’s a ticket to race for a rainbow jersey. For amateur cyclists, that’s as close as most of us will ever get to feeling like a professional. And so, only a few weeks later, I arrived in Serbia with my bike and plenty of curiosity about what awaited me and the hope that my training had been enough.

My bike setup: Time Scylon aero bike, fitted with Particle Hyperlight 45/52 wheels, a Selle Italia saddle, and Pirelli P Zero Race SL-R tyres. It’s a setup I know intimately and trust completely when the road turns uphill, the pace rises, and every watt counts. However, I wanted to balance lightness with the necessary handling and responsiveness, and to get these elements working in harmony.

On arrival Novi Sad immediately felt different; most Gran Fondo’s are hosted in places already famous for cycling. Think Girona. Mallorca. The Dolomites. Novi Sad doesn’t need cycling to justify its existence. The city sits on the banks of the Danube between the river and the slopes of Fruška Gora National Park. It feels like a fascinating crossroads where Central Europe meets the Balkans. It’s already a tourism hotspot in this area of Europe, filled with history and culture. The evening before the race, the city centre was packed with cafés and restaurants. Nobody seemed particularly interested in watts, FTP or aero socks. It was refreshing and relaxing.

Getting ready to ride

Then race morning arrived. Suddenly the streets belonged to cyclists. The start line sits directly in front of the Provincial Government building in the heart of the city. Hundreds of riders from across Europe rolled into the start pens carrying the same nervous energy. Some were chasing qualification. Others were chasing personal goals. A few looked like they could have ridden straight into a professional peloton – and had probably recently left the pro and semi-pro ranks. There are a wealth of cyclists now sitting within this new grey area of being amateur and yet spending 24/7-365 as a cycling competitor on some form. I knew this was going to be a tough day riding.

The Gran Fondo Novi Sad route covers 107 kilometres with approximately 1,800 metres of elevation gain. Three key climbs define the race and shape the final result. As the neutralised start rolled out through the city, I found myself wondering whether I’d underestimated the race. The answer arrived 11 kilometres later. That’s where the first major climb begins. Groups exploded. Riders were dropped. The race settled into that familiar Gran Fondo rhythm: full gas, brief recovery, then full gas again. The strongest riders used the climbs to create gaps. Everyone else was trying to limit losses.

I remember looking down at my computer and seeing numbers I would have preferred not to see. I also remember looking up. Beautiful forests lined much of the course, providing welcome shade on a warm day. At other moments the road opened into wide fields and rolling countryside, with views stretching across the landscape. For a few moments I forgot I was racing. That’s rare. Most races become a blur of suffering and statistics. Novi Sad managed to remain a journey.

The second climb came around kilometre 50. Then comes the final climb and the rolling roads across the ridge of Fruška Gora, where every acceleration matters and every weakness is exposed. Then, the final kilometres back toward the city were fast and demanding. Before I could pause, it was suddenly all over. Months of training reduced to a number on a results sheet. Thankfully though, this time, the answer was a good one and I crossed the finish line as the second overall female rider and secured qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships – the rainbow jersey dream would continue.

Post-race reflections

In truth, the race itself went surprisingly smoothly. The only real problem of the weekend came after the finish line – the trophy. It was enormous. Getting it back to the hotel while managing a bike and all my equipment turned out to be more complicated than any of the three climbs! Thankfully, one of the race photographers came to the rescue and helped me. The adventure continued at the airport, where I discovered the trophy was far too big for my bike bag; and so, while the bike travelled in its case, the trophy travelled with me as hand luggage.

Did I qualify for the World Championships? Absolutely, yes! But the result wasn’t the only thing I that brought home from Serbia, because the real discovery wasn’t only that I had earned a place at the Worlds, it was discovering a side of Serbia I never expected to find and which was refreshing. Everyone talks about Belgrade. Everyone talks about Girona. Everyone talks about Mallorca. Few people talk about Novi Sad. For me, after one weekend in Serbia, I suspect that this won’t remain true for long. Serbia is different these days, and it’s focusing on its culture and sublime scenery to attract cultural and sports tourists for the right reasons to this amazing place in the heart of Europe.

With roads, facilities and landscapes to rival anywhere, I believe that Novi Sad will soon be a destination choice for cyclists from all over the world. All able to share in the relaxed and warm welcome that I’d been lucky enough to experience myself, on my journey to the end of the rainbow. Where to next – who knows. What I do know though, is that there’ll be a challenge involved!

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Cycling at the beginning of the season

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 03 May 2026 14:51:22 +0000

The Beginning of a Cycling Season

Building Form, Racing Early, and Trusting Your Bike

The beginning of a season is never just about racing. It’s about building — form, confidence, and trust in every detail. Spring brings that shift: longer days, higher volume, and the first real tests of where you stand. The legs are not yet at their peak, but the work is already there — in the kilometers, in the climbs, and in the consistency of each week.

This year started with exactly that approach. Big training blocks, over 400 kilometers a week and more than 5,000 meters of elevation, combining endurance with sustained climbing efforts. These early weeks are not about perfection — they are about creating a foundation strong enough to carry you through the months ahead.

And then, the first races arrive.

Granfondo Colnago Lake Garda was one of those early-season benchmarks. A fast start, a strong field, and a course that demanded both control and endurance. The kind of race where you don’t yet feel at your absolute best, but you have enough to fight. Finishing in the Top 10 overall women was not just a result — it was a signal. The training was working, and the form was already there, even this early in the season.

Racing early season in Spain

Soon after came Gran Fondo Lloret de Mar — a completely different challenge. Familiar roads, but never an easy race. Constant changes in rhythm, short climbs, technical sections. It’s a race that rewards efficiency and precision. That day, everything aligned, and I took 1st place in the long distance category. Not because the season had peaked, but because the base was solid enough to perform. But what defines this part of the season even more than racing is the terrain you train on. In Catalonia, climbs are not just part of the ride — they are the ride.

Col de Fòrmic and Santa Fe del Montseny stretch close to 20 kilometers each, long and steady. Climbs where you settle into your effort and stay there, minute after minute. These are the efforts that build real strength — not explosive, but controlled and repeatable.

And then there is Rat Penat.

Short, brutal, and unforgiving. Ramps reaching up to 28%, demanding everything at once — power, balance, and control. There is no easing into a climb like this. It’s immediate, intense, and very real. And in these moments, you feel exactly how your body and your bike respond under stress. Across all of this — long endurance rides, early-season races, steep gradients — one thing has remained constant: the feeling of confidence on the bike.

Confidence in the TIME Scylon

The TIME Scylon has been there in every scenario, adapting naturally from race intensity to long training days. It’s not something you think about while riding — and that’s exactly the point. Whether accelerating in a group, holding speed on a descent, or maintaining efficiency deep into a multi-hour ride, the bike responds without hesitation. For me,now that I have spent a year getting it right; a bike fit, adjustments, different wheel variations – it’s become a part of me and we ride as one unit. A new season does however bring new challanges, and I need to dial it in again – to get those final elements in tune.

At the beginning of a season, nothing is fully defined yet. Form is still developing, goals are still ahead, and the biggest challenges are still to come. But this is where everything starts to take shape.

The work is done in the background — in the long climbs, the heavy weeks, the early races where you test yourself before you’re fully ready. And through all of it, you begin to build something more important than peak performance. You build trust.

Trust in your preparation. Trust in your progression; and trust in the bike beneath you — ride after ride, climb after climb — as the season begins to unfold.

Lake Garda Gran Fondo 2026: Climbs Corners and Italian Cycling Magic

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:40 +0000

Cycling at Lake Garda – The Italian Lakes & Mountains

The Route: Fast Flats and Sharp Turns

The 2026 Lake Garda Gran Fondo course was a beautiful loop totalling 140 km with 2,010 m of climbing. Despite the chilly start to the day —a crisp morning that had us all shivering in our gilets — the pace was scorching from the start. People were ready to race, and the riders were taking no prisoners – this was a race, and I needed to be ready and focused.

The First 40 km: This section was almost entirely flat and fast. We flew along the lake front in a massive peloton, tucked in to save every possible watt for the vertical work ahead. It worked as it should, with people moving to take turns and keeping the pace. It was an electric feeling, with the sublime scenery of the lake and mountains all around me. Cycling adventures are days like these and I loved it. Italy is always a special place to ride. However, it’s not a flat country, and there were climbs lying ahead!

The Climbs: Breaking the Spirit

This area of Italy is known as the Lakes and Mountains region for a reason –it has climbs and some of them are tough, yet magnificent. AS cyclists we seek these challenges, and we relish in the pain and suffering and emotions of succeeding. Lake Garda is like this, sitting in a basin of peaks, surrounded by epic scenery and with ribbons of roads that weave their way up and down, twisting into corners and shapes that keep you thinking all day long.

Riding at home, close to Barcelona I am used to climbs, but these add that little Italian magic, and you have to be ready. I knew that I had trained and I was fit. However, the pace of the day adds something, and the mental challenge is equal to the physical.

The course featured four distinct ascents that defined the day’s difficulty:

1. Ascent of Navazzo

The wake-up call came at km 40 in Gargnano. At 7.16 km long with a 6.4% mean slope, it immediately shattered the peloton. Rising to an altitude of 471 m, it provided the first real test for my heavy legs.

2. Ascent of Capovalle

Just as the recovery from Navazzo began, we hit Capovalle at km 56. This 5.8 km climb took us up to the highest point of the day at 900 m altitude. While the average gradient remained a steady 6.4%, the fatigue from my 400 km training week started to settle in deep here.

3. Ascent of Preseglie

A shorter, punchier effort at km 89. Stretching over 2.15 km with a 4.7% slope, it served as a brutal “stinger” to keep the heart rate pinned before the final major push.

4. Ascent of Coste (S. Eusebio)

The final hurdle arrived at km 93. This 6.62 km climb, averaging 4.1%, was a battle of attrition. By this point, the views of the valley were spectacular, but my focus was entirely on the wheel in front of me.

Pure Italian Magic

Despite starting the day deep in a recovery hole, the sheer quality of the organization and the safety measures on the course allowed me to just race. Yes, I was exhausted, but it had been exhilerating and filled with life and passion and emotions. One of those days cycling that we want to remember always. Swooping into corners, the pain of the climbs and the thrill of the descents. Everything had come together and my bike had stayed the course, carrying me through.

I crossed the line exhausted, but thrilled to have managed 10th place in the Female overall and 7th in the 18–39 age group. Finishing in the top ten after such a massive volume of training is a testament to what the body can do when fuelled by Italian passion and world-class scenery.

If you’re looking for a race that combines professional-level organization with some of the most beautiful views in the world, put the Lake Garda Gran Fondo on your 2027 bucket list. Just maybe take a rest day before the start! Will I be back to ride in Italy again, soon? Absolutely I will – and maybe I will see you out on your bike among these sublime mountains and lakes!

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Cycling in Greece – History in every pedal stroke

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:38:56 +0000

Cycling in Greece – History in every pedal stroke

Introducing the 2026 UCI ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas

In terms of the sporting world, Greece needs no introduction – after all, they gave us the Olympics. Remember, that unrivalled gathering of athletes that brought us an epic road race in Paris in 2024, and which subsequently gave a new and more exciting format to the final stage of the Tour de France. However, Greece isn’t just historically influential in global sport; it also hosts an epic annual UCI stage race – the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas – which in May 2026 will be leading some of the world’s top cycling teams and riders around the unique landscapes and unparalleled history and culture of this foundational cradle of Western civilization.

Yes, Greece is a place where sports and culture have woven a tapestry of excellence for thousands of years, and which ought to be on the bucket list of every cycling fan and cycling tourist. The 2026 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas is your opportunity to take some of the world’s finest scenes of ancient history, as the riders sweep through timeless landscapes in pursuit of their own epic palmares.

Why Tour of the Hellas

If you haven’t heard of the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, then you need a brief guide and focus on the history of Greece – for Hellas in simple terms is the native terms for Greece. It was originally used to refer to all lands inhabited by the Hellenes (Greeks) – those people descended from the mythological figure Hellenas. The ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas is your opportunity to join us here and to explore a wealth of Greek history and culture, over 5 days of action and some of world’s best cycle racing, between 6th and 10th May 2026.

No other global cycling event takes in surroundings with such a wealth of historical sights, as the best cyclists in the pro peloton race between stages such as Karpenissi to Larissa, the capital and largest city of the Thessaly region in Greece and known as the coffee capital of Greece. We all know that coffee and cycling go together like Greece and history, and so we’d love to share our cafe culture with you, in Larissa at the end of stage 2!

Larissa is a place which gave us Achilles and Hippocrates – the father of medicine – and which on the 7th May, 2026 will give us the opening sprint finish to our epic cycle race, as the peloton climb the Pindus Mountains before dropping onto the lush green plains of mainland Greece, surrounded by historical sights and scenes at every twist and turn in the road.

This opening stage of the 2026 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas is a cycling tourism dream too, and route that many will want to return to and ride themselves. And yet, this is simply the opener of a world class UCI cycling stage race, filled with some of the most beautiful cycling landscapes in Europe, as the riders challenge themselves over 5 epic days of world-class racing, towards Athens.

Hellas Tour history

As well as having a greater wealth of history than any other western civilisation – being permanently fixed at the top of the history Premier League, to coin a sporting phrase – the history of this constantly developing UCI stage race is inspiring. It began life in 1968, inspired by leading world cycling events elsewhere, and was titled as being the ‘Tour of Ancient Monuments’, beginning in Athens and taking riders – as it does today – on a literal tour of the cultural heritage of the country.

It became a part of the UCI Europe Tour event in 2005, elevating its status, and a hiatus between 2012 and 2022, the Tour was started up once more, in 2022 under its current format, as a UCI 2:1 race, the ‘ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas’, drawing on its unrivalled history and landscapes to attract the top teams in Europe and elsewhere.

Cycling sport in Greece and cycle tourism

For a mainland European nation, Greece is more accessible than many people think, and it’s cycling tourism potential is vast. It has the infrastructure, the roads, the world-leading experience of hosting tourists from across the globe, and some of the most iconic historic monuments in the world, such as the Parthenon, on Athens’ Acropolis, and temples elsewhere such as the first ancient theatre of Larissa, constructed at the beginning of the 3rd century BC, and which will be a feature at the end of stage 2 on the 2026 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas.

Yes, with its unrivalled cultural heritage and history, alongside being a top European destination for tourism, Greece is waiting to welcome cycle tourists, before, during and after the racing in early May. You can ride on the same roads as the world’s top teams and take in the sights and hospitality of Hellas and the Hellenes people.

Enjoy a festival of cycling and culture at the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas

Ιt’s always good to have something special to plan for and to look forward to. Travelling and exploring go hand in hand with cycling, and the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas aims to promote all that Greece has to offer as a destination for everyone.

During the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas in May 2026, they will be creating events in the cities that will be hosting the stages, introducing and promoting the sport of cycling among the communities and creating a cycling legacy. Furthermore, several key activities will take place before, after and during the race to promote the values of the International ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, the wider and inclusive culture of cycling, and the same spirit of fair play that the Greek forefathers gave to the world through the Olympic Games.

Accept an invitation to Hellas cycling in 2026

Ancient Greece and Athens gave the world the meaning of democracy, while also fostering strong communities (polis) through shared culture, language, and a shared purpose. And, in doing so, Hellas created a lasting and timeless legacy of collective action and fraternity that has shaped the spirit of belonging around the world.

The people at the Hellas Tour would like to welcome you to join us and the international cycling community in May 2026 for the UCI ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, and let them share the history, culture, hospitality and this world-class cycling event with you! And, who knows – you may want to come back afterwards for a ride through world history!

Click the link below to read more about this excting and special UCI stage race, and maybe take yourself on a ride through history at the same time!

Visit the Tour of Hellas website

Schattwald and the Tannheim Valley gravel ride – in the Austrian Tyrol

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:18:48 +0000

Tobias Arweiler

Schattwald & the Tannheim Valley

Gravel adventure in the Austrian Tyrol

This tough but beautiful ride of 54 km takes you through magnificent scenery in the Austrian Tyrol, exloring the gravel tracks in the Tannheim Valley of the Austrian mountains. The route takes you up past the Haldensee (lake) and climbs the epic Krinnenspitze for amazing mountain views.

Forests and alpine meadows mix with 14% climbs and descents on this Tyrolean gravel route, requiring good fitness and bike skills. Yet, the rewards are well worth the effort, as yu explore the beauty of the Tannheim Valley and alpine scenery.

Above image by Tobias Arwieler on Unsplash

Route Information

Stats: 54 km 1,675 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay: The Tanheim Valley has numerous options for accommodation at all price points. Likewise, places to eat are easy to locate and the food choices are excellent.

Character: Tough and steep, with a technical descents. Some bike-hiking might be found on the steeper climbs, but take the climbs as a challenge. The trails are excellent gravel. Do not tackle if your actual fitness and skill level is not up to this. However, if you’re ready for the adventure, it is an epic ride!

Route

The route – albeit seeming reasonable in length, is a tough but rewarding day in the mountains of the Tyrol. Excellent fitness is required, as is the ability to carry out trailside repairs for yourself.

Starting off from Schattwald, the route climbs initially, before dropping you down towards Tannheim.
Haledensee is soon reached, as you skirt this picturesque lake in the mountains.
Then, after 17.9km – at Nesselwangle – a steep series of switchbacks lead you upwards for 4.5 km, before more descending and riding through the trees on excellent tracks that rise and fall randomly.
At 43km you reach the quaint village of Berg, and its wealth of tradiational chalets and farms. The climbing begins once more, as the road takes you into the hills and trees. Tracks wind there way around the valley, before dropping you back onto the valley road at Schattwald where refreshments can be taken if needed, whilst you enjoy the epic views across the valley.

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Cycling Alicante: heat mountains and desert roads

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:54:32 +0000

RIDING ALICANTE

Finding my cycling soul

Travelling is a part of the cycling culture – ultimately, it’s what our bike was designed for. That simple journey from A to B, to which we add our own personality. We’re all unique – like bikes.

Yes, we may look the same: two legs, two wheels, arms, handlebars, a saddle and… well, you get the picture. However, it’s what we don’t see that matters – on the inside, of us and on the bike.
I started my competitive sporting life as a snowboarder, not a cyclist. An horrific accident and serious injury put paid to that, though; which is I why I then took up triathlon, competing at age-group world-level successfully, before cycling took a hold of me and opened up that spirit of exploration that is a part of who I am. I love using my bike to challenge myself, yes; but, also to explore the world in which we live and to feel the warm breeze on my face and the excitement that pumps through my veins.

I guess that I’m like my TIME Scylon: I look one way, but when you turn the pedal, a whole new personality emerges, and it’s more fun-loving than you imagined, with a strength and toughness that defies the image – and yes, fast, because ultimately, I’m still an athlete who loves performance. If I’d had a bike made for me, it would have been the Scylon. It’s become a part of me now; part of my cycling soul, and we’re off to explore Alicante together.

Riding Alicante: Heat, Mountains, and Desert Roads

Alicante in Spain is renowned the world over, as a holiday hotspot. However, are you aware how great the road cycling is in this majestic Spanish resort? Probably not, as too often, the focus of cyclists when travelling to Spain is the Islands, or Girona. However, Alicante has everything to offer, including roads that are less filled with other riders, a quieter feeling and sublime views. It’s nestled amongst coastal mountains, with exceptional roads; which is why I took myself on a cycling trip there, recently.

Yes, Alicante is full of surprises. Everyone knows the beaches, of course. Few people, however, expect the wild, open mountains that lie just a short ride inland. Here, away from the coastal crowds, the land feels more like Texas or the rising hills of Africa than Spain — dry terraces, rocky peaks, and a sky that seems endless. As an easily excited cycling tourist, and with my Scylon accompanying me, I set out to test it and to explore the climbs of Tiger Pass, Puerto de Tudons, Puerto del Collao, and Puerto de Benifallim. It turned into one of the most beautiful and most unforgettable rides I’ve ever done. One of those rides that remain unexpected and treasured, at the forefront of our memories for a long time. That causes the blood to flow faster and our bodies to feel lighter, as our eyes open up to the landscape and our heart feeds on the emotions.

I’m unashamedly a spiritual and emotion athlete. Away from cycling, I’m a designer and also a painter, using color to carry forward the images I create. So yes, when I’m cycling, I totally immerse myself in the landscape. For now, though, it’s time to ride, as me and my bike head off into the Alicante mountains, exploring this beautiful corner of mainland Spain. Yes, it’s time to ride!

Route Information

Stats 66.59 km 1,488 metres

• Start/Finish: The ride started from Alcoy heading towards the Puerto de Tudons
• Difficulty: Challenging

Road Surface: Excellent tarmac

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Lots of places along the way

Character

A long but rewarding route, with climbs and mountain views views, and the sun high in the sky. Road surface conditions are superb.

The route combines inland climbs, fast descents, scenic towns, anddeserted roads, too. The sun beats down at time, so wear sun screen and take on board lots of fluids. Whether you’re chasing fitness, a photo-worthy adventure, or pure road cycling pleasure, this ride offers it all.

Route

Puerto de Tudons (1,025 m)

My day started from Alcoy heading towards the Puerto de Tudons. Around 8 km with a 4% average and at a 7-9% maximum steepness – steady, but brutal in the heat. My bottles turn warm within minutes, and every patch of shade feels like a gift. The bike is looking after things though – light and responsive, pushing me to hold a rhythm even when the heat tried to break me. Once I settled into the heat and the climb, it becomes a route to smile on; with the challenge being a positive one, as the Scylon eats up the distance, keeping me comfortable and focused. I have fluids and nutrition and views, and I have a purpose, as the sun beats down on me. I’m renewing my cycling soul, away from the crowds, and the freedom that rushes through my body as the gentle breeze touches my face, reminds me why we ride!

Tiger Pass – Safari Aitana

After this, I it was time to take on Tiger Pass, near Safari Aitana. The landscape here was raw, exposed and bare, with scrubland stretching out like a cycling safari. The roads are well-laid though, as they continually twist upwards under a blazing sun; the kind that makes the tarmac shimmer like a mirage. It felt wild, different, and slightly surreal — not Europe as most people imagine it. Yes, I had taken on enough fluids, and I was not hallucinating! It was a route that needed focus, and set myself – rider and Scylon as one, as the cranks turned and the views opened up. Before too long, it was done, and it was time for another Alicante cycling challenge.

Puerto del Collao (890 m)

This climb was shorter but nastier. The Collao throws itself upwards in ramps of 13–16%, hitting you straight in the face, like walls. The road looks at you and challenges you, as it rises in threatening, jagged steps, but thankfully with some downhill sections on which to relax.

Ultimately though, as I mentioned earlier – I’m an athlete at heart, and have competed across the world. The road and I challenge each other, as I turn the cranks and remain focused and positive – this is my choice and want to see the summit views.

From the summit, the landscape opens wide and I was rewarded, finally. Beneath me were terraced valleys with olive trees and jagged limestone ridges, stretching far into the haze. It all looked magical and timeless – like a movie with a Spanish guitar playing softly and lyrically in the background – and no, once again I am not hallucinating! I’m immersing myself in the cycling experience, as I explore Spain and explore myself and my cycling limits. Spanish. Views and feelings like this, need to be taken slowly and allowed to wash over you; and, after all, I have TIME on my side!

Puerto de Benifallim (1,020 m)

The final challenge for me was Puerto de Benifallim. It’s a short, steadier climb that winds through a pine forest before breaking into rocky open ground above 1,000 m. The altitude brought a whisper of cooler air, but the sun still pressed hard, testing me physically and mentally.

Surviving the Heat

At 40°C, the fountains in the village squares became my salvation. The brutality of the climb was done for a while, and I didn’t just fill my bottles — I soaked myself completely. Yes, jersey, shorts, head, everything.

It was the only way to keep going! Having competed in triathlon all over the world, I know how heat can affect athletes, and this was something that only a fully dipped and watered head can solve! Each time I left a fountain dripping, the cool water evaporating instantly in the dry air, and it felt like a reset button for the next climb – the next challenge.

Descents Like a Bullet

The reward for every ascent, however, were the epic descents to look forward to. The Scylon is designed to be responsive and light, and it came into its own on the descending. I was able to relax and aim the bike, as I moved by tired body around the bike, in harmony with the curving road. Long, sweeping, and fast, cutting turns through a barren landscape, with nothing but the wind in my ears and on my face. The wheels hummed steadily, and the bike felt like a bullet, holding the line and giving me that much-needed confidence in the corners, as the road twisted and turned like a ribbon, loosely strewn across the mountains.

Epic rides of exploration

What makes Alicante special is the contrast. In one ride, you pass through desert scrub, thick pine forests, rocky ridgelines, and timeless stone villages. It feels like riding through an old Western movie set — only, with your bike as the horse, carrying you across the landscape. No, it’s not the Alps nor the Pyrenees. It’s harsher, hotter, and maybe even more rewarding, emotionally.

Alicante is a place where survival, speed, and scenery collide, and it leaves you with memories that burn long after the ride is done. For me, it was special and it tested me and the bike. Yes, Alicante is a place for TIME travellers! It’s a place that should be on every cyclist’s bucket list, as you explore the variety and exceptional terrain that Spain has to offer for cycling. Too often, people head for the obvious Spanish locations, when you can pause time and find one the best places for cycling in Spain, away from the crowds.

I love my bike – it’s like me. TIME like to be different; to show their uniqueness. They look for excellence in everything – like me. Ultimately, we like to explore our limits – because the resultant feeling is unequalled, and it reminds us of one very important thing – that we’re alive!

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Three Day Mountain Bike in Transylvania – Romania

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:05:58 +0000

Explore Sibiu on a Mountain Bike

3-Day Experience in Transylvania

This is a simple account of three days on trails between mountain peaks and old villages — where every pedal stroke finds its rhythm and your breath blends with the scent of pine. However, there is nothing simple about the nature of the ride or the wealth of history and culture that it embraces. It’s a trip into the mountains of Transylvania that you can participate in, too – simply by reading on and then contacting me – Alex – and joining me in these magical mountains!

The Sibiu region hides an impressive network of mountain biking routes, from gentle climbs through cool forests to technical descents along alpine ridges. Whilst away from the more common areas of the European Alps, it is part of the same extensive mountains, and has a feeling of wilderness that is long missing from elsewhere. During these three days on the bike, we discovered not only the beauty of the landscapes but also the perfect balance between effort, nature, and peace.

It’s an adventure that blends sport with exploration — leaving behind not just tire marks, but memories that stay long after you’ve stepped off the bike. Is there anything better for a biking adventure!

Few places in Romania – or indeed Europe – offer such diversity within such a small radius. In a single day, you can climb through beech forests toward the Cindrel peaks, descend into Saxon villages, and stop at a mountain sheepfold where time seems to have stood still.

Sibiu, as a World Heritage Site city, offers a rare mix of untouched nature, good infrastructure, and an active MTB community, developing a trail network that renews the spirit of that mountain biking sub-culture of years gone by – but with technology attached. The trails are varied — from natural singletracks and scenic ridge roads, to technical sections that challenge even experienced riders. The scenery also constantly shifts: shaded forests, blooming meadows, crystal streams, and breathtaking views of the Făgăraș Mountains.

But perhaps the best reason to ride here is the feeling of freedom. Between mountains and villages, with each kilometer becoming a story, and every stop — a meeting with true stillness.
Up next: a 3-day MTB adventure that could be your next getaway in Sibiu, Transylvania.

Day 1: Creasta Porumbelului Ridge

A classic mountain bike route near Sibiu — ideal for riders seeking authentic ridge trails and panoramic mountain views.

Distance: 55 km Elevation gain: 1000 m

The ride starts at the foot of the mountains, near the ancient Dacian fortresses, and climbs along the old Roman road toward the highest-inhabited village in Transylvania — where shepherding has shaped generations.

Gradually, the route reaches open ridgelines with sweeping views of the Cindrel, Șureanu, and Făgăraș Mountains — a ride that perfectly blends history, nature, and adventure.

Day 2: Păltiniș – The Best Trails

Păltiniș is Sibiu’s iconic mountain resort — the oldest in Romania, founded in 1894. From here, some of the most spectacular MTB trails in Transylvania begin: natural singletracks, alpine panoramas, and thrilling descents that test your skills.

You can start the ride either from the base of the climb or directly from the resort. Both routes take you up to Vârful Bătrâna (1,900 m), offering 360° views over Transylvania. From the summit, descend via the Bătrâna Trail, climb back to the Repeater Hill, and choose between Releu Trail, Mitraliera, or the local favorite — Rollercoaster, one of the most scenic and flowing descents in the area.

This tour can easily be split into two shorter days, depending on your fitness and schedule.

Long route: 60 km – 1,700 m elevation
Short route: 40 km – 1,000 m elevation

Day 3: The Hills Around Rășinari

Distance: 40 km Elevation gain: 1,500 m

Rășinari is a vibrant village that’s becoming a hub for outdoor sports. Local events and MTB races are now part of the community’s rhythm, and many riders come here to train on the surrounding trails. Although the route doesn’t reach high altitudes, the climbs are demanding — requiring a decent level of fitness — and the descents reward you with pure, flowing fun through meadows and forest paths.

Route profiles

Creasta Porumbelului Ridge profile

Paltinis Trails profile(s)

The Hills Around Rășinari profile

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Accommodation

Sibiu and the surrounding area have a wealth of options for you, as a recognised international cultural city. The link here gives you one place that we’ve used before and recommend.

Accommodation for up to 3 persons is available through these people, and it’s local.

Bike Hire Option

You can hire bikes if you do not want to bring your own. E-bikes can be hired from e-biketime.ro and bikeshow.ro locally.

Airport pickup and 3-day travel

Pick up – drop of airport if possible (in case I will be in Sibiu in those days).
Travel between each start point is with Alex and provided.

Meals

The cost does not include meals, which can be obtained with accommodation, and lunches dependent on where we stop each day. Possible lunch during ride at one of mountain hut.

Are You Ready to Ride?

Three days, countless trails, and one unforgettable experience in the heart of Transylvania.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, scenery, or peace of mind — Sibiu delivers it all, one pedal stroke at a time.

Click below to read my account of the initial tours from 2025

Riding with new friends Three days - Three mountains

Email an enquiry

Contact Alex about this tour

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My Road to Salzkammergut

16th overall — 10h 07min — 202 km — 7,000 m of elevation

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Early injuries to test my willpower

Group riding for aided motivation

Racing with support

The race admin and organisation

The part nobody sees

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Schattwald and the Tannheim Valley gravel ride – in the Austrian Tyrol

Schattwald & the Tannheim Valley

Gravel adventure in the Austrian Tyrol

Route Information

Route

Click below for GPX files

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Cycling Alicante: heat mountains and desert roads

RIDING ALICANTE

Finding my cycling soul

Riding Alicante: Heat, Mountains, and Desert Roads

Route Information

Route

Puerto de Tudons (1,025 m)

Tiger Pass – Safari Aitana

Puerto del Collao (890 m)

Puerto de Benifallim (1,020 m)