Excellent day lured 300 cyclists onto...

Excellent day lured 300 cyclists onto the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route.



A beautiful weekend enthused approximately 300 cyclists who together covered 41 stages of the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route (STKP). The Migimigi challenge Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day succeeded, as more cyclists ventured onto the 1850-kilometer-long circular cycle route this year than last year. This year's special event, created in collaboration with the Commission for Touring Cycling of the Alpine Association of Slovenia (KTK PZS) and Generali insurance company, was aimed at training cyclists on proper touring cycling and raising awareness about the need to harmonize legislation regulating touring cycling.







On the Migimigi challenge Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day, groups of touring cyclists under the guidance of volunteer leaders across the country pedaled on individual sections of the circular route on the same day, Saturday, September 12, which leads through all the major mountain groups, visits 112 checkpoints, including 52 mountain huts. According to the data collected so far, approximately 300 touring cyclists participated in the Saturday event.







Touring cyclists are hikers on wheels and the trend of popularity of this type of cycling is growing year by year among Slovenians as well. This year, the number of recreational participants engaged in this form of mountaineering increased by 50 percent, as it was noticeable that sales of mountain and trekking bikes increased. Therefore, it is no wonder that this year's attendance at the event was even better than last year. As said by the head of the Commission for Touring Cycling Atila Armentano, the event is primarily aimed at awareness-raising. "Since more and more people are engaging in all forms of mountaineering without prior experience or mountaineering education, the purpose of organizing such events as Take on the Migimigi challenge! Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day is also educational."







The STKP route spans across the whole of Slovenia. The route passes by natural and cultural landmarks. The appeal of STKP is cycling on remote side roads, field paths, and forest tracks with little traffic. Forest tracks attracted the most participants this year, as the most popular stage was in the Kočevje area, from Loški potok to Koča pri Jelenovem studencu. Boštjan Jenko, head of the Migimigi program at Generali insurance, was also there. "We had a wonderful day at the second event Take on the Migimigi challenge! Cycle the Slovenian touring cycle route in one day. Nearly 300 participants set out on 41 stages and in beautiful, sunny weather connected the whole of Slovenia. Thanks to the expert leaders of KTK PZS, the cycling was safe and truly enjoyable. On the Kočevje stage, 20 cyclists set out under the guidance of leaders Suzana Jerebič Andrejčič and Renato Andrejčič. A little after 9 a.m., we plunged into the Kočevje forest, later even into the primeval forest. The cycling was spiced up with the scent of bears and interesting content and historical stories about Kočevje. For the finale, we also tasted the descent in the MTB trail center Kočevje and thus experienced that sport as well. Happy and satisfied, we all arrived at the finish without injuries, which is most important. It passed in a really pleasant rhythm, so we wondered if we had really covered 50 kilometers and 1000 meters of elevation. At Generali insurance, we thank PZS Slovenia and KTK PZS for their help and for organizing a truly attractive event, especially all the leaders who conjured up touring cycling for us and ensured we arrived safely and satisfied. The Migimigi program, which encourages and challenges to a healthy lifestyle, continues to invite all hikers and cyclists to join new challenges."







The second stage of STKP, leading to Koča na Blegošu, was also very well attended. It was led by leader Simon Primožič. "An exceptional Saturday, 12 cyclists and 1 Blegoš. We started the route in Škofja Loka and climbed and descended on the old military road all the way to Koča na Blegošu, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains along the way. After a longer stop at the hut, we zigzagged back to the starting point, of course on a different route than uphill. But since misfortune never rests, during the descent we refreshed our knowledge of changing inner tubes and basics of first aid, but without major injuries. Participants were enthusiastic about the route itself and the guiding, and we leaders were enthusiastic about the participants. On the tour, we cycled 55 kilometers and gained 1500 meters of elevation."







PZS expert collaborator Matjaž Šerkezi led the stage on Menina planina. His team was also very enthusiastic about the Saturday experience. "In the early morning, I descend by car on the winding road from Črnivec pass. I observe the washed morning, silver grass blades swaying in the wind. Two hours later, my team easily pushes the bikes up the 15-kilometer climb leading to Dom na Menini planini. I notice they all already have e-bikes. I still lack at least twenty years to qualify for one. Until then, I'll stick to the fossil power of my body. Menina planina is a cycling gem. You just have to get up there. From it, wonderful views open towards Koroška, and to the right rises Smrekovec, richly covered with forests. Various stories of the always interesting pasture soon brought us to the mountain hut on Menina planina, where refreshment followed, the obligatory stamp in the STKP booklet, and back to the valley on singletracks, forest roads, and paths. Smiles on the faces of participants and the day was perfect. With a slightly adapted stage, we did 37 km and 1100 meters of elevation and cleverly avoided the asphalt road between Logarska dolina and Gornji Grad."







With this special event at the Alpine Association of Slovenia, we address a wide range of touring cyclists, promote visiting mountains by bike in a nature-friendly way. Proper touring cycling is nothing other than observing mountaineering etiquette adapted for hikers who use a bike for their progress on roads and tracks. We hope you will join us next year too, so we invite you in the spirit of health prevention. "In touring cycling, we engage all muscles, strengthen the cardiovascular system, but do not burden the joints. The fun is also greater when riding than walking. With bike riding, we improve balance and reflexes. Since we are surrounded by wonderful nature at the same time, cycling helps reduce daily stress," added Atila Armentano, who led the stage on Vršič on Saturday.