The largest touring bike trip in Slovenia for promoting visits to the mountains by bike.

The largest touring bike trip in Slovenia for promoting visits to the mountains by bike.





The Touring Cycling Commission of the Alpine Association of Slovenia (KTK PZS) has decided, in collaboration with Generali insurance, to organize a special touring bike event on Saturday, September 12: Accept the Migimigi challenge! Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day! Under the guidance of PZS touring bike guides, hikers on bikes will set out on the 41 sections of the 1850-kilometer circular route to present this unique route to a wider circle of recreational cyclists. This year's trip along the STKP is aimed at educating cyclists about proper touring cycling and raising awareness of the need to harmonize legislation regulating touring cycling. Participation is free. Registrations are limited in number and accepted until September 11 at 10 a.m. on the page www.migimigi.si/stkp1dan.







The Slovenian Touring Cycle Route, with its 41 stages and 1850 kilometers leading through all the major mountain groups, visits 112 checkpoints, including more than 50 mountain huts and numerous important alpine and tourist attractions. The entire route accumulates more than 50,000 meters of elevation gain, the highest point of the STKP is Poštarski dom on Vršič (1688 m), and the lowest are Piran and Sečoveljske soline (1 m). It follows traffic-free side roads, field paths, forest tracks, and trails, but is not technically particularly demanding, as it appeals to a wide range of cyclists, though it is strenuous in places, sometimes requiring pushing the bike, but never carrying it. The popularity of the STKP is evidenced by the fact that more than 3300 Logbooks of the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route have been sold, and 23 cyclists have already completed it entirely. The Slovenian Touring Cycle Route is not technically overly demanding; it is intended to present the mountain world, its natural features, as well as historical and ethnological curiosities, and not just sporting goals.







The Migimigi challenge Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day will, on Saturday, September 12, bring the STKP closer to the wider public and enable first-time experience of riding it for touring cyclists who do not yet know it. "The purpose of organizing our alpine bike trip is to present touring cycling to a wider group of active population for whom nature activities, especially in the mountains, are close, and who use trekking or mountain bikes in their adventures," says Atila Armentano, head of the PZS Touring Cycling Commission. He is supported by PZS President Jože Rovan, the conceptual father of the STKP. "With good promotion provided by Generali insurance through this action, the invitation to the tour reaches a wide circle of potential participants, touring cyclists, as well as other cyclists who have not yet ventured into the mountains by bike. But the tour is not just a sporting event, but also an opportunity for PZS guides to present to participants a nature-friendly way of cycling. We are addressing a broad stratum of touring cyclists, promoting visiting mountains by bike in a nature-friendly way."







Last year, more than 200 alpine cyclists participated in the event, and in PZS we hope that this year's number will be comparable or even higher. The number of touring cyclists is indeed increasing extremely rapidly, as evidenced by the approximately 10 percent growth in mountain bike sales in recent years. "We are also pleased to note that friction between touring cyclists and other visitors to the natural environment is significantly less than in the past; we have gotten used to each other and become more considerate," adds Jože Rovan. There are still quite a few who do not know the basics of touring cycling etiquette, so this year's STKP trip will be dedicated to educating cyclists about proper touring cycling. "In the PZS Touring Cycling Commission, we are pleased with the exceptional increase in the popularity of touring cycling. However, we observe that the vast majority of new touring cyclists are technically less skilled and insufficiently informed about riding technique, touring cycling etiquette (which is similar to alpine etiquette), and the proper attitude towards the environment they head to on their trips. Therefore, we want to bring and present proper touring cycling to all touring cyclists so that all visitors to the natural alpine environment can enjoy and rejoice in all our activities," reminds Atila Armentano. At the same time, the guides invite all touring cyclists to join the touring cycling sections at nearby alpine associations, where experienced touring bike guides will gladly present proper touring cycling to them, of course in a pleasant alpine atmosphere.







"Such events are interesting for everyone because they are connective and unique. Cycling the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day unites nature, friendship, and sport. The event is prepared by excellent touring guides and experienced organizers of the Alpine Association of Slovenia. Therefore, we believe in such projects, just as we believed that we could have a marked touring cycle route across all of Slovenia. If we joke a little, on September 12 this year we will fight like lions to cycle the route shaped like a puppy outlined in the Slovenian cockerel. At Generali insurance, we have ensured that participants are insured and carefree. If we connect and each of us rides one of the 41 sections through our beautiful Slovenia, we will all be winners," enthuses Boštjan Jenko from Generali insurance.







The touring bike trip will be carried out taking into account the measures in force to prevent infections with the new coronavirus, and the number of participants per individual stage will thus be limited, so registration via the Migimigi portal www.migimigi.si/stkp1dan is essential.







The STKP in one day event is being prepared in collaboration by alpine associations or touring cycling sections and their touring bike guides, as well as the PZS Touring Cycling Commission with the support of partner Generali insurance.



More about the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route and presentation of individual stages >>> www.stkp.pzs.si.







More about the Cycle the Slovenian Touring Cycle Route in one day event and registrations >>> www.migimigi.si/stkp1dan.







To make sure you are familiar with the basic rules of touring cycling, let's review them once again!







Cycle only on permitted paths! Do not ride on forest areas, meadows, and other types of off-trail. The area above the tree line is particularly sensitive, so ride only on roads intended for motor vehicle traffic. On paths intended for pedestrians and cyclists, pedestrians have priority. Respect path closures (if not sure, ask), avoid crossing private land, if necessary, ask for permission. The manner of cycling influences the decisions and policies of landowners and managers.



Cycle without leaving traces! Cycle appropriately to the surface. Wet ground is damaged more quickly. Do not brake with a locked rear wheel. Use existing paths, do not make new ones and do not take shortcuts. What you brought into nature, take home.



Never scare animals! Sudden appearance, quick movement, noise scares animals. This can become dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Leave enough space for animals to retreat. Be attentive when passing a horse and follow the rider's instructions.



Master your bike! Respect speed limits, recommendations, and your own abilities. Carelessness can cause an accident. For bends and blind spots, always expect obstacles or other users.



Respect other path users! Do not scare others. In an appropriate manner, warn others on your path that you are coming. A friendly greeting is very welcome. Be considerate: slow down, establish communication, if necessary, step aside or dismount the bike. Always offer help when needed. Choose less frequented paths.



Plan tours in advance! Always consider the condition of your equipment, your abilities, the terrain you are heading to, and prepare accordingly. Maintain equipment, carry necessary iron rations, first aid, and spare equipment (technical equipment, clothing). A well-executed tour is to your satisfaction and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and other appropriate protective equipment.