The TBR is an off-road race, and although there are no excessive technical difficulties, riding an MTB will allow you to enjoy it fully! You’ll ride through isolated mountain regions into some of the last untouched wilderness areas in Europe. Get ready to embrace the very challenge of this race: little to no human presence also means fewer chances of resupplying.
The first third of the route follows the ridge of the Dinaric Alps close to the Kvarner Gulf. From Sežana (start), you will ride southeast to enter first the misty region of Čićarja, and then the flourishing forests of mt. Snežnik. You will then pass the border between Slovenia and Croatia and enter Risnjak National Park. The latter is home to the lynx, after which the Risnjak massif is named.
From Risnjak you will enter the Velebit Nature Park, which is the largest single protected reach of land in Croatia. Smooth kilometers of white gravel roads will lead you from the highlands to Gospić (the hometown of Nikola Tesla). After a long cross into the hinterlands, you will border the National Park Una and ride along the Via Dinarica route to reach the Nature Park Dinara (after Knin on the map).
You will cross the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and descend into the Protected Area of Livanjsko Polje. From Livno, you will ride into the Cincar highlands, the region home to the last wild horses of Europe, and reach Blidinje Nature Park. You’re now out of the roughest trails of the route.
Mostar will be next on the course, a glimpse of civilization before heading back into the wilderness. This will be the lowest (and warmer) point of the route (60 m a.s.l.). Try to make the most of the visit, since you’re about to enter the most challenging part of the route.
Karst plateau after karst plateau, you will enter the muddy forests of Sutjeska National Park and cross the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. After a big climb into the Rainforest Perućica Reserve, the view will open on lake Piva with the Piva canyon.
Montenegro will amaze you with its unexpected shifts in landscapes. From the Piva canyon, you will climb to the Durmitor National Park, the highest point of the track (1800 m a.s.l.). Then, a series of challenging climbs through the countryside and windmills fields will link the highlands between Žabljak and Kolašin. One last glimpse of karstic plateaus and you’ll forever carry a piece of Montenegro in your heart. You’ll reach Nikšić, and finally the breathtaking view above Kotor Bay (finish).
The TBR is an off-road race, and although there are no excessive technical difficulties, riding an MTB will allow you to enjoy it fully! You’ll ride through isolated mountain regions into some of the last untouched wilderness areas in Europe. Get ready to embrace the very challenge of this race: little to no human presence also means fewer chances of resupplying.
The first third of the route follows the ridge of the Dinaric Alps close to the Kvarner Gulf. From Sežana (start), you will ride southeast to enter first the misty region of Čićarja, and then the flourishing forests of mt. Snežnik. You will then pass the border between Slovenia and Croatia and enter Risnjak National Park. The latter is home to the lynx, after which the Risnjak massif is named.
From Risnjak you will enter the Velebit Nature Park, which is the largest single protected reach of land in Croatia. Smooth kilometers of white gravel roads will lead you from the highlands to Gospić (the hometown of Nikola Tesla). After a long cross into the hinterlands, you will border the National Park Una and ride along the Via Dinarica route to reach the Nature Park Dinara (after Knin on the map).
Mostar will be next on the course, a glimpse of civilization before heading back into the wilderness. This will be the lowest (and warmer) point of the route (60 m a.s.l.). Try to make the most of the visit, since you’re about to enter the most challenging part of the route.
Karst plateau after karst plateau, you will enter the muddy forests of Sutjeska National Park and cross the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. After a big climb into the Rainforest Perućica Reserve, the view will open on lake Piva with the Piva canyon.
Montenegro will amaze you with its unexpected shifts in landscapes. From the Piva canyon, you will climb to the Durmitor National Park, the highest point of the track (1800 m a.s.l.). Then, a series of challenging climbs through the countryside and windmills fields will link the highlands between Žabljak and Kolašin. One last glimpse of karstic plateaus and you’ll forever carry a piece of Montenegro in your heart. You’ll reach Nikšić, and finally the breathtaking view above Kotor Bay (finish).