Our introduction to Velebit trails began in the centre of Gračac on the parking lot outside the school and district administration from where we took the road to Velebit. It is important to mention that today’s route, however large it may be to some, was only a small part of the Velebit expanse that encompasses countless hills, overpasses, valleys, forests, rocks, creeks, rivers, lakes, trails and by-roads which attracts mountain hikers over and over again, and lately more of us MTB cyclists.
So, Velebit as the ultimate destination for any MTB biker offers the choice of a vast area that probably surpasses 500 km of routes attractive to nearly everyone who decides to visit this area with the same intention as us.
Our hosts prepared a ride of nearly 70 km which truly best presents the variety and all the splendour of the place. A circular route named “Velebit Trails and By-Roads” actually forms the circle Gračac - Duboke Jasle – Majstorska cesta – Sv. Rok – Lovinac – Štikada – Štikadsko jezero – Gračac.
A bit uphill, a bit downhill on our two-wheelers we quickly meshed with the scenery which with every look and metre drew out our smiles, filling our souls with a feeling that we always look for. We must admit the hosts adapted this tour for pure enjoyment without exaggerated climbs or reaching highest peaks.
Falling back from the highest peaks we stuck to mountain passes which after every ascent enabled long descent on comfortable gravel or road trails not demanding any large technical skill. A special experience is a dense deciduous forest with a wonderful gravel road called the Masters Road, covered in freshly discarded leaves. The play of sunlight and shadow combined with the colourful cape of leaves that surrounded us created a thrill, as in an MTB dream. This dream lasted several kilometres in an unforgettable descent to Sv. Rok and Lovinac.
Early fall is a time of year we would especially recommend to repeat this ride precisely for the colours that can leave no one indifferent. A perfect sunny fall day that served us well made the best of every view wherever we turned.
Velebit rocks, creeks, Ričica river, Štikada lake, bridges, herds of cows and sheep we come across offer countless motives to photograph and the pleasure of moving through natural wealth surrounding us, shuffling before our eyes images we will long remember.
Due to the lovely weather we met the nicer face of a small section of Velebit. However, we are aware it has a mysterious side that can frighten with its rawness that comes from the weather conditions that rule this area. Such an awareness fills us with awe and respect that in a special way can be produced by this combination of threatening force and timeless beauty revealed in a wonderful day.
We would like to thank primarily the main organiser and spiritus movens of this expertly organised tour Danijel Tot (cell phone 098 161 4104) and his friends and sponsors: Apartments Nada in Gračac, who secured accommodation for all who participated and the Lito tourism agency in Lovinac, where some of our companions rented top notch MTB bikes, even some with hybrid electric drive.
Bike On
Text: Antun Babić
Photo: Denis Peroš
Route: Danijel Tot
For the original and more from Dinarides Trails, click here.
