Trans Balkan Race

Unsupported bikepacking race

The Trans Balkan Race is an off-road unsupported bikepacking race across the Balkans. Equipped with a GPS, you will follow a route that will take you through the most stunning National Parks of the Dinaric Alps, crossing Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

The organization does not provide any support – other than two supervised Checkpoints and GPS tracking to follow the race. It’s up to you to decide how to tackle the route, choosing when and where to eat, and where and when to sleep.

The ultimate adventure

Bikepacking is the exaltation of freedom: a cycling movement centered on self-sufficiency and big-day rides. Hence, which better destination than the Balkans? In the common imagination, the simultaneous proximity and distance of the Balkans depict an unfamiliar “other” Europe.

This event proposes a fascinating adventure in a region that is still perceived as remote and inaccessible. It’s an unforgettable journey across karstic landscapes and flourishing forests through the history of the Ex-Yugoslavia.

The route

We designed the race to follow the most logical way from Slovenia to Montenegro while reducing concrete segments to the minimum. However, we wanted to avoid pointless hike-a-bike sections: we like to ride as much as you do! The result is a route that doesn’t display excessive technical difficulties. The real challenge consists of the environment and the climbing. Do not underestimate potential dehydration where resupplies are spaced out.

The race crosses tourist and rural areas. Keep in mind that these Countries experienced the Yugoslav Wars not so long ago. Some regions still show the scars of the conflicts, both in the infrastructure and in the population’s hearts. Yet, people will warmly welcome you anywhere on the route, even when the linguistic barrier limits communication.

You will race through isolated rural and mountain regions too. Here the population is mainly constituted of mountain goats and golden jackals. Also, bears and wolves visit these territories. Livestock is usually watched by shepherd dogs. They’re all fluff and fur until they’re not.

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