June 19, 2025
Alps to Adriatic day 3 -Kranjska Gora to Bovec
Vršič Pass
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49792519?privacy_code=Z42YBs2TlSASqBN1Vk1jC9oxd96C62Tb
What a day! Today definitely had its highs and lows, literally and figuratively. I had thought I would feel great in the big climb after all the recent Colles in Italy but it was sadly not meant to be. First, I apparently got food poisoning from lunch the day before and spent hours last evening in the fetal position and on the toilet. Luckily I was much better in the morning but it clearly had taken a toll on me. Also, my new knee decided it wasn’t happy with the steep grades yesterday and swelled up overnight and my first few pedal strokes were a nightmare. Would I have to pedal up with one leg up the pass or do I call a transport? Luckily it loosened up but considering those two issues, a very hot day, climbs sustaining 11%+ with sections up to 18%, I was a struggle bus. Huge thanks for Brody cheering me on and giving me the freedom to stop as often as I needed (very often!), and going who knows where to find me a Coke Zero. I made the pass with him! And the views were absolutely incredible.
Vršič pass is the highest pass in Slovenia with elevation 1611 meters. It had 29 hairpin turns and regular cobblestones.
The history is interesting too. During WWI, the Austo-Hungarian military upgraded the trail into a modern road; it is now known as the Russian Road for the Russian prisoners of War (slaves) of war forced to build it between 1915 and 1917. From 1918 to WWII, it marked the border between Italy and Yugoslavia but was incorporated fully into Yugoslavia after the war.
Slovenia was owned by others for so long! Alpine Slavs (Slovenians predecessors) moved in late in 6th century AD and the area was controlled by the Holy Roman Empire for almost 1,000 years. Slovenia was also devastated by the barbarian attacks that occurred while under the Romans. From 14th century to 1918, they were then controlled by Hapsburg rule. In 1918, most of Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, Slovenes. In 1929, this mainly became the kingdom of Yugoslavia with Ljubljana as the capital. Slovenia finally gained independence in 1991 from Yugoslavia and is part of the EU and NATO.
Coming down the pass really was spectacular. We passed the source of the Soča River then followed the stunning Soča valley. The color of the water just makes you want to swim! We passed two different gorges and just enjoyed the long downhill. Part of this route was gravel again and it was great to get away from summer crowds and hear the birds again. We saw many kayakers. Boveč is a huge rafting /kayaking/ climbing/ canyoneering destination and we saw so many boats! All types from serious to recreational.
The last mile was steep (13%) and I have to admit the exhaustion of the day and the high heat and fully exposed roads in the climb were rather miserable. Our hotel was awesome though and Brody managed to get me some ice water asap to get me human again.
Funny thing on the descents here - they’re so steep and I’m obviously gripping brakes hard and it’s warm out so when we stop, you can hear the metal pinging as they cool down. With two bikes, it’s almost a melody 🎵 like chimes.
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Today's ride: 30 miles (48 km)
Total: 118 miles (190 km)
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1 week ago
https://sloveniacyclingholidays.com/
Cheers and happy riding!
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