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Driving
among meadows and forests of a limestone plateau
In spring and autumn, the
possibility of sudden change of weather increases in our
country. That's why mountain bikers prefer terrains with
many possibilities for shelter. Dobrovlje, a limestone
plateau not far away from Celje, is ideal choice for these seasons. There are many farms and people are very
hospitable, so a shelter seeking biker should not be
scared.
Starting point
The trail starts near the
church of St. Martin in a small village of martno, 4 km E
from Vransko. To get there, follow the old main road from
Vransko to Celje. In Prekopa, turn left at the fire station.
Then take the first street right and follow the main road.
After a small ascent you will cross highway near
tollbooth. Further follow descending road to the bottom of
the valley. The church of st. Martin is situated on your
left and has an old yellow frontage.
Trail description
The described trail follows a
logical succession of macadam roads and cart tracks, which
crosses almost the whole plateau. The starting ascent will
warm you up for up-and-down ride that follows. The trail
leads to the other side of the plateau, and sometimes
offers nice panoramic views of upper Savinja valley and
Grintavci mountain range. Then in a long right turn the
trail catches another system of roads and brings you back
to the starting point. The most serious part is the last
descent, which goes along some walking trails and
abandoned forester's tracks.
Before starting a ride, please remember a WARNING: Pay
attention as you pass pasture-grounds, since there are
some "invisible" wires crossing your way!
Other possibilities
A) It is possible to leave your vehicle a little
higher up, maybe near a hunting residence (no. 4). If you
want to completely avoid the starting ascent, you can park
your car at no. 6. In this case, you will have to skip a
final off road descent, too (at no. 29 you will have to
take road to the right). In general it is wisely to skip
final descent in extremely wet ground conditions.
B) Those seeking more bold off road tracks can
take path to the left before no. 35 and then near the
farms of Hribernik and Jug find their own way down the W
side of the hill Konjsek. A good map is warmly recommended.
C) One can shorten the loop using some cross
tracks, for instance at no. 6 it is possible to go
directly to no. 29; similarly 8 - 22, 10 - 19 in 12 - 18.
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