Eugene G

It was windy day, it was appearing harding while I was getting close to Ulcinj, but the ride was incredible! This is an epic 98km round-trip designed for endurance riders who want to experience the full diversity of the Montenegrin coast. From ancient history and olive groves to the sandy shores of the "Long Beach" and the wild river mouth of Ada Bojana. Start with the Bar Olive Plantations and visit Stara Maslina, one of the world's oldest olive trees (over 2,000 years old). A "crazy" unpaved downhill segment near Dobra Voda for those who love technical terrain. Ada Bojana & Velika Plaža: Reach the southernmost point of Montenegro where the Bojana river meets the Adriatic. Experience the unique vibe of the fisherman houses and the endless sandy beach. Ride through the majestic Valdanos Olive Plantation, home to thousands of ancient trees, and stop at the viewpoints overlooking the bay. The route features world-class viewpoints, including a spot (41.992446, 19.154427) where, on clear days, you can see the entire Montenegrin coast reaching towards the Bosnian mountains and even Croatia. Mix of asphalt, gravel (unpaved), and technical downhill. Be prepared for potentially flooded roads near the plantations depending on the season. As marked in the waypoints, certain segments near Krute and the plantations can be flooded or heavily unpaved. A mountain bike (MTB) or a robust gravel bike is highly recommended. This "Bar to Ada Bojana" round trip is an Epic/Endurance coastal ride that covers almost the entire southernmost stretch of the Montenegrin coast. It transitions from the industrial port of Bar through ancient olive groves and pirate strongholds to the sandy river delta at the Albanian border. This route is a significant test of endurance, characterized by rolling coastal hills and a long, steady return climb. The "Good Water" Coast (Bar → Dobra Voda) Leaving Bar, the route heads south along the coastal cliffs. obra Voda (meaning "Good Water"). The village earned its name because of the exceptionally high water transparency in its bays, like Veliki Pijesak. On a bike, you’ll feel the "rolling" nature of this section—short, punchy climbs followed by quick descents. The Bay of 18,000 Olives (Valdanos) A detour off the main road leads into the horseshoe-shaped Valdanos Bay. This is a "Natural Monument" home to over 18,000 olive trees. Some of these trees are over 2,000 years old, dating back to the Roman Empire. Historically, this bay was a notorious shelter for the Ulcinj Pirates, as its deep waters and high cliffs hid their ships from the open sea. The Pirate Stronghold (Ulcinj Old Town) Ulcinj was once the "Pirate Capital" of the Adriatic. It features the Slave Square (Trg Robova), where it is legendarily claimed that the famous Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes (who wrote Don Quixote) was held captive by pirates for several years. The River Island (Ada Bojana) The furthest point of this journey, located at the very border with Albania. This triangular island was created artificially in the 19th century after a ship (the Merito) sank at the mouth of the Bojana River, causing sand to accumulate over decades. It is famous for its wooden river houses (sojenice) and the Bojana River itself, which is said to "flow upstream" when strong sea tides push saltwater back into the riverbed. The Inland Ascent (Krute - Bar) The return leg heads inland, moving away from the coast to avoid the heaviest traffic. This region is known as Anamali. It is a peaceful, rural area characterized by traditional stone architecture and livestock grazing. It offers a cooler, quieter environment for the final push back toward Bar compared to the sun-exposed coastal roads.

This 83 km epic journey is one of the most diverse rides in Southern Montenegro. It offers a challenging climb over the Sutorman pass, a breathtaking descent to the Adriatic coast, and a scenic return through the legendary serpentines with views of Skadar Lake. The route forms a large triangle: starting at the lake, crossing the coastal mountains to the sea, riding along the coast, and climbing back over a different pass to return to the lake. Virpazar & Skadar Lake: Start in the heart of the lake region. The initial stretch prepares you for the mountain ascent. Sutorman Pass: A steady climb leading to the historic Sutorman area, offering cool forest air and mountain vistas. The "Triple View": A unique spot (42.151875, 19.105965) where you can see the city of Bar, the Rumija mountain range, and the surrounding peaks all at once. Monastery Ribnjak: A peaceful spiritual oasis nestled in the forest on the descent towards Bar. Adriatic Coastline: Ride through Sutomore and enjoy panoramic views of Ratac and Buljarica as you head toward Petrovac. Serpentine Climb: The return leg features a famous serpentine road with a "Top Point" view overlooking the lake and the distant Albanian Alps. The Climb to the Horizon (Virpazar - Paštrovačka Gora) Starting from Virpazar, the route immediately climbs towards the mountain pass of Paštrovačka Gora. The segment PUMPA-VIDIKOVAC (Pump station to Viewpoint) captures this long, steady ascent. This road is famous for one specific view: as you crest the top, you get a "dual view" where you can see the vast Lake Skadar behind you and the Adriatic Sea opening up in front of you. It is the geographical divide between the Montenegrin hinterland and the coast. The Coastal Descent (Petrovac) You drop down the steep and winding road into the coastal town of Petrovac. Fast descent dropping nearly 600m in just 9km. Location Focus: Petrovac (Petrovac na Moru). Petrovac is known for its Venetian fortress Castello and the two small islands in the bay, Katič and Sveta Neđelja. It offers a calmer, more scenic atmosphere compared to the bustling Budva nearby. The Coastal Traverse (Petrovac - Bar) The route follows the coast southeast towards the port city of Bar. This section is rolling but generally faster than the mountain passes. Location Focus: Bar. Bar is Montenegro's main seaport. Unlike other coastal towns with ancient centers on the water, the historic heart of this area, Stari Bar (Old Bar), is located a few kilometers inland at the foot of Mount Rumija, exactly where your next climb begins. The Wild Return via Sutorman (Bar - Virpazar) This is the toughest challenge of the second half. Leaving Bar, you climb up the slopes of Mount Rumija towards the Sutorman Pass. On this climb, you pass the site of the Battle of Tuđemili (1042), a pivotal moment in the history of the medieval state of Duklja (Montenegro). This winding mountain road is known for its dense forests and fresh air, a sharp contrast to the palm trees of the coast you just left. It follows an old trade route connecting the coast to the lake valley. The final leg is the Dolaza-Virpazar downhill, a 14km descent that brings you back into the Crmnica wine region and finally to the bridges of Virpazar.

This is a Challenging road/mixed-surface ride that connects the historical Kuči highlands with the Morača Canyon and the Piperi region, offering a diverse mix of ancient history and dramatic canyon views. This loop can be divided into three distinct stages: the climb to history, the canyon descent, and the rural return. The Ascent to Ancient Meteon (Podgorica - Omerbožovići - Medun) The ride starts with a sustained climb out of Podgorica towards the Kuči region. Omerbožovići: You pass through this quiet settlement on the way up. It marks the transition from the urban environment to the rocky, scrubby landscape typical of this region. Medun (Meteon): This is the cultural highlight of the trip. Medun is the site of the ancient Illyrian city of Meteon (4th-3rd century BC). You can see remains of the massive Cyclopean walls. It was a stronghold of the Illyrian Labeatae tribe. The Canyon Connection (Medun - Bioče) The Descent/Traverse: From the heights of Medun, the route traverses towards Bioče, likely using local roads that drop down towards the Morača River canyon. Bioče: This village is a critical junction located at the entrance to the breathtaking Morača Canyon (Platije). As you descend near Bioče, look out for the spectacular railway bridges of the Belgrade-Bar line. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is located nearby (though slightly further up the track), which is one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Morača River: The route briefly touches the edge of this dramatic canyon, known for its turquoise waters and sheer cliffs. The Piperi Villages Return (Bioče - Grne Mrke - Petrovići - Podgorica) The Rural Loop: Crossing over from Bioče, the route heads west/northwest into the Piperi tribal region, passing through villages like Grne Mrke and Petrovići. These are small, traditional villages often bypassed by main traffic. They offer a peaceful riding environment with views of the surrounding hills and the highway infrastructure (Smokovac interchange) that has recently transformed parts of this valley.

This is one of the most classic and scenic road cycling routes in all of Montenegro, combining flat plains, charming villages, and a world-famous scenic climb. The Flatlands (Podgorica - Golubovci), The warm-up. This section takes you south from Podgorica through the heart of the Zeta Plain, the largest and most fertile agricultural lowland in Montenegro. You pass through Golubovci, the main town in this area. The Zeta Plain is the agricultural engine of the country, famous for its vineyards (including the massive Plantaže winery), orchards, and vegetable farms. This part of the ride is flat, fast, and a great way to get your legs spinning before the climbing starts. The Lake Embankment (Golubovci - Vranjina - Virpazar). Entering Lake Skadar National Park. You ride on the main road that cuts directly across the lake on a long embankment, or nasip. Vranjina: This is the first village. It's a traditional fishing village built on a former island at the base of a large hill. It's often called the "Montenegrin Venice" and is home to the Vranjina Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on Lake Skadar, dating back to the 13th century. Virpazar: This is the primary tourist hub for Lake Skadar. It's a charming village built at the confluence of two rivers, famous for its three picturesque stone bridges (the Stari Most). Dominating the hill above the village is the Besac Fortress, an Ottoman-era fortification that offers incredible views of the lake and is a perfect spot for a brief stop. The Famous Scenic Climb (Virpazar - Lipovik - Rijeka Crnojevića). The main climb and the scenic highlight. Leaving Virpazar, you turn off the main road and begin the legendary "old road" connecting Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevića. You pass through tiny, ancient hamlets like Lipovik. This narrow, winding road is one of the most photographed in the Balkans. It offers breathtaking, elevated viewpoints of the fjord-like meanders of Lake Skadar. The view from the Pavlova Strana viewpoint is the most famous, appearing on countless postcards and travel guides. The Historic Jewel (Rijeka Crnojevića). The "turnaround point" and a major historical stop. A small, incredibly picturesque historical town built around a beautiful river bend. This town was once the de facto capital of Montenegro in the 15th century and later a major trading port. Its most famous landmark is Danilo's Bridge (Stari Most), built in 1853 by Prince Danilo, with his father-in-law's house (Mostina) built right next to it. It's a perfect place for a longer break. The Return Leg (Rijeka Crnojevića - Barutana - Podgorica) The final climb and descent home. To get home, you must climb out of the river valley back to the main Podgorica-Cetinje highway (Magistrala). This climb takes you past Barutana , a historical site known for a famous battle in 1862. Once you reach the main road, it's a long, fast descent (like the Farmaci descent) all the way back to Podgorica, a well-earned reward for completing this epic loop.

This is a fantastic, historical loop ride that offers a great mix of city views, fast-paced sections, and a journey through some of the most historically significant settlements around Podgorica. This route forms a loop heading northwest out of Podgorica, crossing the Zeta River into the historic Piperi region before returning. A perfect distance for an evening workout ~ 25km. Relatively flat, making it ideal for maintaining high speed and a solid workout. Start/Finish Point: Sahat Kula (Clock Tower), Podgorica The Sahat Kula (Clock Tower) is one of the most important landmarks in Podgorica's Stara Varoš (Old Town). It was built in 1667 by Hadži-paša Osmanagić during the Ottoman Empire's rule. Crucially, it is one of the very few Ottoman-era structures that survived the heavy bombing of Podgorica during World War II, making it a powerful symbol of the city's continuous history. Rogami Village / Dioclea (Duklja) where is the crossing of the Morača and Zeta rivers. The area around Rogami and the river crossing is arguably the most historically significant stop. It is the location of the ruins of Dioclea (Duklja), the remnants of a large ancient Roman city. The site was once the capital of the Roman province of Praevalitana and is the namesake of the medieval Slavic state of Duklja (later Zeta and Montenegro). Passing through this area is a ride through over 2,000 years of history. Velje Brdo Suburban area, often representing the transition from the city proper to the outer villages. Velje Brdo (meaning "Big Hill") sits on the northern outskirts of Podgorica, often characterized by its elevated position which can offer good views back towards the city. It serves as a key junction for routes heading toward Danilovgrad and the villages in the Piperi region, marking a geographical boundary between the urban capital and the wilder Montenegrin hinterland. Piperi Region Piperi is not just a place, but a historical tribe (pleme) of Montenegro. The region is famous for its fiercely independent spirit and historical significance in the country's struggle for independence. The Piperi people were one of the most powerful and influential Montenegrin tribes. The ride through this area, particularly through the smaller villages like Pričelje and Drezga, offers a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin village life away from the capital. Drezga and Pričelje These are small, traditional settlements that dot the rural landscape of Piperi. They lie along the Zeta River valley, which is known for its fertile land. These quiet villages provide a tranquil, pastoral contrast to the bustling city center of Podgorica.