I parked at Tolmin and rode briefly to Poljubinj (225 meters). The paved road up to Planina Stador (1040 meters) is a good workout with glorious views of the Soca River and lush green countryside. After some climbing on dirt alternating with concrete pavement, the road begins rolling along the contours of the mountainside without gaining additional altitude. At Planina Lom, a dairy where you can buy a meal, the road begins ascending in an area with open grassland. This continues until Planina Razor (1310 meters), on steep grassy slopes ascending to rocky peaks.
I had read about a MTB trail descending to Tolminske Ravne, a pastural area visible far below. The trail is marked Mulattiera (mule trail) and was beyond my MTB skills at first. I was prudent and walked down the steepest, rockiest parts, and coasted with one foot unclipped on the iffy bits. The rideable stretches eventually arrived more frequently and after awhile I was able to ride safely. It later levels out, turning into a lovely forest trail. Finally I reached the open grassland at Tolminske Ravne, and soon was descending the paved road along the gorge of the Zadlascica, then a brief climb up the other side of the gorge and an easy coast to Tolmin. Fun!
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| The view east from Planina Lom |
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| The grassland zone between Planina Lom and Planina Razor |
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| Far below to the west, Tolminske Ravne in a grassy niche in the mountainside |
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| The gorge of Torrente Zadlascica, Kozlov Rob (hill where Grad Tolmin perches), and mountains to southwest |
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| Planina Razor, with clouds hiding the mountain above |
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| A fontana along the Mulatteria to Tolminske Ravne |
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| I was so glad to arrive at Tolminske Ravne. I survived! |
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| Veliki Stador |
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| Tolminski Kuk, left |
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| Vogel to the east |
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| Look closely and you can see the dairy at Planina Razor |
