Cycling Dolomiti Friulane: Planina Razor MTB

Tolmin, Slovenia is starting point for 3 big climbs in Triglav National Park: Cadrg, Tolminske Ravne, and Planina Razor. The last of these I climbed with my road bike a couple years ago, but couldn't complete the final 6.5 km with skinny tires. Today the weather's beautiful, so it's time to try it with a MTB.

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!