Actually it should have been a backpacking trip. We’d start in the north of Slovenia, right at the Austrian border, combining the trails along the Italian border to a continuous route and work our way all the way south to the Adria and Trieste. Exactly like a classic Transalp. As romantic as this might sound, we quickly had to realize that our plan for Slovenia was more of a wish than reality. No matter how we turned our maps, how much we searched online-forums for trail suggestions or how many locals we asked—every potential route ended in an unrideable trail, in front of a vertical cliff or a strict driving ban. That’s why Paula, Moritz and me eventually had to admit that such a journey through Slovenia simply made no sense.

Vanlife. Perfect sunrises at mountain lakes, immaculately clean vehicles with string lights, moka pots, with steam that rises in the early morning sun with lovely country-music in the background. That is what it looks like on Instagram. In reality the daily procedures of cleaning, cooking, doing dishes, repairing bikes and cleaning again are rather exhausting. And where is the spoke wrench again? But the promise of waking up every morning at a trail start in the middle of nowhere or with a breathtakingly beautiful panorama makes all the efforts worth it.

Looking on the map, it is truly impressive what the locals built into this slope with just 350 meters of altitude. 5 tracks of different difficulties make their way through the not too steep terrain in long turns. They are bristled with small and big jumps, technically difficult passages and there is even a shuttle service. With the confidence of a French general we start into the dense woods and on “Napoleon” all three of us are thrown off of our high horses immediately. Steering at the end of the turns seems to do nothing.

Finalemente—Trieste! When looking at Trailforks one could almost think to be in Squamish. A tight net of trails surrounds the city and the local scene is supposed to be ginormous. This might be the reason why the harbor city is sometimes called the “second Finale Ligure”. Despite the rain the earthy ground on Toboga and Pivo has enough grip and we ascend again immediately. We definitely should have planned for more time here! In comparison to the rocky trails of the last few days, these trails are way smoother to ride. As a little treat we decide to have some pizza and an espresso at the harbor promenade. A worthy conclusion to our trip!