JUNE 13 2021

In 2011, I wanted to cycle around Paris, but the bike share system wouldn’t accept my credit card. So, I went to a bike shop and the only bike I could rent was an E-bike, ok? I rode and around Paris in 5 hours and was totally sold on E-bikes. Came home and bought an e-bike kit for an old bike. It changed my life, I ditched my car and the E-bike became my first choice transportation option.

Now, 10 years later I decided it was time to buy a real one, not the kit. When I’ve been bike touring here in Slovenia I sometimes jump start a ride, using the train or the bus. Slovenia, being so small and with the E-bike, my plan is to ditch the train and ride the whole thing.

HERE’S 3 RIDES I DID IN SLOVENIA BY E-BIKE

LJUBLJANA TO NOVO MESTO & BREZICE:

This is my first test ride on the E-bike, it’s about 80km to Novo Mesto. I wanted to test carrying some weight, see how long the battery would last. I use several apps for bicycle routing, Guru Maps, Komoot or Google maps. Google maps has some problems for bicycling, the walking route can often get you there, safely. There were lots of safe bike lanes out of Ljubljana. As you left town, the routes turned into low traffic roads.

HERE’S A FEW PHOTOS

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Novo Mesto has recently been added to the list of Slovenian towns that made the city center car-free. I stayed at Hostel Situla after signing in with host Janez, he took me to the local bar, The Pump House. I played ping pong there and got killed 3-0, I’m good, she was better. I’m coming back here, but next time for 3 or 4 days of exploring the areas sights. I went out to Kralj Matjaz Pizza and couldn’t decide, so the waiter said he’d bring me something good, that was easy. They’re also having their own custom beer made by Reservoir Dog Brewery.

The bike ride to Brezice should have been easy, but I missed a few turns. Brezice is a must visit town, Reset Brewery is always a good stop, but I was there on Sunday & Monday, closed. Tochka Beach Bar is the place to be, in Slovenia. Super Pizza, swimming and great people. Here’s an earlier blog post about Brezice HERE I went back to the Castle museum to get this photo of a downtown building during the Nazi occupation.

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It ‘s 117km back to Ljubljana from Brezice, I’m going to try and make it on one charge. I thought I knew my way better than the map, nope. I added too many kilometers and had to stop for Salad, a Beer and to recharge my bike battery.

JEZERSKO UP IN BACK IN ONE DAY

I wanted to go up and stay overnight, but it’s been raining nearly everyday. We had one rare sunny day, so I headed up, it’s about 50km. I was shocked how fast I got there. Visited the lake, Senk Farms and Mateja & family (new baby).

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DAY RIDE LAKE BOHINJ

I’ve lived in Slovenia 7 years and have always wanted to see the “fields of wild flowers” around Lake Bohinj. It’s too far for a day ride, but not if you put your bike on the bus. I got the 6:15 bus, threw my bike underneath and off we go. I was so early the tourist office wasn’t open yet, so got a coffee and fruit bowl at the hotel.
The tourist office recommended I go to the Voje valley. The higher elevations were still covered with snow. I biked almost all the way to the water fall. There’s a restaurant at the end. I had the mushroom soup and enjoyed the view. Only one type of flower was open, I’m going back tomorrow.

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LAKE BOHIJN

I’ve been doing longer day rides with the new E-bike too. From Ljubljana to Gorenja Vas, to Slovenia Technology Museum, did the Skofja Loka-Kranj loop and to Kamnik. In a month I’ve ridden 1200km. I’m leaving next week on a 14 day tour of Bohijn, Soca Valley, Kranjska Gora and ? or back home. I plan to do some of the adventure activities in the Soca Valley: cannoying, rafting and whatever else? HELP, the Beatles cover band is playing in Kobarid too!

Riding the E-bike gets the looks from the lycra riders. I’m 65, they’re 30, tell me in 35 years how you like your E-bike. An E-bike on the rode is way better than another car on the road, just saying.

ENJOY THE RIDE

JEFF