When you have to get wet (Liptovský Mikuláš and surroundings) on MTB
We had planned a grander trip for that day, but due to the unfavorable weather outlook, we chose a zig-zag route around Liptovský Mikuláš: from everywhere you can get back to civilization relatively quickly.
We were supposed to meet in Liptovský Ondrej, from where we were supposed to continue through Studená dolina to the Tatranská magistrál (Heroes' Road), but dark clouds sent us to the south through the village of Jamník. After leaving the village, the decision is made: we cross to Váh, cross the swing bridge and head to Liptovský Ján. This route can be flown by default.
We pass by the pumping dam and along the dam in the direction of Liptovský Hrádok we come to the swing bridge. After the bridge we turn right.
Soon we arrive at a place where it is possible to drink from kiselka (natural mineral water with a sour taste, also called medokýš). As children, we regularly went to taste it, to this day we still don't understand why????.
One hundred meters after the medokiša, we turn left and go under the old lift with a nutritious climb. Every time I go there I look for a bear. Almost everyone has seen him there.
We come to Ján, we keep to the left. Next to the cemetery, we reach the famous mineral lake - Jánská Kadi.
We recommend one cut U Slávka (refreshment near Kadi): while they are pouring it for you, you can look at probably the largest collection of Marxism-Leninism in Europe????.
Today, however, we continue to lubricate, we have a nutritious walk next to the swimming pool. Through the Putiská cottage area, we reach the seat above Závažná Poruba. Below us is the famous-infamous treatment facility of Bohunice power plants. Some hotels in Liptov are closing anyway.
Let the heart rate drop below 180 and leave (or not). Quickly through Opalisko and we start to climb through the old cross-country area, past the game park into a tangle of old cross-country tracks. I really like this part, it's always up and down, fun with occasional nice views.
I recommend looking at every intersection on mobile, it's really a mess.
In Iľanov, we reach the asphalt road and simply follow the cycling direction to Ploštín, from where we ascend to the ridge connecting Pavčina Lehota and Ploštín. Again, we are faced with several options. We turn along the ridge to the north and descend to Demänová. Below the military academy, we get off the main road to the left and rush under the highway bridge. I recommend dismounting, because if you don't believe in yourself, you will quickly believe that you are sitting in the water, and above all, it will hurt.
Beyond Gufero we find the entrance to the industrial zone. No, don't worry, it's a few hundred meters and there's no other way. We come to the main road through which we enter the area of gravel and sand. This part is also very interesting. When the water in Liptovska Mary is low, as it is now, you can cycle almost as far as Vtáčí ostrov.
We follow the railway line and arrive at the Váha dam. After it, we weave between the houses in the Palúdzka area and enter the city.
We are thinking whether to go for ice cream or beer.
This cycle route is a real Liptov tangle. If you want to walk it all, fitness is definitely necessary, but it is possible to end it at any time and drive comfortably into the city.
Highlights on the route: the Borová Sihoť honey forest, the Jánska Kaďa, the Závažná Poruba game reserve, Liptovská Mara
Length: up to 50 km
Climbed altitude meters: up to 700 m
Difficulty:
Time: 2,5 hours of brisk driving without breaks, otherwise it can be a full-day trip
