LJUBLJANA – 15/MAY/2022
THE ROUTE
Starting from Ljubljana the route heads south-west through the Krajinski Park, giving you the first small climb. Proceeding, you’ll cross the village of Logatec, still heading south to Postojna direction but having a loop that goes all around the famous town. Here you’ll find the first of the seven checkpoints, the Sveta Trojica hill. After this climb you’ll properly head to Postojna and after a few more kilometers you’ll be crossing the village. Now heading south-west, you’ll cross Cerkniško Jezero, a nice lake not far from the Croatian border. Now the hard part begins, few resupply points and a big stretch through the mountains while crossing the two countries and heading to checkpoint number two: Guslica, a hill in the Risnjak National Park. Right after you’ll find Platak, a mountain area famous for its ski resort. Enjoying a little bit of downhill you’ll be reaching Fužine, close to Jezero Bajer. Now another hilly section before heading to the island of Krk. You’ll enter the island by riding the Krčki Most, the huge bridge that connects the two pieces (actually three) of land. Krk island will be lovely, riding close to the seaside and reaching some very nice viewpoints. Passing by the village of Vrbnik you’ll head to Baška enjoying the lunar landscape that surrounds the area. Next two stops will be Punat and then the beautiful village of Krk, the third checkpoint, right before getting the ferry boat that connects Valbiska to Merag, in the island of Cres. After a short ferry boat trip you’ll finally arrive at Cres island, riding a 60 kilometres loop before arriving at the village of Cres itself but crossing some beautiful points such as Vransko lake and Lubenice village. After refueling in Cres you’ll have a steep climb that will lead you to the last 40 kilometres before the next ferry, the one from Porozina to Brestova, in the Istrian peninsula.
Right after Brestova you’ll head to Vojak, checkpoint number five and highest peak of the Učka Natural Park. From heading north you’ll be slowly heading west, crossing lake Butoniga right before approaching Motovun village. You’ll be following the “Parenzana” route crossing the Istrian peninsula, arriving in Novigrad and keeping the seaside for a few kilometres. You’ll have a bit more inland before arriving at checkpoint number six, the Sečovlje Saltworks. Following the coastline you’ll cross Izola and Koper before returning inland and climbing to the last checkpoint, Slavinik peak. After this beautiful climb you’ll slowly downhill to Trieste direction finally arriving at the end of this amazing journey.
RESULTS 2022
Official results: https://dotwatcher.cc/results/2022/seven-serpents-2022
OTHER LINKS
Dotwatcher’s commentary: https://dotwatcher.cc/race/seven-serpents-2022
Know more about the Serpents
Registration
Registrations opening at 7 P.M. on Monday October 14!
Dates
QUICK BITE! /// LJUBLJANA 11/MAY/2025
Saturday 10 May – Rider’s accreditations
Sunday 11 May – Official Start
Thursday 15 May – (10 p.m.) – Time Limit
SEVEN SERPENTS /// LJUBLJANA 18/MAY/2025
Saturday 17 May – Rider’s accreditations
Sunday 18 May – Official Start
Saturday 24 May – (7 p.m.) – Time Limit
Illyrian Loop - ??/SEPTEMBER/2025
What is Seven Serpents?
Seven Serpents is an unsupported bikepacking challenge with a set route of approximately 850km x 16.000m. It runs from Ljubljana to Trieste through Croatian islands by gravel and secondary roads!
What does "set route" means?
You must follow the track we provide. If at some point the way is blocked by something unexpected (e.g. roadworks, landfalls, trees on the path etc.) you can leave the track but you’ll have to rejoin it as soon as possible.
*There will be only one shortcut permitted but it will cost a time penalty.
Can I have more info about the route?
You can take a look at the checkpoints here. The route is briefly explained in the homepage but we will send you the official GPS file and the roadbook few weeks before the event.
Do I need an insurance?
Yes it's mandatory to have your own insurance.
You must have a valid liability, death, accident and health insurance valid during the event that covers emergency extraction and repatriation insurance.
The organization won’t provide any kind of insurance for the event and will not held liable for any damage whatsoever that may occur directly and/or indirectly to you or other parties.
It's easy to find water, food or accomodations?
Seven Serpents' route has different types of locations and environment. It's a well balanced mix where, if you plan your adventure carefully, you'll be able to find anything you need. There will be some "wild" areas but we will give you a detailed roadbook with the rider's manual.
Is it possible to book something before the departure?
No. The event starts Sunday May 14th at 07:00 a.m. From that moment you'll be free to look for facilities and book anything you need.
What happen if I get lost?
If you'll follow the GPS we provide you won't surely get lost. Anyway if anything happens you may ask people, find the route on your GPS or on your mobile phone using mapping applications. It's always useful to save an off-line map on your mobile phone!
What if I have mechanical problems?
Try to fix them yourself. Don't forget to bring tools and all the necessary. If it's a major mechanical problem try to find a bicycle shop that can fix it for you.
Can I have the GPS track now?
Sorry, no. The track is already planned but we'll have to do few final recognitions before giving it to you. This is for your safety and to fully enjoy a fantastic route.
How to arrive in Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia, it's perfectly connected with all the surrounting states. You can reach it by bus, train or plane. Also sharing a car/van is an option, we will soon setup a Facebook discussion page for you to organise your trip.
