This ride is on mixed terrain, but I would say mostly suitable for MTB, as there are few uphill and downhill sections with big rolling stones. Perhaps a gravel or trekking with wide tyres can make it too. Or you can dismount and push when needed.
The first time we attempted this ride, we travelled by train to Mnichovo Hradiště, but the rain caught us pretty soon and we had to come back after only 20km.
The second attempt was then with the car. We parked for free at the train and bus stop in Loukov u Mnichova Hradiště and modified the trail a little bit, not to redo the same route of few days earlier. You can alternatively park for free at the tiny area by the Žabakor pond, where is a shed used for birdwatching.
You begin your journey on the 4009 cycle path, riding primarily on asphalt for about 7 km, until you get to the the Skalka peak (point 2). Here, take the right lane to enter the forest. Cars not are allowed here, except for the parking area, but you might encounter cows and tractors. Be careful, as the road gets narrower.
This section has some tricky spots, where the ground is covered with crushed stones. After a short downhill stretch, continue straight along the blue hiking path, leaving the 4009 to your left. Ride (or push your bike) uphill until you reach a resting bench that offers a beautiful view of the valley below. Mapy doesn’t have this spot marked, but it is more or less at point 3.
At the Černá Louže crossroads you can chose if to take a shortcut by riding the bit on the yellow path between points 4 and 6, or if to enjoy the beauty of the forest and do a mini loop following my map (through point 5).
You come out of the forest to arrive at the big pond Komárov (KKomárovský rybník). In summer it is a very popular place, quite chill under the trees, with camping areas, kiosks for food and drinks, pedal boat rental, etc.. If you are in the mood you can dip in the water at the hell beach – the entrance is from point 7.
After leaving the beach, continue following the 4009 in the forest, until the crossroads with the asphalt road (point 8). If you do not want to ride this longer loop, you can either cut through the forest (see the path between points 7 and 9) or head directly to the main road (point 12). If you choose this last option, you save yourself (or miss, depending on your view) a 200 m ascent.
In fact, after point 9 starts a steep climb, first over rocky terrain to reach Čížovka and then continuing on asphalt until the lookout tower with the same name (point 10). If you wish to take breath, you can rest at the table beneath the tower or decide to climb it. There is a cycle stand where to leave your bike and the entry fee to the tower is is 40kč for adults (20kč for kids).
The ascent continues a bit more to the top of the hill, and almost at the crossroad with the main road (point 11) starts a long 7+ km downhill until the locality of Žehrov (point 13). You are on a main road, where cars run, therefore it is recommended to turn on at least the back light and to use caution.
If at this point you are tired or hungry, proceed straight on the road to pass Žďár and reach the brewery in Svijany (point 15). It is all pretty much straight, until the last killing bit (read more below).
If you are greedy for one more hill, then follow my map to Kacanovy for a pretty intense ascent to Pohoří village – there is a section with an 11% incline, pure joy!
When passing the main square, keep right to follow the 4012 into an offroad path. You will meet a bunch of extra cute Highland cattles and further ahead is a tiny ‘Sun chapel’ made by 24 linden trees. The descent to Všeň is somehow rough, but then you are on asphalt until the Svijany brewery.
To earn your beer you must climb the last hill, short and painful (average 8%).
The non alcoholic version with yuzu and bergamot flavor is recommended. If you prefer the traditional beer, remember to drink responsibly.
The brewery also offers various dishes from the traditional Czech cuisine and after such a ride you might want to fill your belly here before returning to your car.
If you travel by train, the fastest and easiest option is to go to Turnov (7km flatish), rather than to Mnichovo Hradiště, but both options are fine.
