This route is perfect for those who want to explore the beautiful scattered village of Holbav.
The starting point is above the main village, just at the entrance, where there is the highest point of the paved road. Here, you can leave your car (there is a small shop on the left side, it is more secluded but it is there, trust me) or if you arrive here by bike, just descend on the main paved road towards the village. Cross it on the main road and after you exit the village, leave the paved road behind. Continue on the main gravel road, surrounded by hills and beautiful meadows on both sides, until you will see a school on the right side and a small church-like construction on the left side. On the right side, just after the school, turn right and continue through the valley until you reach a house with a Romanian flag on the gate on the left side of the road. Approximately 20 meters from the house, there is a road on the left side. Take that road and at the first junctions, do not turn left, just continue ahead, then the road will make a sharp right turn and climb. This is where most of people will push their bikes.
After a sharp left turn you will reach a house. There are some dogs there but they are tied, so do not worry.
Continue on the road, pass a small patch of forest and turn right 30 meters after.
Continue climbing and you will meet another road which comes from the left side. Turn right and follow that road, climbing up to a shop called ”La Vasi”.
Here, you have one of the most beautiful views in Brasov, overloolking the hills and Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. In a clear day, you can even see Iezer and Fagaras mountains. Feel free to have a beer or a snack here.
Continue along the road, keeping left at the first junction, having the treeline on your left side. At one point you will go in the forest and get out at the foothills of the Magura Codlei hill. Here, the main road goes left-down in the forest but you need to turn right, towards Holbav and the starting point.
There is a short forest section which might be muddy after rain, then you come out, follow the main road across a meadow with some trees near the road, again in the forest (muddy) and come out again. You should see a house and a building a bit down which looks like a sheepfold. Beware of the shepherd dogs here, they are free and can be aggressive. Stand your ground if they bark at you, there is always someone nearby to help you get rid of them. Climb to the house and turn left on the main road, keeping the tree line on your left side.
Follow this road to the starting point but stop from time to time to admire the spectacular scenery on your right side.
After some descents and easy climbs you will reach the paved road, closing the loop.
Extra caution is needed after ”La Vasi”, where you might turn left towards Codlea city. The route is perfect even for those who are travelling alone. Just make sure to stand your ground when dogs are barking.
There are no water sources on the route but if you are in danger just ask the locals for a cup of water. Otherwise, you have ”La Vasi” shop or some shops in Holbav. During summertime, watch out for berries (wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry), mirabelle plums and apples during late summer / early autumn.
This route is only for mountain bikes and possibly for gravel bikes.
If you want guidance, feel free to contact me +40724348215
