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The Great Carpathians Mountain Bike Route (GCMBR) is a 2,300km (1,430mi) cycling route, Europe’s longest MTB-route, an off-road bicycle touring route between Vienna, Austria, Europe and Drobeta Turnu Severin, Romania, Europe, the so called Iron Gate, at the Romanian-Serbian border (Eastern Europe). Completed in 2017, the GCMBR was developed by two Austrian Cyclists, the environmental expert Walter Hauer und Elisabeth Mattes from Lower Austria near Vienna. During two years of research work, the couple, equipped with Internet maps, a navigation device and their own intuition, investigated and described a mountain bike route which start in Vienna and lead through the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania. The MTB route is described highly detailed in route maps and a guidebook. It is the first MTB-route through the Carpathian Mountains range and the longest MTB-route in Europe: 70% of the MTB route leads the cyclists over unpaved roads, gravel paths and muddy trails that cut through deep mystical forests. Beside the MTB-route Elisabeth Mattes und Walter Hauer researched a Hybrid-Bicycle-route or Trekking-Bike-route through the Carpathians, which they also described in maps and in their guidebook (in 29 stages).

Soft Tourism

With their project “Cycling the Great Carpathians”, the two authors also want to promote the soft tourism in the Carpathians.

Nature, National Parks and World Heritage Nature and Culture  

The Carpathians are the most unexplored region in Europe. The guidebook also covers the pristine landscape and nature of the Carpathians, which are mostly protected in National Parks, as well as the equally fascinating cultural monuments of the Carpathian region. Their description of the two cycling routes also combines the most important National Parks and the UNESCO World Heritage sites:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/620 (Slovakia)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133 (Ukraine)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/598 (Romania)

Technical Recommendations – Bike, Luggage

The MTB (mountain bike) should have tires that have an adequate profile with a minimum width of 2 inches (2.2 inches would be even better). Heavy tour/ trekking bikes or Cyclocross bikes should only be used on alternative trekking routes. Street race bikes are not suited for the trip. Even alternative trekking routes include unpaved paths. The cyclist should get familiar with the technical specifications of the bike to make sure to carry out all maintenance operations – including tire repair, chain care, shifting and braking. Luggage: Recommended is to transport only a minimal amount of luggage, also because of encountering some few steep uphill sections on the way. Food: There are numerous shops and/or restaurants along the route.

Accomodation, Camping

Hospitality is very important in the Carpathian region. Hotels and B & B’s can be found along the route. The author’s recommendation: Opt for the local “Penziunas” instead of international hotels. The landlords are friendly, provide clean and comfortable rooms and offer their guests an insight into their regional culture. In Ukraine and Romania, camping outside National Parks is not a problem. Inside National Parks, camping is forbidden. In Slovakia, wild camping is possible in remote mountainous areas. Tourists and cyclists should be aware of potential security issues and use their common sense and courtesy, wild camping is certainly an option. There is also a number of official camp grounds spread across the country.

Condition

The MTB cyclists should be prepared for strenuous sections and should be able to cope with 1,500 vertical meters per day on unpaved roads as well as maneuver their bike (including luggage) on unpaved roads (even single trails), uneven terrains as well as steep uphill and downhill sections. “Start slowly and do not try to cover excessively long distances during the first days of your trip.” Sufficient rest periods and breaks are necessary. The recommendation also to visit the numerous cultural attractions along the way.

External links section
https://www.cycling-carpathians.net/our-carpathian-way/

https://www.freytagberndt.com/de/cycling-the-great-carpathians.html

https://www.alpenverein.at/portal_wAssets/docs/service/bergauf/pdf_downloads/bergauf_2020/Bergauf_3_20_ebook.pdf

http://www.carpathianconvention.org/tl_files/carpathiancon/Downloads/03%20Meetings%20and%20Events/COP/2017_COP5_Lillafuered/presentations_11_october/Carpathian%20Convention%20COP5_Great%20Carpathians%20Europe%C2%B4s%20longest%20Mountain%20bike%20project.pdf

http://www.tbhauer.at/references-and-downloads/?lang=en