The village of Vrdi: the northern gate of Mostar

Our cycling adventure starts from Mostar and takes us along an asphalt road through Cima and Goranac, where we turn towards Vilinac and encounter a mixture of macadam paths and asphalt sections. Of course, there is also the option of only asphalt sections, for which we provide two GPX records in the tour description (gravel and road), but for the best riding experience we recommend the Gravel bike option and the gravel section of the route. Driving on this track, you will pass part of the track where the "XCM Herzegovina" marathon started, today known as the Blidinje BIKE Festival. Some of the best cyclists in Bosnia and Herzegovina raced on this part of the track, but if you are riding on a section that is not technically demanding, don't be scared.

Keep in mind that the route is physically demanding, as it contains many climbs, especially on the part when you return from the village of Vrdi, when you are already tired. That last section with constant 12-15% climbs will drain the last atoms of strength, so be prepared for sweat, racing heart and tired legs.

But everything will be worth it when you get out onto the plateau in the village of Vrdi, near the local cemetery, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the Neretva canyon. It is an ideal place to rest and refresh before you leave Vrd back towards Goranci and face the big climb.

Keep in mind that from the village of Vrdi you can go down towards Drežnica, but we avoided that part of the route because it leads to the main road M17, which is dangerous for cycling, especially in the summer when it is full of tourists. We recommend that you spend a little more strength, face the climb and return to Goranci. And when you arrive in Goranci, visit the restaurant "Konoba Goranci" and enjoy the rhapsody of excellent flavors of local food. It is the ideal end to a busy day before the descent towards Mostar and the final end of this cycling adventure. At the end, you will feel tired, but satisfied and full of batteries.

Also, from the village of Vrdi you can go down to Mostar via Raška Gora, that is, on one part when you return to Goranci, you can turn left towards Raška Gora, and then go down towards Mostar, but keep in mind that this section is for mountain bikes, not recommended for Gravel.

On this track, you can expect a variety of terrain, from asphalt roads to macadam tracks. The trip will take you through beautiful landscapes and through parts where bicycle races were held. The climbs are challenging, especially when returning from the village of Vrdi, but the view of the Neretva canyon from the plateau in the village of Vrdi is worth every effort. Also, keep in mind that the route can be adapted to your experience level and preferences, since we offer two route options (macadam and road), and at the end of the ride you can enjoy a rest and delicious food in the restaurant "Konoba Goranci" before returning to Mostar.