The Ćirina pruga MTB marathon and an epic ride over Trebević were our original plan for this March weekend, but the trail, as always, told its own unique and unpredictable story. The announced route was supposed to be around 51 kilometres, yet our Saturday adventure, "Epic Ride: Ćirina Pruga and Trebević MTB Marathon", spontaneously stretched to more than 60 kilometres of pure adrenaline, technical climbs, beautiful scenery and, most importantly, top-notch club spirit. Mountain biking around Sarajevo rarely goes strictly to plan, and that is exactly what makes it magical.
Different Roads, Same Goal: Logistics and the E-Bike Revolution
We set off from East Sarajevo, but this time we had a true "combined tactical unit" out on the terrain. Trebević mountain offers countless ways in, so the logistics were varied. Some riders used modern infrastructure and the Sarajevo Cable Car to skip the toughest opening climb, others got to the Brus picnic area by car, and on the trail we also had an exceptionally strong lineup on modern e-bikes.
As a Bosch eBike expert, I have to point out how much electric bikes have transformed our sport. They don't erase the effort; they level out fitness differences within the group, so riders of different profiles can enjoy technically demanding sections together. The e-bike revolution made the steep gradients towards Brus easier, keeping the group compact and full of energy for what was still to come. If you ride one yourself, our Bosch eBike service keeps motor and battery ready for days like this.
"The mountain knows no shortcuts, but it knows togetherness. Whether you ride the latest e-bike or push on raw power, at the end of the day we all share the same priceless view of the Miljacke canyon from the top."
The Steel Men: A Triumph of Analog Power
Impressive as the technology is, special recognition and a deep bow go to our "steel men", Vjeko and Dragan. While motors hummed all around them, they pedalled the entire tour, including the hardest and steepest climb out of the city, purely on their own legs. Their analog strength is a reminder of the very roots of mountain biking. Conquering more than 1,500 metres of elevation gain without any assistance takes enviable fitness, mental strength and the true sporting spirit we proudly nurture at MTB Evolution.
From Udež to Stone Tunnels: A Technical Cross-Section of the Trail
After the regroup and a strategic meeting at Brus, where a superb panorama greeted us right at the turn-off for Dovlići, we dropped onto a fantastic cross-country section over Udež. This part of the trail is made up entirely of wide, packed gravel road, with no narrow singletrack sections. The views of the impressive Miljacke canyon reminded us why our corner of the world is an absolute paradise for Miljacke canyon cycling. The surface was dry and fast, ideal for dynamic, flowing riding.
After a well-earned lunch and a quick gear check in Pale (a reminder: before every ride like this, an inspection at our specialized bike service is a must), we headed back along the crown jewel of the region. That is the part that makes the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon unforgettable.
History Under Your Wheels
Riding the legendary route of the old narrow-gauge railway always feels special. Passing through old, dark stone tunnels and riding along the edge of the deep Miljacke canyon is the ultimate blend of history and nature. This part of the trail is best experienced from the saddle. For a detailed look at the GPS track and elevation profile of this section, be sure to visit our official trail page: Ćirina pruga Sarajevo MTB Marathon.
A Glimpse of the Trail Atmosphere
Telemetry and Summary of an Epic Day
- ⯈ Distance: 60+ km (51 km planned, but who counts kilometres when the crew is right and you're chasing the best flow segments?)
- ⯈ Route: East Sarajevo – Brus – Dovlići – Udež – Pale – Ćirina pruga – Kozija ćuprija.
- ⯈ Weather and conditions: Ideal for a March ride, with temperatures around 15°C and a perfectly dry surface in the canyon.
- ⯈ Atmosphere: A solid ten out of ten! Great synergy between longtime members and new faces.
A big thank you to everyone who joined, pedalled, pushed and made this another absolutely unforgettable day for our club. Whether you are a fan of long climbs, adrenaline-filled descents in the Bike Park, or relaxed chats in our Small Workshop, one thing is certain: the mountain calls, and we gladly answer. See you on the next stage, ready for new kilometres and new stories, and for another Ćirina pruga MTB marathon!
Ready for Your Next MTB Adventure?
Before you hit the Trebević trails and the Miljacke canyon, make sure your bike is in perfect shape.
How to Prepare for the Ćirina pruga MTB Marathon
A ride of 60 kilometres or more over Trebević takes a little planning. Here is the advice we give to anyone getting ready for the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon for the first time.
- Bike: check your brakes, chain and tyre pressure before the ride; our 10-minute pre-ride bike check can prevent a breakdown on the trail.
- Food and water: plan at least 500 ml of fluid per hour, plus energy bars or gels for the longer sections.
- Light and tunnel: the stone tunnels call for a front light, even in daytime.
- Navigation: load the GPX track, ideally from Evolution Maps, and agree on a meeting and finishing point.
- Pacing: ride the climb towards Trebević at an even pace and save your strength for the technical part towards Udež.
Why This Ride Is Something Special
On the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon we see both approaches: an e-bike helps on the long climbs and evens out the group, while a classic MTB rewards fitness. The e-bike vs MTB marathon debate never ends, but both bikes need the same thing: a working drivetrain and brakes. Tyre pressure is easier to dial in with our tyre pressure guide, and the pre-ride check is handled by bike service. In short, the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon combines history, technique and good company. Whoever rides it once comes back every year, and we recommend the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon to beginners too, as long as they have the fitness for 60 km. For more ideas, see our Trebević mountain biking guide with three routes, and for a base close to the trails take a look at Auto Camp Trebewitch. You can read about other rides on the Bike Park Evolution page.
Practical Tips for Long Rides of 60 Kilometres and More
A long ride on mixed terrain calls for a different approach than a short lap on a trail. Even energy distribution matters most: ride a little slower than you think you can for the first hour, and you will have energy left for the final climbs. Eat and drink regularly, ideally every twenty minutes or so, and don't wait until you feel hungry.
- Gear: a spare tube, pump, multi-tool, chain link and a small repair kit.
- Food: energy bars, bananas, salty snacks and two bottles of fluid.
- Clothing: removable layers, gloves and a windbreaker in your pack.
- Navigation: load the track onto your device or phone and bring a charger.
Your Bike Before You Leave
A few days before the event, check your brakes, chain, tyre pressure and shifting. If you ride an electric bike, charge the battery and check the range for your planned route. For inspection and adjustment, contact our bike service.
Sources and Further Reading
- Trebević (Wikipedia) – the mountain above Sarajevo
- Narrow-gauge railway (Wikipedia) – about narrow-gauge railways
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Ćirina pruga MTB marathon?
The announced route was about 51 kilometres, but our ride stretched to more than 60 kilometres. The route ran from East Sarajevo through Brus, Dovlići, Udež and Pale to the Ćirina pruga and Kozija ćuprija, with more than 1,500 metres of elevation gain on the toughest version.
Is the route technical?
The Udež section is made up entirely of wide, packed gravel road with no narrow singletrack, and the surface was dry and fast. The technical part comes with the steep climb towards Trebević and the old stone tunnels along the Miljacke canyon.
Do I need a light for the stone tunnels?
Yes. The old stone tunnels call for a front light, even if you ride during the day.
Can I ride the route on an e-bike?
Yes. On our ride an e-bike helped on the long climbs and evened out the fitness differences within the group. If you ride an electric bike, charge the battery and check the range for your planned route before you leave.
How should I prepare my bike for a 60 km ride?
A few days before the ride, check your brakes, chain, tyre pressure and shifting. Pack a spare tube, pump, multi-tool, chain link and a small repair kit, and book a service appointment if you want your bike inspected.