Getting ready for my biggest project yet

Maribor to Split — 600 km, 6,000 m, and 36 Hours on the Bike

My first long-distance cycling tour didn’t begin with carbon frames, ultralight bags, or aerodynamic gear. It started with a hardtail mountain bike, fully loaded with more than 45 kilograms of equipment, and a simple idea: test myself on the open road and see how far I could push both mind and body.

The route from Maribor to Split stretched across 600 kilometers and more than 6,000 meters of elevation, crossing Slovenia, Croatia, and the rugged interior that leads to the Adriatic coast. I had five days — no shortcuts, no support vehicle, just the bike, the weight I carried, and the promise of the sea waiting at the end.

Riding through forests, climbing long mountain roads, dealing with heat, wind, and the grind of continuous effort, I learned more about endurance than any gym session or training plan could teach. Every climb felt heavier with the loaded bike. Every descent felt earned. And every day brought a new set of challenges — navigating unfamiliar roads, finding water, keeping momentum when the legs wanted to stop.

In total, I spent 36 hours on the bike. The final push into Split, with the sea finally appearing in the distance, was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve had on two wheels.

This tour wasn’t about performance or speed. It was about proving to myself that I could carry everything I needed, move under my own power, and trust the process of slow, steady progress. It became one of the foundational experiences that shaped how I approach future expeditions — including Absolute Ascent.

Sometimes, the journey that seems small on a map turns out to be the one that changes how you see everything that comes next.