If you’ve ever tried to design a cycling route yourself, you know how many things can go wrong – the map looks perfect, but in reality, you hit impassable terrain, roads that don’t exist, or trails that turn out to be much tougher than you imagined. That’s our job – one that started as a slightly crazy idea: to give people the chance to enjoy a top-quality cycling experience, carefully planned and tailored just for them. We’ve been doing this for 15 years now and we’ve learned one key thing: a great route can’t be made without going out into the field.
How the perfect route comes to life
The process starts long before we even set foot on the pedals. First comes desktop research – we analyze maps, heat maps, and design an ideal, hypothetical route. We also factor in the limits we’ve set for Epic Rides: the maximum kilometers allowed, acceptable total elevation gain, and the type of terrain our riders can handle. On paper, it all looks perfect – but the real adventure begins only once we step out into the field.
On the ground, we combine bikes, off-road vehicles, and our own two feet. We ride hundreds of kilometers, explore every turn and climb, check the destinations and the surrounding nature – until we feel that the route truly “breathes.” The process usually takes four to six days, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the complexity of the terrain and the surprises we discover along the way. It’s never the same – every terrain and destination brings its own challenges, rhythm, and little adventures.
After about two days in the field, the first draft of the route begins to take shape: every section gets its purpose, every turn and crossing is carefully chosen. We balance safety, the cycling experience, and the destination itself. The creative process isn’t linear – sometimes we hit a creative block when things don’t fit together as we’d like. That’s when selection begins: what to keep, what to cut – until finally comes the HEUREKA moment: the route is there, functional and exciting.
Operational plan and finalization
But the job isn’t finished yet. Every route gets its operational plan: trail marking plan, critical points (road crossings, risky sections), feed zones, start line, and shorter route options (the so-called “SHORTY”). We create GPS files, run them through services to calculate the most precise elevation gain, record estimated passing times for the first and last riders at specific points, and define key spots and intersections. All of this is compiled into detailed maps, which are then aligned with the relevant authorities. At the same time, we plan photo and video shooting locations and timing, and develop the texts that will accompany the event.
By the end of the process, we often know the destination better than most of the locals. It’s especially fun when someone from the area asks us where the route goes, and we list a bunch of place names only locals usually know. They’re often confused – but it earns us a bit of respect.
The route as an experience
A route is never just a path from point A to point B. It’s a carefully crafted story that guides you through nature, challenges, and destinations. Every kilometer is designed to deliver a safe, unforgettable, and truly cycling experience – with a dose of endorphins and a touch of adrenaline. And we do it not just because we love cycling and adventure, but also because it’s our job – our way of giving participants a Saturday they’ll remember at least until the end of the following week. But more often, much longer.dećeg tjedna. Ali često i nešto duže.