In terms of length and elevation difference a moderately difficult route, suitable also for less fit bikers. But in terms of views and diversity of the country, it belongs to the most beautiful ones. The route leads through the ridgy parts of the Polana slopes, where the major part is unforested and thus offering stunning views into the whole surroundings. You’re gonna see almost the whole Low Tatras ridge, which is especially imposing in the spring time. While you’re riding on the dry, sun-warmed meadows, the horizon is lined by snow-covered peaks.

You begin behind the bridge over the river Hron near a gypsy village. On a pleasant forest road you’ll ascend 250 m to the Chotare saddle. You’ll continue plus/minus zero on a ridge to the village Povraznik. Unfortunately, it’s so deserted that they don’t even have an inn. From the village on a steep forest tarmac road to the saddle under the Jasen peak. On nice pasturelands you’ll dive into the forest and keep ascending. You’ll reach the highest point 850 m of the tour on the Holy peak. After the dense coniferous forest you’ll find yourself on a picturesque clearing and feel as if you were in some canadian wilderness. It’s almost impossible, not to run into a dear, fox or other wild animal. A long downhill through the forest follows and leads to the view point above the Poniky meadows. You definitely have to stop here and enjoy the landscape in the north. The view includes Kremnicka mountains, Krizna, Sachticka, Donovaly, Prasiva, Chabenec, Chopok and Dumbier. On romantic meadows you’ll continue to the Straze peak above Poniky. In the Middle Age, there stood a signal watchtower, which the Poniky inhabitants used to warn themselves from the Turkish raids. Didn’t help.

In the end there is a spectacular single-trail downhill to the river Hron waiting for you. You’ll enjoy it the most when you’ll concentrate on finding the right trail rather than hurrying down. I recommend sticking to the narrow ridge in the right part of the groove.