#slovenialoop

Day Nine. Zaga and over the Italian border to Cividale Del Fruili. Amazing switchback gravel descent! 350 ascent and 25 miles.

Day 8 Trenta Valley to Zaga. 24 miles, 300 metres elevation gain. No bears!

Day seven: rest day at The beautiful Kekec Homestead in Trenta Valley. Relaxing, eating, drinking, sketching and watching some local ladies make idrija dumplings.

Part two: Kransjka Gora to Trenta.

Day six part one: Kransjka Gora to Trenta Valley over the Vrsic Pass. Breathtaking views at every turn. The most stunning ride we've ever done.

Day five: Gozd Martuliek to Gransjka Gora. Back on our own again and unbeknownst to us heading up high into bear territory near the Austrian border. We head off up the hill and see a bear warning sign. After checking with some locals we felt re-assured and started the long looping climb, singing and jingling our bear bell. About 12km up, far away from the village in the valley and alone on the gravel path we hear cracking and large rocks start falling right next to us. I look up and ACTUALLY SEE A BEAR about 30 metres away running between trees heading towards the path we just came up. The falling rocks are too far from this bear so we assume there could be another closer to us. Panic stricken we do a sharp about turn and head back down then gravel path at some speed. We made it safely to the bottom and headed to the nearest bar at 11:30am! Nerve-wracked but elated we lived to tell the tale.

Day four: Bled to Gozd Martuliek. Close encounter with some angry cows heading towards the looming mountains.

Day three - rest day in Bled. Visit to Vintgar Gorge and sunset dinner overlooking the beautiful lake.