Mountain Biking – The Best Mountain Bicycle Routes In Poland

The great summer weather is the perfect time for long cycling trips alone or with friends. Although for many people, the bike is simply a means of communication in the city, it is worth seeing more of its advantages. After all, a well-prepared mountain bike allows you not only to travel many kilometers on asphalt roads, but also in wild mountain areas! Since city routes and mountain biking routes are two completely different things, before you decide on your first mountain bike tour, it is worth learning about what to keep in mind and what direction to take!

Mountain bicycle routes in Poland

What are bicycle routes in mountains? They are primarily specially prepared bicycle paths, separated from the traffic of cars and pedestrians. Routes are secured and properly marked, as well as varied in terms of difficulty. This makes it easy to find a cycling trail and assess which route you want to use. More and more such cycling trails have been developed in recent years across Poland – not only in its mountainous areas. This brings the standard of cycling tourism in our country closer to European standards and makes it no longer a dangerous by nature extreme sport but an accessible form of active leisure in nature – for both older and the youngest cyclists.

What bike for mountain trails?

It is easy to guess that not every bike will work well in a terrain that is prepared, and yet mountainous and challenging. MTB (Mountain Terrain Bike) routes across Poland are mainly designed for users of bikes that are prepared for this type of use. So what should you look for when choosing a mountain bike for the MTB routes?

Not only the low weight, but also the appropriate geometry and construction of the bicycle frame will be important parameters — mainly when pushing the bicycle uphill. The wheels should be fitted with wider tires with a thick tread, which makes it easier to control the vehicle during downhill cycling. Such tires will not be the best for asphalt road sections, but let us remember that mountain bicycle routes are mainly natural surfaces – earth, gravel, stones and tree roots. Depending on the model, shock absorbers may be located at the front and rear, as well as at the front only. The shock absorber travel is in other words the degree of shock absorption – it reduces the risk of damage to equipment and of injury. Here, you should carefully consider what will be the advancement level of the routes you intend to use. Reliable brakes are, of course, essential mainly when traveling downhill. Mountain biking not only teaches coordination and use of strength, but also exercises reflexes. When it comes to the bike drive for MTB routes, the basic question is: one or two derailleurs? Two shifters and front and rear derailleurs mean more drive combinations and a great convenience in challenging climbs. On the other hand, it also means more weight and, most often, more frequent breakdowns.

Cycling routes – Beskids

The Beskids are the youngest mountain range in Poland, which extends from the Bečva River in the Czech Republic to the Cheremosh River in Ukraine. In this area, as many as 11 national parks were created. The most famous ranges of the Beskids include Żywiec Beskids, Silesian Beskids, Gorce and Little Beskids. MTB routes with varying levels of difficulty can be found there, which makes the Beskids a great option for both beginners and more advanced mountain bikers. Here you will find not only gentle climbs, but also steep descents. Let us remember that this area is characterized by a high degree of weather changeability, frequent rainfall and often strong, gusty wind, which is worth taking into account when preparing for the trip.

Low Beskids by bike

The Low Beskids peaks do not exceed 1000 m.a.s.l., but it is not spectacular and high peaks that are an asset of those mountains, which are often called the wildest in Poland. The Low Beskids are a mountain range whose boundaries are set by the Łupków Pass in the east and the Tylicka Pass in the west. The region is characterized by desolate, picturesque valleys and a wealth of local culture of the Lemkos villages. The last aspect in particular makes every, even the easiest, bicycle route a great opportunity not only to engage in sports in nature, but also to explore the surrounding culture. The hills of this region are mostly mild and low mountain ridges with flat tops. Although the majority of climbs and descends here are gentle, you can also find some rougher parts of the routes.

Bicycle trails – Bieszczady

The Bieszczady mountain ranges spread between the Łupków Pass and the Wyszkowska Pass in the territory of Ukraine. They are normally divided into the western and eastern range, of which only the former is within the territory of Poland. This is a sparsely populated area, and forests cover as much as 70% of the region! Therefore, the Bieszczady by bike is a great solution for those who seek isolation, calm, contact with pristine nature and activities in beautiful and wild circumstances. The Bieszczady National Park is located here, as well as several landscape parks and numerous nature reserves. Flora and fauna are undoubtedly the assets that most often attract travelers from all over the world. Extensive meadows, dense forests, mountain streams, space, breathtaking views and, in addition, a stormy history of the Polish-Slovak-Ukrainian border – just come here with a mountain bike to add to the above list the exceptionally diverse MTB routes and a lot of fun. What more could you wish for?

By bike in mountains in Lower Silesia

Lower Silesia, located in south-west Poland, is an exceptionally diverse area in terms of mountain terrains for cyclists and hikers. From Karkonosze with Śnieżka (1603 m.a.s.l), through Table Mountains, Jizera Mountains, Owl Mountains or Rudawy Janowickie, mountain regions of Lower Silesia offer numerous and varied MTB trails. Here you can find many longer and easy routes in a picturesque setting, with a small uphill and gentle character. Advanced cyclists can find cycling trails with huge rocks, viewpoints, castles' ruins and spa resorts. Professionals will quickly find themselves on often short, but most difficult routes with sharp climbs and steep slopes, where their efforts will be rewarded with unique views.

What to take on a cycling trail?

In addition to a well-prepared bicycle and obvious accessories for the whole day, such as food and water, each mountain bike trip also requires appropriate equipment. Keep in mind that the greater difficulty of the selected cycle route usually means also the higher overload for your bicycle. Therefore, it is good to take a full set of basic tools with you on the trail in case you need to replace or repair the inner tube. A well-fitting bike helmet should be mandatory on not only the most challenging routes – after all, during a potential accident, it can save your health and even life. Cycling gloves will allow you to focus fully on getting the satisfaction of being on the trail. Gel pads will absorb shock, while reinforcements at key points of the hand will improve the grip on the handlebar. Well-selected cycling glasses will improve the visibility on the road, even in the brightest sunlight in cloudless weather. The essential elements of cycling clothes that directly affect the comfort of your activity are undoubtedly cycling shorts and cycling shirts. If you decide to go for a mountain cycling trip, it is also worth taking with you equipment such as a paper map of the region, a power bank or a travel first aid kit.