The first part of the new "Velo ZTSh" cycling tourist route will be opened in Zakarpattia on August 31st. A cycling race and run will be held as part of the event. This was announced at a briefing at the regional military administration.
The head of the tourism and resorts department of the OVA, Marianna Hotra, noted that there was significant demand for cycling routes as an alternative to walking. That is why the idea arose to create a cycling route as close as possible to the famous Transcarpathian tourist path.
The length of the pilot section is 55 km, and in the future, it will reach about 400 km. The planned route will pass through the most picturesque locations in our region – from the village of Malyy Berezny in Uzhhorod Oblast to the village of Dilove in Rakhiv Oblast.
"Countries bordering us can join this tourist route and extend it, so that a tourist who enters from one side can 'circle around' and travel through all these countries," stated Mariana Hotra, adding that partners have already expressed their interest in the project.
As part of the cycling route, there will be two paths:
- main – runs along forest and unpaved public roads, closest to the mountains and key points. It is designed for touring bikes;
- Mountain – as close as possible to the pedestrian path, taking into account border restrictions. Mountain bikes will be able to ride on it.
The introduction of such a route will give a significant boost to the development of communities, local businesses, and stimulate economic growth of the region as a whole. Furthermore, it will contribute to the popularisation of the unique natural and cultural attractions of Zakarpattia and a healthy lifestyle.
According to Marianna Hotra, this initiative will be particularly significant for tourists such as veterans and military personnel. Cycling along this route will help our defenders regain strength, support their mental health, and reintegrate into civilian life.
The new cycling route is inclusive and incorporates trails of varying lengths, difficulties, purposes, and types, as well as a network of existing local tourist paths in the region.
A pilot section of over 30 km runs through the lands of the forest fund. Employees of the Carpathian Forest Office branch of SE "Forests of Ukraine" carried out current repairs to the road, bridges, crossings and other infrastructure, noted the chief forester of the branch, Pavlo Vandzhyurak.
According to him, gazebos, arbours, resting places and springs were also set up within the route to make the cycling trip more comfortable. The next steps include installing information stands, signs, renewing the marking of existing hiking trails and so on.
The NGO "Veloob'ednannya" team joined the opening of the first part of the cycling route. The head of the organisation, Transcarpathia ambassador Andriy Kozyr, said at a briefing that two formats are planned for the event day, where everyone willing can cycle or take part in a run.
"This will be a symbolic cycling event over a short distance – 2, 5, and 10 km. People will be able to run or walk the same distances and thereby open up a section of the route," emphasised Andriy Kozyr.
The event starts near the sources of the Cherna Tysa and the Okole pass, on the border of Tiachiv and Rakhiv districts.
The participants will assemble at 12:00 PM.
The sporting events will begin at 13:00.
Watch the briefing video for more details. by reference.
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