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Mountain biking trip around "Grandma's tooth" (Babin Zub) in Serbia.

Mountain biking trip around "Grandma's tooth" (Babin Zub) in Serbia.

October 2021 · 4 min read · Serbia

I call myself a fortunate one being the owner or a holiday house in the Serbian countryside. It is absolutely the hidden gem. You can take my word for it here. Now, I talk about southeastern part of the country. Mountainous region with absolutely amazing, yet the most hardcore people I have had chance to meet. Today I want to take you on a trip to one of the most iconic peaks of the Old Mountain Range - Babin Zub.

I took this selfie by accident, thereby the weird look I have ;) anyways, the photo represents how I have embarked on the journey. Sunglasses, half empty hiking backpack and full of excitement I am going for the trip of the year. Not in absolutist terms, but in Serbia I didn't had a chance to do so, as I was busy working on my house. But today we will take my mountain bike for a spin. What a beast it is. 200 euros damn well spent. If you don't know how and where to spend your money, don't ask me twice, get a mountain bike my friend.

As my house is in forgotten part of Serbian countryside, it servers as a great starting point for mountain biking trips. Half-empty villages and pure nature is my company. I am starting my trip towards the great unknown. It is just 8am so if I am wrong I can still come back and start again, but I had to discover this direction to find out if the valley I am located in is locked or not. Well, to my great pleasure it isn't! I am passing few hills and crazy overgrown roads like a Cingishan on an iron horse and I enter another valley and bordering region called "Knezevac".

This region is probably even more isolated than the Pirot region I am part of. For a simple reason I think. Pirot is still on the crossroads of important business roads and connections. In fact something like a modern silk road might well be soon going through that region. Bright future right? We shall see later...

For the meantime it is the poorest region of Serbia, but I am telling you. If you're reading this and it is somewhat an interest of yours, don't think twice and go and explore/invest in this region. In five years time it will be a different place.

Getting further and further into the mountains the nature is cleaner and cleaner. The air tastes like cold water and water tastes like heaven itself. Specially when you already have something like 30 km in your legs. The road up to Babin Zub starts to add on it's difficulty and I am forced to push my bike like riding with a lazy old pony. No other option...

The sign on the later photo sais "for sale" the fortunate ones, with a pioneering spirit can build a great hotel here...what an amazing place. The panoramatic view is almost 360 degrees and there is nothing around. To be the first here can be obviously great advantage or risk. But a new road connection is being discussed, maybe the hidden hand of Chinese influence will take care of that...

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After amazing views-seeing finally long awaited descent awaits me. Somewhat technical but absolutely amazing trail like from a Canadian resort. Yes, this is the beauty of an mountain bike. Every climate is suitable for this amazing sport. Not like snowboarding for instance, where you really need to be in a right conditions and country and without a great timing you still ride on icy slopes full of amateurs...

On my way down I have encountered a land slide, wild dogs running side by side with me and one of the best views ever. The descent itself takes about two hours and goes practically all the way to Pirot. The regional capital. As much as the ascent is difficult, the downhill ride afterwards is another story, you better pack a lot of energy with you and some decent mountain biking skills, or come with me to make sure you don't get lost or injured. Who knows, maybe I will be fortunate enough to start my own mountain guiding company one day. You will be treated as a WIP guest if you proof your Travelfeed presence.

All the best,

Global Local

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Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Serbia.

Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in Serbia on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.

Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.

Transportation: Use 12go and Omio to find detailed bus and train schedules, making travel planning easier.

Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.

Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!

Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.

Tickets: Save on entrance fees in Serbia with Klook and Tiquets.

Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to Serbia. Chat now.

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