A route that has a bit of everything: smooth cycling paths along the Soča, a proper grind up to Paljevo on gravel that gets increasingly remote, and a descent that feels almost meditative. You start in Nova Gorica and almost immediately end up in Italy. The two cities share a square, one medieval, one built from scratch after WWII as a symbol of a fresh start. The stretch along the Soča is the easy part. Enjoy it, because after Plave you cross the river and the climbing starts. Asphalt first, then gravel, then just you and the forest and some scattered farmhouses. The hardest part of the ride, and the best. Coming back through Grgar and down into the valley the views open up over the Goriška plain. Stop at Kromberk Castle if you need a coffee and a reason to sit down. Then Panovec forest, cool, shaded, quiet, eases you back into the city before you've fully realized the ride is over.
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