The 2025 classic motorcycle season has kicked off in true adventurer spirit—with the roar of enduro bikes echoing through the wild and uninhabited Čičarija landscape, nestled on the border of Slovenia and Croatia. Just 40 kilometers from the bustling tourist towns of Istria on the northern Adriatic coast, this rugged and remote region offered the perfect escape into nature for our first big ride of the year.
This wasn’t just any enduro rally—it had a special vibe, and a special reason behind its title: "The World Stands on Women." Among the nine Slovenian participants were two remarkable female riders, Aleksandra and Monika, whose presence—and performance—stood out as truly inspiring. Brave, skilled, and fully committed, they were not only equal to their male counterparts but in many ways, they led the pack.
Organized with care and timing to perfection, the event took place under ideal spring conditions—clear skies, warm sunshine, and dry trails. The route itself was medium difficulty, stretching over 170 km and taking us through dense forests, gravel tracks, and forgotten mountain paths. And since GPS navigation is strictly off-limits on our Classic Enduro rides, getting lost isn’t just expected—it’s part of the charm.
Our group consisted of seasoned riders, all passionate about classic motorcycles. While enduro as a category only dates back to 1980 with bikes like the BMW GS and Moto Morini Camel 501, many of us brought truly iconic machines from the '80s and early '90s. Among them were the legendary Kawasaki KLR 250 and Suzuki DR 350, alongside long-distance tourers like the Yamaha Super Ténéré 750 and Honda Transalp 750 (both from 1989).
Not everyone rode classic enduros, but every bike and every rider was welcomed in the spirit of the event. Aleksandra and Monika rode in from Slovenia—150 km away—on gravel and forest roads, riding a trusty Suzuki DR 350 and a KTM 390. Their dedication and riding skills were nothing short of impressive. Enduro riding demands balance, strength, and a touch of madness, and these two had it all.
The day-long ride took us through stunning wilderness and, at times, into unplanned detours. One such detour brought us to the elegant coastal town of Opatija, once a favorite retreat of Austrian emperors. There, dusty and smiling, we stopped for a well-earned cappuccino at a fancy seaside hotel before plunging back into the wild heart of Čičarija.
We passed through deep canyons, stumbled upon old architectural gems, and even met a small group of Istro-Romanians, an ethnic minority who have lived in the area since the 15th century after migrating from Romania. Encounters like these remind us that even in the most remote landscapes, history and culture are never far away.
After eight hours of riding, we returned to our base—a rented house on the edge of the wilderness—and celebrated with a well-deserved grill picnic. As night fell, the forest came alive with the eerie and beautiful sounds of howling jackals, hinds, and deer echoing through the darkness.
To all classic enduro lovers out there: if this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’re doing it again next April. Until then, ride safe and keep the spirit alive. CLASSIC BIKES -RIDE DON'T HIDE !
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Dejan Breznik