ACT Croatia: 5 Days of Pure Adventure
Five days. One ACT Croatia track. Mountains, coastal magic, and plenty of surprises create one of most stunning off-road routes.
After ACT Italy and ACT Portugal, it was high time we tried another ACT track. We did not have much time ff from work, so decided to go somewhere “nearby”. And Croatia seemed to be a perfect choice.
Getting There – The Ride Begins
Finally, back on the road! After way too long off the bikes, we were heading for Pula to start the ACT Croatia route. It took us two days to get there. The first one was smooth – good weather, no traffic. But day two? Not so kind. Around Ljubljana, rain caught up with us. Joris didn’t manage to throw on his rain jacket in time and got soaked. Agata’s battle-tested KLIM Artemis suit seemed to spring a leak too – maybe the membrane’s finally had enough?
Still, we rolled into Pula, parked right next to the Roman Arena (yes, really!), and wandered through the historic streets. We soaked up some history before jumping into the adventure that brought us here: #ACTCroatia.
Day 1: Pula to Rijeka – Smooth Start, Coastal Charm
We started late, thanks to a coffee break with some fellow bikers camping nearby. That “quick chat” turned into a full-blown catch-up session. Classic!
Once we hit the trail, though, the coast gave us a warm welcome – winding roads, ocean air, and spectacular views all the way. We passed through quiet villages and shady forests, switching between pavement and light dirt trails.
Storm clouds hovered above, but the rain held off. Lucky us!
By evening, we reached Opatija, a charming seaside town with old-world charm. A perfect end to our first day on the track.
Day 2: Opatija to Karlobag – Into the Velebit
We left the coast behind and headed straight into the Velebit Mountains. And wow – this was the real deal.
The trails turned rugged fast. Overnight rain had turned the gravel into mud, with deep ruts and slippery stones. It was technical and intense, but oh-so-rewarding. The views were unreal: dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and the Adriatic shimmering far below.
Even the paved sections were challenging – wet, narrow, and slick with fallen leaves. You had to stay sharp every second.
The descent into Karlobag was a thrill. Dirt tracks, sharp switchbacks, and stunning scenery right to the sea. Just as we arrived, the legendary Bura wind started to blow. Cold, dry, and fierce, it cleared the skies fast.
We spent the night at a friend’s place, tired but completely stoked.
Day 3: Stuck in Karlobag – When the Bura Blows
We woke up ready to ride, but the Bura had other plans.
Croatia’s famous windstorm is no joke. When it blows, it really blows – strong enough to knock bikes over. Riding in that kind of wind? Nope. So we stayed put.
Sure, it was frustrating – but also kind of awesome. We hung out, shared stories, and got a front-row seat to nature’s raw power. Sometimes, the adventure is about the pause, not just the ride.
Day 4: Karlobag to Knin – Tough Terrain, Big Rewards
Once the wind calmed down, we were back in action – and needed all the energy we had.
This leg took us through wild, rugged landscapes. Rocky climbs, deep puddles, narrow trails, and remote villages that looked like time had stopped. The temperature dropped to 8°C up in the mountains, and then came the mud – a lot of mud.
At one point, there was nowhere to stop for a warm-up. We just swapped to dry gloves and kept pushing forward. The sun eventually showed up, dried us out, and lifted our spirits.
We had to detour around a closed bridge and hit a nasty rocky section just when we thought we were done. Classic.
Rolling into Knin, we were muddy, exhausted, and happy. Its massive fortress stood tall above the town, welcoming us in. We stayed at a peaceful farmstay on the outskirts, then walked into the center for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 5: Knin to Split – A Grand Finale
The last leg of the ride delivered everything we hoped for.
We cruised through golden fields, remote hills, and hit some of the toughest terrain of the whole trip. The track was officially rated “hard” – and it was. Steep climbs, loose rocks, and deep ruts kept us working hard.
Then came a fun surprise – police stopped us because the CRO Race was passing through! So, we ended up on TV. Not a bad detour.
As we got closer to the coast, the scent of the sea filled the air. Soon, we were gliding along the stunning Dalmatian shoreline, soaking in the views. Rolling into Split, warm and full of good food, was the perfect way to end this epic ride.
The One That Got Away – Hvar Island
We didn’t get to ride the final leg of ACT Croatia on Hvar Island – time just wasn’t on our side.
But honestly? We’re totally fine with that. It just means we have to come back.
Heading Home – Already Dreaming of the Next Ride
The ride home took two more days. Cold, rainy, and tiring – but nothing could wipe the smiles off our faces. Croatia gave us exactly what we came for: adventure, challenge, and pure off-road joy.
Already planning the next ACT 😉
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