Last September, 15 bikers cycled through rural Romania, enjoying the spectacular countryside, amazing hospitality, food and great wine; all for a great cause. In 2016 there are 2 bike trips in May and September which will fund the purchase of 2 new “Wild Kingdom” buses for The European Nature Trust’s (TENT) children’s mobile environmental education program.
These 4 day, 5 night biking trips are not a race but a journey traversing the gently rolling hills, wild meadows and pristine forests of Transylvania. Participants will be transported back in time to a landscape few can imagine still exists in modern day Europe. Discover the largest untouched forested region on the continent!
Cycling through the picturesque countryside of rural Transylvania enjoying breathtaking landscapes, visiting medieval villages, staying in boutique lodges, tasting organic traditional food and wine, whilst experiencing the last true wild corner of Europe! Challenge yourself and join us on a healthy adventure for a worthy cause.
Cost and fundraising objectives
The full board, fully inclusive 6 day trip costs £650, plus flights. The required minimum fundraising for each cyclist is £2,500.
The Cause – Europe’s last Wilderness faces imminent destruction
Europe has cut down 99% of its forest. 0.5% of what is left is in Romania… and the machines are coming.
Itinerary
2016 dates: 15-20 May and 18-23 September
Day 1
Depart London Luton (Sunday 13.50 on Wizzair 3772,) for Sibiu (Romania). Then bus transfer to the charming village of Cund in time for dinner prepared by Jonas Schafler, one of Romania’s top chefs at Valea Verde.
Day 2
Cund to Sighisoara (35 km)
After a relaxed morning preparing our bikes we ride to the historic town of Sighisoara. Late afternoon we have a guided tour of the citadel, then dinner in a popular restaurant with dance & music.
Day 3
Sighisoara to Viscri (55 km)
After an early start we ride all day on a biking trail through the forest looking for wildlife along the way. We stop for a picnic lunch in Cobor before continuing onto the Saxon Village of Viscri. Here we visit the famous fortified church and at dusk witness the village livestock returning home from their grazing pastures.
Day 4
Viscri to Sinca Noua (45 km)
We set off after an early breakfast heading towards the Fagaras mountains. Late afternoon we arrive at the Stromba Valley and visit a bear observation hide deep in the forest. We then cycle for 30 mins to the village of Sinca Noua for dinner and overnight stay at Equus Silvania. Here we meet Christoph and Barbara Promberger who direct a large scale conservation project.
Day 5
Sinca Noua to Balaban (65 km)
After breakfast we cycle to the local school and see the Wild Kingdom bus in action. After a challenging morning we arrive at hillside village of Magura for lunch, with picturesque views surrounded by 2 national parks. We then continue onto the “Inn on Balaban”, a stunning lodge with the best views in Transylvania. Here we will enjoy a traditional barbecue to the sound of a local piper.
Day 6
Bran to Bucharest
After breakfast we have an easy downhill ride to the village of Bran home to Dracula’s castle. We then transfer by road to Europe’s largest Bear Sanctuary & learn about their work after which we have a celebration lunch at Cantacuzino Castle on our way south to Bucharest Airport.
There is an optional 1 or 2 nights in Bucharest for those who are interested to explore and enjoy the capital city.
Return flight departs Bucharest Friday 19.30 on Wizzair 3005, arriving Luton at 21.00.
Further information
- Places: 15 persons for each trip
- Why: To buy 2 new Wild Kingdom Buses
- Fitness level: Medium.
- Bikes: Merida Big Nine 500. Guided with support vehicle.
- Minimum donation to TENT: £2,500
- Trip cost: £650 fully inclusive, on room sharing basis + flights
- Got questions?
- More info on the TENT website here
The Cause? To buy a second Wild Kingdom Bus
The European Nature Trust supports and funds well-founded initiatives which preserves and restore the last remaining habitats in Europe. Wild Kingdom is a children’s mobile education project that provides children with environmental education. Each bus on the road reaches 20,0000 children each year.
HRH Prince Charles inspects the Wild Kingdom bus
Testimonials
“The ride was a fantastic adventure! The scenery was awesome. I saw bears! Also, plenty of time to enjoy the local culture and great food – what is not too like?”
Sam Sutaria
“I wanted to take some time out of my life (and the office) to do something to protect the Romanian wilderness. It has felt great to react to this important issue and make a difference.”
Paul Buckley
“Slow, green adventure tourism at its best. Experience rural Europe as it was 500 years ago. Bike Transylvania in style. Explore Romania’s unique heritage, culture, hospitality, food, wine & keep fit”
Paul Lister
View a 3 minute clip of last years bike trip here:
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