Lajkovac

MTB Street view #133 - Serbia, Aranđelovac tour #4 - Lazarevac and Ibar hwy to Stepojevac (08/2014)

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• published: 21 Aug 2015
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Lazarevac. one of the newer cities, allegedly named after a pub. Which, in turn, was named after an emperor. But the city won't try to win you over with its name, age or origin. It has enough of everything else. Starting with absolutely incredible approach, descending from those difficult hills I climbed in #132, and offering brilliant views of the entire city (well, most of it, this is sort of writer's freedom ;)). You should also visit the memorial church, with remains of 17,000 Serbian and Austrian soldiers from Battle of Kulubara (perhaps the most important victory for Serbia in World War I). But the downtown area, the pedestrian zone, is what has won me over completely, with that old and rustic charm you rarely find these days. Sadly, the local lake, Očaga, very popular in summer monts, was still closed, due to catastrophic flooding in Serbia (and the region) in 2014. Of course, I was in a hurry as always, so it hardly matters, but it was still obvious the lake (area) has been given some real effort to make it a really great place. Strangely, not for kids, as there doesn't seem to be a way across the Ibar highway and to the lake (except in a car which most kids, luckily, don't drive), but perhaps that will or has already changed. Ah, look at me, still young and naïve. Special greeting goes to everyone who has just decided, in the year 2015 (sorry, can't wait for 2525) to start riding a bike! It's a brave new step towards much better quality of life, but also great fun and great adventure, one for the entire family. And, however impossible it must seem to ride 50, 100 or even more kilometres in a single day, do not be discouraged. You only need to do two things - keep pedaling and keep getting up when you fall - and you'll be amazed with how much you can accomplish! My first MTB ride was probably less than 5 km around the neighbourhood and it took many years to even get the idea it could be possible to ride "all the way" to the city centre. Not that I've come too far ;) but I like to think I AM doing better than before. Filmed in August 2015. Photo album: https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOB_iugSJs_s8OxqVaXVDIxsucuzGc99dt3Xt9r Copyright © Srđan Canić. All rights reserved.