Cycling day trip from Yekaterinburg to Istok

Here’s a ride that takes you from bustling Yekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest city and the gateway to the Ural Mountains, out into the quiet village of Istok. Covering just over 21km, the route starts among the city’s historic buildings and leafy boulevards before easing into quieter backroads, perfect for a relaxed spin.

It’s a gently rolling ride; the total ascent is about 150 meters, with a little more descent than climb. Expect a mix of surfaces—the majority isn’t clearly marked, but at least a third is good paved or asphalt roads, and you’ll get a short taste of gravel and unpaved stretches. Most of your way winds along quiet or local access roads, so you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery in peace.

Finishing in Istok, you’ll swap the city energy for rural calm. If you’re lucky, you might spot views of the southern Urals peeking through the trees! Pro tip: pack an extra tube, just in case those mystery surfaces get shifty.