Šic na bic 2013. - Bicikl klačim da ozon ne tlačim!

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, the Mladi za Marof association organized the eighth edition of the Novomarof cycling event ŠIC NA BIC under the slogan 'I ride a bike, so I don’t crush the ozone!'. The gathering started at 8:00 AM at the Croatian Statehood Square, where members of the 'Marathon' cycling club inspected and serviced the bicycles. All participants whose bicycles met the technical criteria wore the official cycling event t-shirt, stocked up on snacks and water, warmed up under the expert guidance of Marta Žugec, and were ready to start.

As every year, a cheerful column of more than 200 cyclists set off at 10 AM at the signal of Mayor Darko Hrenić, who also joined us and pedaled a few kilometers with us. From the center of Novi Marof, we headed west towards Mađarevo and reached Kamen Goricu through Topličica and Jelenšćak, where we made our first stop at the community center and rested a bit after the first climbs. We proceeded through Podrute and Pece towards Gotalovec, where the Gotali Association organized refreshments near the mill of the Fridelj family. In a lovely setting, the cyclists gathered strength for the continuation, and we soon continued on. The route took us past the castle of the Patačić family in Zajezda, through Budinština towards Hrašćina-Trgovišće, where a longer ascent toward Vinski Vrh began.

After three hours of pedaling and a bit of bike pushing, we arrived at the Bolfan Winery where lunch was organized. After a delicious meal, tired cyclists had the chance to rest with a beautiful view of Croatian Zagorje from Vinski Vrh. Those who did not lack energy chose to have fun with social games and win prizes provided by sponsors. Around 3 PM, we said goodbye to the valuable hosts and continued our route back towards Novi Marof.

After a not-so-easy descent, we continued pedaling through Gornjake towards Šćepanje, where a new ascent awaited us. Fortunately, halfway up, by the chapel of St. Helena, the DVD Šćepanje organized another refreshment for brave cyclists who soon continued uphill through Šćepanje. Along the way, we were surprised by the friendly locals of Šćepanje, who warmly greeted the cyclists and offered them local cherries. Soon the asphalt disappeared and we rode through the forest to Mrzli Vrh and descended towards the Lonj valley. Then came the last climb through Donje Makojišće, and the stop at OPG Pikija was welcomed so that cyclists could gather and rest. Among horses, calves, and other farm animals, cyclists enjoyed tasting homemade cheese and cream, feeling refreshed to continue on. The road through Gornje Makojišće proved to be dangerous since on a long downhill, the biggest accident of this ride occurred where a boy and a girl collided, luckily without fatal consequences. Worried cyclists waited for the first aid team to take care of the injured, and we all together proceeded through Granu towards the center of Novi Marof.

At 6 PM, cyclists dismounted from their bicycles on the terrace of the cultural center, and more than 200 tired participants could be proud to have finished the hardest route in the history of the ŠIC NA BIC cycling event! It was lovely to see cyclists aged 9 to 65 celebrating together the end of another novomarof's cycling event. After the group photo, cyclists, we hope satisfied and full of good impressions, could return to their homes. Most participants from the Novi Marof area were able to return home quickly and rest, but some had a long journey ahead as there were participants from Varaždin and surrounding areas, Varaždinske Toplice, Ludbreg, Breznički Hum, Breznica, Visoko, Gornja Rijeka, Križevci, Bedenica, Konjščina, Bednja, Prelog, Šenkovec, Kutina, Sisak, Zagreb, and even from Gospić!

The cycling event this year was held under the general sponsorship of the City of Novi Marof and Cometa d.o.o. Staff from the IV police station 'Novi Marof' helped ensure traffic safety with the assistance of members of the Novi Marof cycling club 'Maraton'. The service van was provided by Piškor d.o.o., and like every year, Ninoslav Valjak took care of the sound system and good atmosphere at the back of the column. The ŠIC NA BIC cycling event was also supported by valuable sponsors: Knauf Insulation, Aquanom d.o.o., Bakery 'Polje', Jeklotehna Ting d.o.o., Huni bike shop, Cedar Agro d.o.o., Hajduk plastic packaging d.o.o., and GDCK Novi Marof. Media coverage was provided by Radio Novi Marof.

A big thank you to all sponsors and supporters, especially to all the cyclists who rode with us this year and discovered the new beauties of our Novi Marof region.