Šic na Bic 2010 - nije bitna ruta zajedno smo peti puta

For the fifth consecutive year, the Mladi za Marof association organized the Novi Marof cycling event "ŠIC NA BIC," which this year was held under the slogan: "The route doesn't matter, together for the fifth time!"

The gathering began at 8:00 AM when the guys from BK "Maraton" inspected and serviced the bicycles. Everyone who met the technical criteria donned the official cycling jersey at 10:00 AM, stocked up on energy bars and water, and was ready to go.

The route, following the traditional procedure, started from the Croatian Statehood Square at the signal of the Novi Marof mayor, Darko Hrenić. Cyclists rode along Zagorska Street towards the settlements of Madžarevo, Makojišće, Možđenec and arrived at the Municipality of Ljubeščica. The first rest stop was at Ljubeščica, organized by the hosts - the Municipality of Ljubešćica. After the refreshment break, the group headed towards Oštrice, where a communal lunch was organized in the idyllic setting of the Lužec recreation area.

The tasty stew, a great refreshment after the first half of the route, was prepared by members of the Eco Association "Lužec." The program continued with tamburitza musicians from KUD "Marof" and prize games. Among the winners were the youngest cyclist (Mihael from Ključ – 8 years old), the oldest cyclist (Josip from Varaždin – 61 years old), while other prizes went to those who were the most skillful and fastest in social games with balls, bicycles, balloons, apples, water, etc.

Extremely high temperatures (over 30 degrees Celsius) kept the cyclists in the shade at Lužec until after 2:00 PM when movement was announced again. Cyclists said farewell to their hosts and proceeded on a gravel section towards Presečno – the "Goli brijeg" recreation site. Here the first defects occurred – several punctured tires, broken chains, and similar incidents that will be remembered for a long time. This is all part of the cycling event, and we can proudly say that every cyclist was attended to either with service or a free ride in our service vehicle.

After descending to the main state road, there was a free ride on a gravel section towards Beletinec. Employees of the IV Police Station Novi Marof and members of BK "Maraton" secured all railway crossings so the group could merrily and safely arrive at Podevčevo, where the "Dačo" company team was waiting with a gastronomic surprise. This was the last rest stop before Novi Marof, which was reached shortly after 4:00 PM. Smiles did not fade from faces – it's nice to know that over 120 of us were together for the fifth time and reached the finish without any problems! The route really didn't matter – ŠIC NA BIC has become a festival of good atmosphere and togetherness. It is attended by both local kids and "seasoned bikers" – as two friendly cyclists from Zagreb called themselves. However, they were not the only "non-Marof residents" – guests also came from Zelina, Varaždin, Čakovec, Visoko, Križevci ...

The project, as every year before, was organized by over 30 volunteers. The cycling event traditionally takes place under the general patronage of the City of Novi Marof. This year, the Municipality of Ljubeščica and the Eco Association "Lužec" are also patrons. Cyclists were cared for by members of the Novi Marof Red Cross, traffic safety was ensured by staff of the IV Police Station "Novi Marof" with the help of members of the Novi Marof mountain biking club "Maraton." The service van at the rear of the group is traditionally provided by the Plino-servis "Valjak" company. Despite recession times, partners of the ŠIC NA BIC cycling event continue their support: Knauf insulation, Huni bike shop, Dačo, Comet, Orakon, Cedar Agro, Polje Bakery, Hajduk Plastic Packaging, Mardex, Caffe bar "Royal", Jamnica, Novokom and Jeklo tahna ting.

Media sponsors are: Radio Novi Marof and Varaždin as well as the portals novi-marof.com and eVarazdin.hr.

Many thanks to all sponsors and patrons, and we especially want to thank all cyclists who bravely participate year after year promoting the idea of recreational cycling and the beauty of the Novi Marof region.