A fine bicycle day trip out of Prague or when cycling in north-central Bohemia is to visit Mount Říp, a 459 m solitary hill rising from České středohoří, the Central Bohemian flatland, where, according to a legend, the first Slavic tribes, led by Forefather Čech, first settled dating back to the 6th century.
There is an easier approach to the mountain from the north side of it, with pavement until the last part of the ascent. Coming from the south, I figured why not go straight up; it will be a shortcut. While not asphalt, the rough dirt and stone road soon deteriorated to a grassy singletrack. But it was quiet, and I was all alone. The views back south whence I started from were superb.
And then, as if in a fairytale, I entered the wonderful deciduous forest and a smooth path that circumnavigates the mountain, not a live soul around. The back door entrance to the mountain sure has its romance.
