Route 01 originally begins in Žalec, but we can also start at Hotel Grof. The route leads us through all major towns of the Lower Savinja Valley. There are no demanding climbs along the way as the route takes place in the valley of Savinja River. Throughout this trip we can enjoy beautiful vistas of the Lake Žovnek, we cross Savinja River twice along the way, ride through the capital of the valley - Žalec and admire green hop fields.
To warm up we climb a less busy road over the Lipa pass and then descend towards Zadreška Valley. Following Dreta River we continue cycling towards Lačja vas where we turn left and continue through a forest path which leads us to the Savinja Valley. We cross a wooden bridge towards Rečica ob Savinji. After a short climb we descend towards Radegunda to the starting point of a 13-kilometer royal climb with 975 meters of elevation gain. If we still have some energy left in the tank we can challenge ourselves with one of the most beautiful climbs in Slovenia with the view over Savinja Valley. At the beginning of the ascent, on the steepest part, it is suggested to save some energy for the final climb to the Alpine Garden Golte followed after more pleasant middle section. Our descent follows the same road as the climb. We pass Mozirje, Letuš and Braslovče on the way back to the starting point.
R1 route starts in Vransko on a regional road towards Trojane. Turn left at the intersection in Zaplanina where a beautiful view of the valley opens up. Ascending on a less busy road will take us to the northern part of Čemšeniška planina plateau. Follow poorly maintained paved road towards Trojane where we stop for a sweet snack - delicious Trojane doughnuts. Before returning to the starting point, take a look at the section of an old regional road Celje - Ljubljana near Babe. Final climb of the day over the pass and descent to Motnik towards Hotel Grof.