August of 2024 will see the Curve Expedition team offer a new expedition through the mountainous Transylvania region in Romania. Between Aug 24th - 31st, this expedition seeks out those lesser known roads of Europe’s East and experience the rich cultural tapestry that make up the Balkan countries. The desire to visit this region came from our travels through Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan and being exposed for the first time to the stoic nature of the people that reside in these amazing countries. The Transylvania region is rich in history with a diverse range of cultures and nationalities making up the region.
This expedition will challenge riders with multiple mountain passes over the high peaks of the Carpathian mountain ranges. Riding on mixed surface roads the expedition will require a very strong level of fitness to complete. There will be time spent at high altitudes on this trip. Commencing and ending in the historical city of Brasov. This region of Romania is a must see in your life and to witness it from the bike is an unforgettable experience. Our route and itinerary will be finalised in the coming weeks as our team completes final reconnaissance. Your expedition guides will be Angus Burrell.
If you’d like to book your spot on this trip now please fill out the the application form below. Also, if you have any questions about the expedition feel free to get in touch at expeditions@curvecycling.com
Full cost of the trip is $3199 AUD (50% deposit).
Expedition Itinerary
Please note: Spots are strictly limited to 12 guests with a 50% deposit required.
Full cost $3199 AUD.
The trip features 6 days of challenging riding over mixed terrain, gravel and sealed roads. Please see the route breakdown below:
Pre-Expedition
Riders will fly into Otopeni International airport in Bucharest, group transfer to Brasov.
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Day 1 (Saturday 24th Aug): Arrive in Otopeni by 11.00am. Bus Transfer from Otopeni to Brasov
Meals: Welcome dinner and drinks with briefing in Brasov.
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Day 2: Poaini Shakedown ride
30km | 600m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3: Baile Tusnad to Darmenesti
106km | 1370m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4: Darmenesti to Lunca de Jos
70km | 1410m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5: Lunca de Jos to Haromkut
70km | 1200m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6: Haromkut to Harghita
55km | 1400m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7: Harghita to Sant George
110km | 900m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 (Saturday 31st Aug): Transfer to Otopeni
Meals: Farewell Breakfast
Further Information
![](http://www.curvecycling.com/cdn/shop/files/DSC06929.jpg?v=1693786960&width=1500)
Required Equipment
You will need a high volume gravel endurance bike for this expedition. Tubeless tyre setups are highly recommended with a volume of at least 700 x 44c/650b x 2” to smooth out your ride over the gravel roads of the Transylvania forest roads.
Riders will be able to vehicle transport a small bag of personal items between accommodation each day. This bag is to be “carry on” style luggage. Riders will be expected to be self supported during each day of riding, carrying everything they will need during the day. This includes ride snacks, water and riding clothes for all conditions. Standard bike packing equipment will be most suitable for transporting this gear.
Expedition guides are experienced cyclists and mechanics and will be able to help with any mechanical problems that may arise however you should be completely self-sufficient with spare tubes, puncture repair systems, tools etc to keep yourself rolling. Once on the expedition there are limited bike shops on route.
You will need to bring your own bike to ride on this expedition. You must start this expedition with your bike in good working order, with new or near new tyres and drivetrain in good working order. We recommend a thorough service by a professional mechanic before you arrive in Transylvania.
A more extensive list of requirements will be provided to participants.
Fitness & Preparation
We want to make sure this expedition is for you. The riding is challenging with a mix of surfaces from rocky tracks to fast sealed roads. You must be in excellent physical shape, capable of cycling 100km with 2,000m of climbing in a single day on gravel roads.
You must be prepared to do this day after day for seven days. If this sounds exciting to you and you have proven that you are up for the challenge then we can't wait to ride with you.
Romania Information
Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. It should also have at least two blank pages when you arrive in Romania.
Visa requirements
For a large number of countries, their citizens can enter Romania visa-free for limited periods. Please check your individual visa requirements prior to departure.
Vaccinations
A number of vaccinations may be recommended or required depending on your origin. Please ensure you check these recommendations prior to departure. COVID–19 entry requirements are not currently in place to enter Romania.
Weather
In August, the weather is expected to be dry with mild temperatures. Overnight the temperature may drop into the low teens so pack appropriate clothing.
Currency
Romanian Leu. We advise you to carry some cash rather than relying on the use of credit card facilities.
Insurance
For those traveling internationally, travel insurance is compulsory. As a minimum, we require that you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country, before joining the expedition, we need you to confirm that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur and you need medical treatment.
Safety
There are no major safety concerns along the route. Extreme care has been taken in planning the expedition with extensive reconnaissance and local information sources.
Expedition Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Cyclist-friendly, comfortable and at times truly unique Romanian accommodation
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Welcome dinner and drinks events
- Farewell breakfast
- Bus transfer on from Otopeni to Brasov and return
- Experienced guide, with global cycle touring and bikepacking experience, and first aid training will cycle with the group every day.
- Pro mechanical support to resolve issues on the trail and provide minor tune ups along the way
- Transport vehicle to move a small bag of personal belongings for each rider from accommodation locations each day (riders will carry all gear, snacks, water, and clothing they will need each day on their own bikes)
- Itinerary, including GPS files for each day of riding
- Daily rider briefings
- One laundry service during the expedition
- Contingency arrangements for dangerous weather, road closures, injury or sickness
- Expedition GPS tracking
Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa costs
- Transfers to between airports and Otopeni
- Meals and drinks not specified in itinerary
- Bike hire
- Bikepacking bags
- Bicycle parts and accessories costs and workshop fees for additional bike repair
- There is no support vehicle. Riders will ride as an unsupported group under the leadership of the expedition leader
FAQs
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is a compulsory item to attend the expedition. Proof of insurance will need to be shown in order to secure your booking.
What bags should I use to carry my gear?
We recommend a handlebar roll or saddle bag to carry spare clothing during the day. A top tube or handlebar mounted feedbag is a good idea for carrying snacks and sunscreen. We can work with you on setting up your bike for the expedition.
Do I need to be a strong cyclist to ride this expedition?
You don’t need to be the strongest cyclist in the world to ride this expedition. However, you do need to have a solid level of fitness and some experience riding long distances, particularly over gravel roads. It is advisable to have bikepacked previously. The daily distances should not be a new circumstance to you.
How do I get to Otopeni?
Most major airlines offer flights to Henri Coandă International Airport on the outskirts of the capital city of Bucharest. Once everyone has arrived, we will transfer as a group to Brasov via chartered bus which is around a 2.5hr journey. We recommend arriving well ahead of the Saturday morning starting time to give yourself plenty of time to settle and allow for any travel-associated delays.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any questions about the expedition feel free to get in touch at expeditions@curvecycling.com