Nele Jovanov, a cyclist from Novi Bečej, decided to change his life three years ago when he got back on a bicycle after a twenty-year hiatus. Since then, cycling has become his way of recreation and discovering new places. In this interview, Nele talks about his beginnings, how cycling has benefited his health, and the challenges of long rides, such as the Novi Bečej - Tjentište route. His story reveals how cycling can turn into a real life adventure, filled with travel and enjoyment of nature.
What is your year of birth, and when did you start taking cycling more seriously?
I was born in 1976. I have been actively cycling for about 3 years. Before that, I hadn't ridden a bike for over 20 years. I'm not sure how serious that is. I mainly engage in it recreationally and for tourism.
How did your passion for cycling begin?
I noticed that I had no energy, was overweight, and that bothered me. I initially started with walking and running, but since I didn't have much fitness or strength, running was quite exhausting and caused knee pain. That didn't suit me, and the same route every time negatively impacted my motivation. It just wasn't for me. Cycling puts much less stress on the knees, and your weight doesn't have a significant impact on stress levels. Initially, it wasn't a passion but a logical choice.
What inspired you to start cycling at that age?
At that age? Cycling is a very pleasant form of recreation. You exercise and travel at the same time. I met people traveling with loaded camping equipment. That's quite interesting, as I eventually found that there were no more routes nearby that I hadn't covered. I always plan circular routes to avoid returning the same way. No scene is repeated throughout the day. The most interesting part is when you ride a new route. From Novi Bečej, I have to plan a route that I can complete in one day before dark. Sometimes it gets tense, as something unforeseen might happen, and due to a lack of time, the ride might not be relaxing. When I have time for a multi-day ride, it's pure enjoyment. There's no pressure – wherever I like, I take a break and ride as much as I want daily.
What motivated you to tackle the Novi Bečej - Tjentište route?
I wanted to go to the OK Fest, and the challenge for me was to do it by bike. The mountains are demanding, but it's nicer to ride through forests in the shade without wind than in the plains. After every climb, there’s a reward – a descent. Bosnia is perfect in that regard: beautiful nature, many sources of cold drinking water along the way. The water warms up quickly, and when you find a spring, you just pour out the hot water, drink, and refill with cold.
How much time and preparation are needed for such long bike trips?
I’m not sure. Some people start completely unprepared and build their fitness along the way. A bigger problem than fitness for unprepared cyclists is that the body is not used to cycling, which can lead to pain in certain areas. I went to Fruška Gora three times before the trip to Tjentište, riding for two consecutive days to see how hard it is to tackle a climb with a loaded bike. It's quite challenging but doable. Slowly, in a low gear, you reach the top.
What are the biggest challenges on such routes and how do you overcome them?
I wasn't sure if I would fully recover from the previous day’s ride overnight. You ride almost all day. I rode for three days, with the plan to cover the most distance on the first day and the least on the last. I rode the most on the first day, then the second, and on the third day, I had only 30 km left to the goal. There were no problems. It’s important to eat well and stay hydrated to avoid running out of "fuel". I followed that and tried to ride economically, using as little energy as possible, at a pace that suits me. Sometimes you get carried away and want to ride faster, but that should be avoided.
How do you feel when cycling through nature on such long distances?
It's fantastic, as Čvarkov would say. The morning is nice, the temperature pleasant, the body rested, yet in your mind is the question of whether you will manage to achieve today’s plan. Bosnian nature certainly helps a lot. It’s not boring; you look around, admire, enjoy. Thoughts are positive, and sometimes you have no thoughts at all, just enjoying, meditating. Occasionally, I listen to music. When the sun is blazing, it gets a bit tougher, but by the end of the day, it’s fantastic again. Arriving at the destination is the best part. It usually involves a descent since I leave the next climb for the following morning. It's a great satisfaction – that's actually the "drug" that makes it all worth it.
What are the most memorable parts of the Novi Bečej - Tjentište route for you?
Climbing Romanija and descending to Tjentište. While climbing, a stray dog was ahead of me, from the spring above Vlasenica to the top. I had company when it was hardest. I treated him to breakfast at the spring, and he guided me to the top.
How do you plan your routes and do you use any special tools or apps?
I use Komoot for planning. It’s a good app because it suggests routes based on the bike you use. It maps out both dirt roads and gravel paths. I ride 99% asphalt, so any car navigation can also be useful.
What cycling advice would you give to those considering long rides like yours?
A reliable bike is crucial. The bike should be simple and sturdy to avoid or easily fix any breakdowns. During the ride, drink water as soon as you feel dryness in your throat, and frequently consume small amounts of caloric food (fruits, sweets) before you get hungry, as it’s too late once you’re already tired. If it’s hot and you sweat a lot, it’s important to take in salts and minerals.
Do you plan any new cycling adventures, and where would you like to ride next?
My next plan is to go to eastern Serbia. I would ride along the Danube to Đerdap and then south. Summer is coming to an end, and there isn’t enough time, so I will have to settle for Fruška Gora and local tours. This year, I have been to Romania and Hungary several times, but I won’t repeat that. It’s the same as riding in Vojvodina, and it’s unnecessary to deal with border crossings.
What is your cycling equipment like, and how do you choose it for different riding conditions?
When riding a road bike, I use a cycling jersey with padding, a helmet, sunglasses, gloves, clipless SPD-SL shoes, and pedals. I mostly use this bike for day trips because it’s fast and light, and I don’t need much luggage. I sometimes ride a touring bike without equipment or just with sunglasses and a helmet. It’s important to dress so that you feel slightly cold before you start. After a few kilometers, it will be just right. Summer rain isn’t a problem because those materials dry incredibly quickly while riding. I also use a gravel bike with wider tires for riding on rural roads.
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