The climb is extremely popular among the local cyclists. Every day, especially on summer weekends, scores of cyclists fond of climbs ride uphill towards Breznica below Lubnik, and towards Nace.
The most determined register their ascents in a special book while resting at Nace's or in the nearby snack bar Malina. The fact that the climb is not among the most difficult ones contributes to its popularity; that's the reason you can meet all types of cyclists and all types of bicycles on the road. During a little bit over 7 kilometres you will rise by 400 metres – the average incline is hardly over 5%, and the climb is quite steady.
The slope starts in Podpulfrica, approximately two kilometres from Škofja Loka, where the sign directs you right towards Breznica and Lubnik. Grassy slopes are on your right, and the Poljanska valley on your left. Soon after an exit from the main road joins the road you are on, you will see on your right a notice warning the drivers that the cyclists are ruling there, and that they should pay special attention. Naturally, the warning is addressed to cyclists as well.
Pantani and Basso are no strangers to Nace
The road leads through a sparse forest and among meadows. After the first kilometre the gradual slope turns into the first hairpin bend, and the view opens into the Poljanska valley. Another kilometre of a narrower road brings you to the second hairpin bend, and the pass named 'kobila' (mare in English), a starting point for mountaineers heading towards Lubnik (1000 m).
The next two kilometres are not very picturesque, the notes on the road written by supporters of the cycling club Koloka from Škofja Loka – among them also the famous Marco Pantani and Ivan Basso, if you take the joke made by cyclists from Škofja Loka seriously… At the exit to Gabrovo you will pass the notice that you have already mastered one half of the climb. Once you exit the sparse forest, the third and then the fourth hairpin bend take you along the hillside.
The fastest need less than 20 minutes
After riding 6 kilometres you reach the first houses of Breznica. Another kilometre through the forest, along the hillside of Lubnik, and once you exit the forest you can already see your goal: two snack bars, Nace on the left, and Malina on the right, with Passo di Nace in beetween – the name Nace pass was given by the local cyclists, as an analogy to the Italian more famous, and higher "colleagues".
Those who start their stopwatches at the start line will be able to check their shape at the finish line. The fastest need less than twenty minutes, but any time below half an hour means you did very well indeed.
If you would like to have your time measured officially, perhaps even race with the fastest cyclists, you still have some time at your disposal to improve your form. On September 12 the Sports Association Škofja Loka will organize the third climb to the »passo«. Considering that, Nace might not be so obsolete cycling climb as one would think …
Uroš Bonšek, foto: Alenka Ropret
Translated by G. K.
