One of the best cycling events in recent years was the construction of the pilot section of the first national cycling route between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many have already visited and bicycled in both directions several times, so this article is more for memory and for those who have not yet seen it with their own eyes.
The route features 56 kilometers of straight and even bike paths along the Moscow Canal from Yakhroma to Dubna. The entire route is expected to exceed 1000 km and pass through cities such as Tver, Ostashkov, Veliky Novgorod, and numerous small villages.
The route was developed with the participation of Strelka, based on research, expeditions, and existing routes clearly visible on the Strava heat map.
Let’s now focus on the pilot section. The Moscow Canal was chosen for several reasons. Firstly, there are no automobile roads, intersections, or noise here. Secondly, the route connects several interesting towns, such as Yakhroma, Dmitrov, and Dubna. Dubna is even considered the cycling capital of the area. Thirdly, the bike path runs parallel to the main highway and railway, making it easy for people to travel from Moscow by train in the morning, cycle the entire route, and return from the other end, which is what I did. Together, these factors create a convenient and enjoyable interstate cycling experience. Ahead stretches nearly 60 km, and I hope to give you a glimpse of the journey.
Let’s begin by looking at the section’s layout. The bike route runs on the opposite side of the canal from the train, so it’s accessible only at points with bridges and ferries: Yakhroma, Dmitrov, Meldino, and Bolshaya Volga. This makes the central portion slightly isolated from civilization, but it traverses quiet natural surroundings. The route offers rest areas, toilets, cafes, and rentals.
The rental station in Yakhroma is located at a sports stadium near the start of the route. Here, you can fill up on water, rent a bike, use the restroom, and it’s generally a great meeting place.
Parking areas for guests’ bikes are available on-site.
An info stand provides a map and helpful information.
A pavilion offers cafes, restrooms, and rentals.
To reach the embankment, you must descend a gentle serpentine path, constructed for convenient access.
The bridge support branded VELO1 is a popular photo spot.
Several actively used piers line the shore. Barges bring in gravel, sand, and other loose materials, some of which are used to construct the bike path, greatly simplifying the building process.
The embankment is closed to cars, allowing access only to special vehicles and service personnel. Barriers are lowered when necessary.
It’s Monday morning, and people are already actively cycling. Some are here for leisure, some for training, and others are commuting between Dmitrov and Yakhroma.
The surface is a resilient multilayered structure made of sand, gravel, geotextiles, and quartz, making it dense and extremely durable. Heavy trucks can safely travel on it. Asphalt is planned for most of the bike route, although canal and forest zones have protective statuses prohibiting hard surfaces.
Plant life along the roadside varies throughout the year, depending on what’s blooming. In spring, yellow flowers decorate the area, while summer features white blooms. By late summer, growth is abundant and somewhat sun-bleached.
A birch gateway.
In Dmitrov, another rental station greets us with a cafe and restroom, complete with tables and benches overlooking the barges.
Even the parking lot fits.
A barrier limits car access.
A solitary traffic light for ships stands along the bike path.
The farther from the city, the more places to descend to the canal for a swim.
Dmitrov Highway crosses to the other bank, allowing us to continue our route beneath it.
The next rest area is in Tatishchevo, featuring Soviet sculptures. It was once a pier and crossing point to the other side.
Today, there is a cafe and a rest area with a shelter and table. It’s also a repair station where you can adjust or pump your tires using the available stand.
The cafe features a large panoramic window.
The cafe.
The nature part of the route begins, which means you might encounter snakes, deer, and various other animals inhabiting the forest.
The route also features navigation. It leads you from start to finish, showing where attractions are, how far the next point of interest is, and how long it takes to the end of the route.
The only downside of the canal is the repetitive view. However, the locks, huge power lines, and bridges crossing the canal, along with the piers and ferries, will leave a lasting impression.
An old ferry and a view of the canal from a makeshift pier.
This is no longer operational, but once, it was possible to cross to the other side.
The bike path is fenced off from automobiles.
This is how the small rest area in Zaprudnya looks. It only has an info stand, a shelter with a table, and bike parking.
There’s no ferry, but locals take their boats and moor at these harbors.
You might also encounter goats; they live here and are quite friendly.
I loved this tree. It stands alone on a monotonous profile for many kilometers along the shore.
Near Meldino, you’ll find Lock No. 2. It is currently the only lock on the route. From the north side, you can enter the former pier and see the water level drop.
And from the south, see the barges sailing towards Moscow.
The lock is fenced off, abutting the forest closely, so a wooden bridge was built around it through the forest.
The bridge stretches almost a kilometer at a slight elevation. It features both straight sections:
And winding ones around trees.
A family bikes from Dubna.
The perspective of the power lines.
The rest area in Meldino.
This is what the repair station looks like. It was recently vandalized but quickly restored.
A cozy nook.
Meldino features one of the ferries to the other bank. Here the bike path briefly pauses, with a barrier at its entrance. Space is left on the side for cyclists. If necessary, the barrier rolls back, allowing service vehicles onto the premises.
You might even see deer up close on the route! And also boars)
Near the Sestrinsk dams are spots for local kids with bikes.
This is Rita in front of the DUBNA stele. She came from Dubna to ride part of the route.
The final rest area in Dubna with views of the ferry.
Here, the pilot section along the canal ends. The route turns left and continues along the road to Konakovo, from where you can take a ferry across the Volga River to Tver.
To reach Dubna, you need to take a ferry across the canal. It operates approximately every 5 minutes and is half-filled with bicycles.
View of the lighthouse, with the Ivankovo Hydroelectric Power Station and the Volga River beyond it.
No place to sit)
In summer, there are nearly as many bicycles as there are cars on the ferry.
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