Usturoiul Valley - Feriga Peak- Măgura - V. Roșie (FERIGA TRAIL 2)

Cycling style - Cross-country  Degree of difficulty - intermediate  Minimum equipment - MTB hardtail bike  Water sources - the springs on the Usturoiul Valley, the springs of the Romana Valley Route condition - mainly consisting of forest roads and paths, asphalted sections being only in Baia Mare and the connection road Romana Valley and the beginning of the ascent to Bodi Lake.  The route traveled starts from the Stadium area to the Usturoiul Valley,  continuing on the asphalt road to the last house. We go on the forest road that climbs, pass by the Usturoiul 1 abandoned Chalet, and we reach the barrier near the Usturoiul 2 Chalet. After we pass the barrier, we take it to the left and climb the forest road that meanders until we reach Poiana Pleştioara. From Poiana Pleştioara we take it to the right and begin to climb to the ridge (if we take it through the forest to the right, we discover on a tree the sign to the Pleștioara Peak). From the ridge we take it to the left on the forest road that descends on a short segment, after which it begins to climb to the right, towards the Tocastru Peak. We take the level curve near the Tocastru Peak and descend towards the Ostra Peak. After we get out of the forest and descend through a deforested area, we leave the road and take it on a forest road to the left (before the steep and muddy descent of the road), bypassing the Ostra Peak through the forest. The road descends until it intersects with a forest road, a place from which we take it to the right and climb a short section (an area from which you can admire the Firizei Valley, Piatra Bulzului, the Igniș Peak), after which the road descends to the Romana Valley. We go out to the asphalt road and take it to the right towards Ferneziu, and after passing the Shopping Centre and the blocks of flats in Ferneziu we take it again to the right and climb to Ferneziu Bodi Lake. We continue on the left side of the lake and, after passing the barrier, we take it to the left on the forest road that descends to the Water Plant, from where we descend into Grivitei Street.  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/

Stil ciclism: Cross-country Grad de dificultate - intermediar Echipare minimă - bicicletă MTB hardtail Surse de apă - izvorul din Chiuzbaia, izvorul de la Baia Sprie Puncte de interes - Mina Herja, Mina Matei, Muzeul Chiuzbaia Stare traseu - cea mai mare parte a traseului este pe drumuri asfaltate, dar porțiunile neasfaltate sunt suficient de grele pentru a fi necesară o bicicletă bine echipată Traseul parcurs pornește din zona Stadion spre Ferneziu, mergând până în stația de autobuz de la poarta fostei uzine Romplumb, de unde o luăm la dreapta, trecem calea ferată și râul peste punte. Parcurgem printre case drumul până la podul spre Mina Herja, loc din care o luăm la dreapta, urmând drumul până la poarta minei. Din curtea minei o luăm în partea stângă, pe drumul forestier (clădirea administrativă a minei rămânând în dreapta), drum pe care urcăm până pe culmea din partea dreaptă a Groapelor Chiuzbăii, trecând pe lângă Mina Matei. Parcurgem drumul de culme, trecând pe lângă o veche stație de pompare a Minei Herja, pe lângă o răstignire, având în permanență Groapele Chiuzbăii în partea stângă. Ajungem în Groapele Chiuzbăii, la intersecția de la care se coboară în dreapta în Chiuzbaia. Coborâm în centrul Chiuzbăii, de unde o luăm la stânga pe drumul asfaltat care duce către Mănăstirea Chiuzbaia. După ce trecem de Păstrăvărie, o luăm la dreapta pe un drum forestier care coboară lin și începem să urcam pe drumul forestier spre Vârful Iezere. Drumul forestier continuă până lângă pensiunea Limpedea din Baia Sprie, loc din care o luăm la dreapta pe asfalt, spre Baia Mare, trecând prin Baia Sprie. Înaintăm până la stația de carburant Luk Oil, unde o luăm la dreapta, iar după ce trecem podul, facem stânga pe drumul paralel cu drumul național. Parcurgem drumul până ajungem în zona industrială dintre Baia Mare și Tăuții de Sus. *Sursă hartă, text și video: https://maramures-bike.ro/

Cycling style - Cross-country Minimum equipment - MTB hardtail bike  Water sources – the springs in the Firiza Dam area, the spring on the Sf. Gheorghe Valley, immediately after crossing the bridge and the spring in the Borcutului Valley Route condition – the section Baia Mare -  entrance to Sonioca and Băiţa Peaks - Baia Mare with small interruptions, are paved roads. The section of interest between  Sonioca Peak and Băiţa is a forest road (The Wood Highway). The route starts from the Stadium are to Ferneziu, crossing on asphalt the road near the Dam and through Firiza, up to the area of the water pools belonging to the Lostrița trout farm, located on the right side of the road. After passing the pools, we take a left on the forest road provided with the barrier - The Sonioca Valley (the Wood Highway). The cobblestone road begins with a more gradual ascent of about 1 km, after which it comprises sections of descents and smooth climbs until the Bagnăului Hill, where there is a resting place after passing a barrier (if we climb through the right of the resting place, on the road that enters the forest, we arrive shortly in Poiana Șeituri and from there you can descend into the Romana Valley). From the resting place we continue on the Frăsineasa forest road, to the first bifurcation (where there is a blue sign for a place of return) from where we take it to the left and start the gradual descent on the rocky forest road. At the next bifurcation we take a left on the forest road that reaches the intersection with the Sfântu Gheorghe Valley, we pass by the micro hydropower plant and we continue to descend on the road that passes through the Lomas hamlet, reaching the intersection with the bridge to Ulmoasa, then we continue on asphalt road, towards Băița. We go through the road through Băiţa to Tăuții Măgherăuș and take it to the left, we cross the river on the Cota bridge on street no. 4 and we go straight on an unpaved road, which passes through the houses area and slightly ascents until the houses are is left behind, when we take it to the right, going through the road that crosses the former orchard and exits to Apa Sarata. We take it to the right on the paved road, up to the intersection with the road to Dru Relax, a place from which we turn left, we pass by Dru Relax and climb straight, up to the top of the hill. From here we take it to the left on the ridge, towards the forest, passing by an old abandoned house, located on the right side of the road and near a few vineyards, after which we enter the forest. From the forest we take the second road to the right and descend by the fence of a house, to the spring in the Borcut valley. From the spring we take it to the right towards Baia Mare and then on the second road to the left (after an old house plated with brown and yellow ceramic tiles). The road ascents steeply to the last house, where we take it to the right and climb the paved road until we reach the asphalt road, on Miron Costin Street, on which we descend to Victoriei Street.  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/

Cycling style - Cross-country Difficulty degree - easy  Minimum equipment - hardtail bike (MTB or cyclo-crosss)  Water sources - village shops on the route Points of interest - wooden churches Route condition- for the most part, the route is composed of paved roads, being suitable to be covered also in wet weather The route traveled starts from the Stadium  area, and we will exit Baia Mare on Unirii Boulevard, towards Satu Nou de Jos. At the football field in Satu Nou de Jos we take it to the left and climb the asphalt until we reach Groși, perpendicular to the main road that crosses the locality. We take it to the right, we pass the center of Groși commune, then the indicator towards Ocoliș and the indicator towards the Habra Monastery and we descend on the road that reaches Chechiș. When we get to the asphalt road, we take it to the right and go to Dumbrăvița. We pass through Dumbrăvița to Rus, and from Rus we take it to the right towards Şindrești. We climb the slope from Şindrești and towards the top of the slope we take it to the right and descend on the road that goes to the edge of the village. After passing the last house, we take the first gravel road to the right, a road that goes up the hill to Cărpiniș. From the top of the hill follows the descent to Cărpiniș and we cross the village to Berinţa. Before entering Berinţa, we take a gravel road to the left, a road that climbs the Berința Hill, passing at one point by several houses on the left side of the road. When we reach the top of the hill, we take it to the right and go through the ridge road that descends near the exit from Berinţa. We cross the national road and start climbing the hill on asphalt road to Curtuiușul Mic. From Curtuiuș we take it to the right and descend to the last house on the road, after which the road makes a curve to the left and begins the ascent to Coruia. We go straight on, we pass by a few isolated houses and we reach the paved road, which passes through the forest to Coruia. From Coruia we take it on the road to Chechiș (to the right), we enter Chechiș and we take it to the left, immediately after we cross the bridge on the gravel road that goes to Ocoliș. We cross Ocolis and, after leaving the village, we take a right on Pădurii street, a street that climbs steeply to Satu Nou de Jos. We reach the asphalt road that takes us to the football field, we go further to Baia Mare.  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/

Cycling style - Cross-country  Minimum equipment - MTB hardtail bike Warnings - in the area of Poiana lui Dumitru - Izvoare we found bear traces on the forest road  Water sources - the spring from the Stur Quarry, the spring from the Black Valley (Valea Neagra) Points of interest - Stur Waterfall, Poiana lui Dumitru Route condition - the section of the route between Pistruia Trout Farm and Izvoare is crossed on forest roads, the rest of the way on asphalted roads  The route starts from the Stadium area to Ferneziu, Firiza Dam, Blidari, with a section of asphalt road of about 20 km to Pistruia Trout Farm, a place where the asphalt road ends and the forest road on the Blidari Valley begins. We follow the forest road that slightly ascent on the Stur Valley, reaching the kilometer at the Stur Spring and after another 2 km we reach the Stur Waterfall (the waterfall is located before the place where the forest road makes a hairpin curve to the right and begins the gradual ascent, being hardly visible from the forest road). We go through the forest road passing by three micro-hydropower plants and we reach the confluence of the Sturului Valley with the Poienii Valley (the road to the left to the N leads to the Pleșca Mare Peak, Brazilor Valley, Tăul lui Dumitru) and we continue on the Sturului Valley, passing by the Forest Chalet - Poiana lui Dumitru) (on the right side of the road surrounded by spruce trees). We head to Stedia Pass, avoiding a ditch (made to prevent vehicles from entering the forest road) on the road that turns slightly to the right, crossing a wide glade. We follow the forest road to the place where it bifurcates (the road on the left goes on the Stedea Valley to Runcu, Pleșca Chalet, Mara village) and we take the road on the right, going up to the Pietrele Luncii Peak. Passing under the peak, we start the descent and reach the intersection with the asphalted road, in the area called La Cruce. From the intersection we take it to the right and descend on the asphalt road in Valea Neagra, Firiza, Baia Mare. To shorten the route, you can drive to Pistruia Trout Farm, thus reducing the number of kilometers traveled by half.  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/ 

Cycling style - Cross-country  Difficulty degree – intermediate Minimum equipment – MTB hard tail bike Water sources - village shops and private fountains Points of interest - views on the route, the wooden church in Purcăreț  Route condition - the route is composed, for the most part, of dirt roads  Warnings - we do not recommend going through this route on rainy days or immediately after a rainy period. It is also possible to meet flocks of sheep on the route, between Vărai and Fericea; there is also a sheepfold near the road, on the left side. The route starts from the village of Fericea, Valea Chioarului commune, Maramureş County. To get to Fericea, from DN 1C Baia Mare - Cluj Napoca, between localities Buciumi and Valea Chioarului, we take it to Curtuiușul Mare, that we cross, after which we climb the Cornilor Hill, which we descend till the entrance in Fericea. Once in the village, we cross it to the school area over the valley, on the right side and look for a place to leave the car. We get on the bike and hit the road, but carefully, not to miss the road to the left that takes it up to the Prisnel Peak. The asphalt road ends quickly and we enter dirt roads and at the first fork we hold it to the left and then we hold the main road, which goes up to Prisnel, a peak that looms in front of us. The climbing is quite difficult, in some places having to do push-bike. We climb on the road until we reach the pasture. Halfway through the pasture, the road will bifurcate, and we will take it to the right to enter a level curve, that will bypass the Prisnel Peak. We will keep this road that surrounds the ridge and will pass us into Sălaj County, in Vălișoara village (Valea Rea). Once in Vălişoara, after the first house we take it to the left, and at the first intersection we take it to the right, down, on the road leading to Letca. After we get out of Vălişoara, on the right side of the road we will notice two private artificial lakes and some chalets. In front of the second lake we take it to the left up, to climb the village of Purcăreț. Arriving in Purcăreț, we cross the village until we reach the main asphalted road, where we take it to the left, immediately following to see on the left side the wooden church in Purcăreț. We continue in front to a fork where we slightly turn left, but we do not hold this direction long, because as soon as we notice on the right side a former agricultural cooperative stable, we will take it to the right, to get out of the village. We climb the pasture of the village until we almost reach the ridge, where we will take it to the right. The road will continue beautifully on the ridge, until it intersects with a cobblestone road, which comes from Vărai. Here, near a culvert, we take it to the left, down towards Vărai. Arriving in Vărai, we pass by the school, and in front of the village store we take it to the right up. Immediately we will reach another fork, where we will also take it to the right to pass by the church. We continue the climb, and at the next fork we will take it to the left up, in the hairpin curve. We climb until we get out of Vărai and reach the ridge, the road continues until it intersects with the asphalt road, which we came earlier by car from Curtuiușu Mare to Fericea. We take it to the left and descend on the asphalt, all the way to Fericea where we parked the car. *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/ 

Cycling style - All-mountain  Difficulty grade – intermediate Minimum equipment - MTB hardtail bike Points of interest - kickers arranged on the descent road Route condition - outside the urban area, the route is composed of cobblestone roads and paths; the descent part was arranged by downhill enthusiasts with kickers and other elements. Warnings - pay attention to the speed you approach the jumpers, which can also be bypassed. Put safety first! The route starts from Colonia Topitorilor street, on which we will climb to the Water Plant. The asphalt road will end, but the paved road will continue upwards, passing by the Water Plant, which is located on the right side and next to the last house on the street, which is located above, on the left side. We cross the barrier and continue our way up, near the Vicleanu Valley, until the road bifurcates and on the left side there will be a bridge over the valley. Here we take it to the left, cross the bridge and continue to climb this road which at the top will bifurcate again, but we will keep the direction forward until we reach a clearing at an old abandoned mining building. Here we will take it to the right on the steep road, up near the building, until we reach the top. From the top we will descend on the downhill trail, which will take us back to the barrier, and from here we either make another climb, taking it to the left, or return to the urban area, taking it down to the right. We recommend that until you learn the route, to make the first descents carefully and only afterwards to use the arrangements, at a level proportional to your technical skills and equipment. It is also recommended to approach such descent routes in group, so that in the unfortunate circumstances of injuries, to benefit from your friends’ support.  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/

Cycling style - Cross-country Degree of difficulty - intermediate Minimum equipment - MTB hard tail bike Points of interest - Tăul lui Dumitru, magnificent views  Route condition -on the sections Baia Mare - Blidari and Șuior - Baia Mare there are asphalted roads, the rest of the route consists of forest roads Warnings - the degree of difficulty is not high, but given the length of the route, do not leave without food supplies or unprepared for a few hours of cycling The route starts from Baia Mare towards Firiza and Blidari, on asphalt, until Blidari hydroelectric power plant, from where the paved road leading to Poiana lui Dumitru begins. We will pass a spring arranged with tables and benches, on the left side of the road, where we can cool off during hot days, then we start heading up, passing the Stur quarry, which is on the right side of the road and we can visit the Stur waterfall, should we go down the valley. We keep going up the main road until we reach bifurcation, where we find a sign that shows us that Poiana lui Dumitru is on the road on the right, but we will turn left, continuing the climb to the top. At the top of the road we will have two more springs from where we can get water. Once up, the road makes a sharp turn to the right and begins a slight descent. We will keep going up this road until we intersect with another road that comes from Poiana lui Dumitru, from where we will take it to the left and we will climb slightly to the top, where we will visit Tăul lui Dumitru. In this area, in addition to the beautiful landscape, one can admire: the carnivorous plant "roua cerului" (Drosera rotundifolia), protected species, or "bumbăcărița" (Eriophorum vaginatum), an ancient plant that grows in such areas. The easiest access is from the road that is 50 m after the sign that points to Tăul lui Dumitru, but the section must be crossed carefully because this road, at some point, turns left in an unmarked place, and the path cannot be clearly identified. From here the road is no longer cycleable, but the final objective is only a few tens of meters ahead. After visiting Tăul lui Dumitru, we will return to the road we came until the intersection where we had made a left earlier, but now we will go straight towards Poiana lui Dumitru until we reach a large intersection, where information panels about these protected areas are installed. Once here we will turn left and go along this road, until a large fork, where we will keep the road on the left. Here we will start a long descent that will take us on the road that connects Runcu with Izvoare. From the intersection with this road we will turn right towards Izvoare. We will make a stop at Brăduț Chalet, where we have access to water from the spring on the right side of the road and we can enjoy a coffee. After going down the road again, we will reach a fork where we will take the left, to immediately reach another fork. Here we will go up to the right, towards the edge of Poienii Soarelui. Once here, we will enjoy the impressive panorama on the right side of the road and we will continue to climb to surround Poiana Soarelui. We follow the road around Poiana Soarelui until we reach a dilapidated wooden house, which will be on the right side of the road. Here we will turn left uphill to reach DN 18, Gutâi Pass. From Gutâi Pass we will turn right to the top at Pintea Inn. From here we will leave the asphalt road behind, going on the path on the left of the road in our direction, which leads to the mobile phone relay and to Poiana Boului - Creasta Cocoșului. We climb until we reach Poiana Boului, where we follow the road until we reach the main road that crosses the glade, from where we will turn right, down to Suior. We follow this road until we reach the paved road, where we will take the right again, we will pass through the former administrative buildings of the mine and we will reach a concrete road, taking us again to DN 18. Once we arrive at the intersection with DN 18, we will turn left towards Baia Sprie and then Baia Mare, to end the tour.  * Map, text and video source: https://Maramureș-bike.ro/

Cycling style - All-mountain Difficulty grade - intermediate  Minimum equipment - MTB hard tail bike  Points of interest - views on the route Route condition- the route is composed, for the most part, of forest roads and trails  Warnings - beware of descents, because there are sections with moving stones and mud. The route goes from Baia Mare to Ferneziu where, before the blocks of flats from Ferneziu, we turn left towards Bodi Lake, after which we follow the signs pointing the Bodi Lake. After the asphalt road ends, a rougher climb follows, then an area still in the climb, but softer, and then again a harder climb. Just after the second more difficult climb ends, we follow on the left side an entrance into the forest, which is quite difficult to notice. From the main road we have to climb about 30 m, after which we have to reach a path that descends to another road, which follows the direction of the level curve under Bodi Lake. Once on the level curve, we will enjoy a flat and cool road through the forest. Halfway through this road, after crossing a small stream, we will see a slope on which we will have to push bike for a distance of about 20 m, after which, at the top of it, we will take it to the left and continue the road on the level curve, until we descend into the Vicleanu Valley, on the road that descends to the Drinking Water Plant. Once we reached the Vicleanu Valley, we take it to the right and climb near the valley to a larger fork, where we take it to the left over the valley and continue our way up, to the top. To reach the top, when we arrive at the fork in the first larger clearing, we will take it to the right and continue to climb a little more, after which the road will take it in a slight descent to the left. We will continue on this road on the ridge of the hill until  we arrive below Dealu Crucii hill, from where we will take it on the right down, to reach the Ferăstrăului Street. Pay attention to this descent, as it is strewn with moving stones and unstable areas. After we pass through the valley and reach the Ferăstrăului Street, we take it to the right up and go through St. John's quarry. In the quarry, when the road bifurcates, we will go on the middle road, and at the next fork, after the quarry, we will hold left, continuing the climb to the Route 66 trail. Once we reach the intersection with Route 66, we will take it to the right, up, and after the first steeper descent, we will climb the first slope and at the top we will take it to the left, to descend to the Usturoiul Valley. From the Ustuoiul Valley we will take it to the right up, following the red signs to the Feriga Trail, until we reach Feriga Peak. From here we will descend on the way that takes it from the top to the right, namely, on the Feriga Trail 2, following the blue signs. We will follow this route until we reach the Red Valley, at Magura. We will descend carefully on the paved road, until we find a bridge on the left side, which we will pass to climb to the Dakar trail, whose last part we will cross to reach The Queen Mary Park (Parcul Regina Maria).  *Map, text and video source: https://maramures-bike.ro/