Čiker MTB Marathon 2016
The marathon track organised in 2016. for the fifth marathon in a row, was significantly changed. Many touristic organisations which recognized the potential of this manifestation were included, such as (Čačak, Požega, Zlatibor and Bijelo Polje), among those we collaborated before.The overall track from Kraljevo to Bijelo Polje was successfully ended by 80 participants, out of total 130 who took part in this marathon which lasted for 7 days, The cities covered were: Čačak, Požega, Nova Varoš, Prijepolje and Pljevlja, over the mountains Jelica, Zlatibor, Zlatar, Jadovnik, Jabuka and Lisa.
The biggest one so far, this marathon showed many good reasons for which we believe in success, despite all the difficulties we ran into. To connect all the factors in this puzzle is not that simple but it worked. The expectations for the next marathons are huge, and the constant desire to raise the whole process on some higher levels has shown its results.
From June to June, we're in Kraljevo again. The calender of riding, friendships, vacations are made according to the Čiker marathon. We're impatient to catch our rhythm again and commence the new MTB conquest. The source of new destinations is inexhaustible and so, in 2016, we find ourselves in Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, on Zlatibor, and traditionally on Zlatar and Sopotnica, Prijepolje and Jabuka, friendly Pljevlja. In the amazing finale, on the last day of the Marathon, alongside of lake Otilovići, over the saddle of Kovren and Pavino Polje, soon followed and inspirational downfall towards Bijelo Polje. The eruption of excitement. Not even a drop of rain, gusts of wind, an occasional rough terrain we walked on, not a tremble caused by morning coldness, nothing could disrupt the joy we felt for everything we were experiencing. There are no more beautiful mushrooms than the ones picked in the forest of Zlatibor and prepared in the camp as the sky is going red after late afternoon June rain. There is no more beautiful socialising and more permanent friendship than the ones created in the mountains, in nature, while powerful white-headed vultures cruise the skies and rejoice freedom. Our freedom is in our refined hearts. – Emira Miličević, Summer 2016.