During my 11 days in Moscow in summer 2026, I spent my time balancing sightseeing, relaxation, and a bit of adventure despite the limited hiking opportunities around the city. Since my boyfriend is also into cycling, he introduced me to VELO1, a long-distance cycling route that he often uses as a training ground for his endurance rides.
As someone who never says no to an outdoor challenge, I loved the idea right away. Cycling through forests, villages, and the Russian countryside sounded like the perfect way to experience a different side of Moscow beyond its famous landmarks and museums.
💡 Traveling to Moscow? Check out these guides:
- Visa Guide: Russian E-Visa Application Guide: How to Apply in 2026
- Planning: Travel to Russia: Experience in Safety Concerns, Sanctions, Travel Tips and Highlights
- Travel Story/Itinerary: 11 Days in Moscow in Summer 2026: My Second Trip to Russia
- Train Travel: Moscow to Saint Petersburg: Riding the Firmenny Train with Russian Railways
- Accommodation: VEGA Izmailovo Hotel
- Banya & Wellness Experience(s): Sanduny Baths in Moscow, Termoland Fiztekh in Moscow
- Sightseeing Guide(s): VDNKh
VELO1 Cycling Trail Overview & Quick Facts:
- Location: Moscow Oblast, Russia
- Route: Yakhroma to Dubna
- Distance: approximately 56 km from Yakhroma to Dubna
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Surface: A mix of paved asphalt cycling paths and gravel sections
- Time Required: 4–8 hours
- Best Time to Visit: May–September
- Bike Rental Facility: Yes, in Yakhroma & Dmitrov
- Highlights: Moscow Canal, forests, villages, countryside scenery, and dedicated cycling infrastructure
What is VELO1?
VELO1 is a long-distance cycling route in Russia located in the northern part of Moscow Oblast. It is part of an ambitious project that aims to create a cycling route connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, with a planned total length of around 1,000 kilometers.
At present, the completed section runs from Yakhroma to Dubna, passing through the historic city of Dmitrov along the way. Thanks to its relatively flat terrain and dedicated cycling infrastructure, VELO1 has become a popular weekend destination for both locals and expats looking to escape the city and enjoy the Russian countryside on bicycles.
The route combines paved asphalt paths, gravel sections, forests, villages, and scenic stretches along the Moscow Canal, making it one of the most unique outdoor activities you can experience near Moscow.
Where is VELO1 & How to Get There from Moscow?
While the cycling route stretches between Yakhroma and Dubna, many cyclists choose to start in Yakhroma because it is closer to Moscow and easier to reach by public transportation.
By Public Transportation (Suburban Train) to Yakhroma
Since we didn't have a car, we took the suburban train from Novodachnaya Station to Yakhroma Station.
After arriving in Yakhroma, we walked for around 10–15 minutes to reach the official VELO1 starting point beside the Moscow Canal.
The route was straightforward:
- Exit Yakhroma Station and head towards Vokzalnaya Ulitsa.
- Continue walking toward Yakhromsky Bridge.
- Cross the bridge over the Moscow Canal.
- Take the metal staircase down to the cycling path and VELO1 starting area.
💡 Tip: I found Yandex Maps much more reliable than Google Maps during my trip to Russia, especially for navigation and public transportation.
By Public Transportation (Suburban Train) to Dubna
Another option is to start your ride in Dubna, which marks the northern end of the current VELO1 route.
According to my boyfriend, who frequently cycles VELO1, trains from Moscow to Dubna are available but generally take longer than trains to Yakhroma, with journey times ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on the service. Train schedules also tend to be more frequent on weekends compared to weekdays.
Because of the longer travel time, many cyclists coming from Moscow prefer starting in Yakhroma, especially if they are only planning a shorter ride or a day trip.
💡 Tip: If you're planning to cycle the entire VELO1 route from Yakhroma to Dubna, check the latest train schedules in advance so you can easily return to Moscow after completing the ride.
Bike Rental Options in Yakhroma
Since I don't own a bike, I always look for bike rental facilities nearby when planning a cycling trip. Fortunately, there are two bike rental services in Yakhroma, both conveniently located right next to the official VELO1 starting point (see the zoomed-in map below).
You can rent from either of the following providers:
Both websites are in Russian, but they can easily be translated into English using your browser's built-in translation feature.
Bike Rental Rates
I didn't end up renting a bike myself because we were able to borrow one from my boyfriend's friend. However, if you're visiting Moscow and don't have access to a bike, VeloPro offers various rental options directly at the VELO1 starting point.
Below are the rental rates listed on their website at the time of our visit:
Camera Rental Available
One thing I found interesting was that VeloPro doesn't just rent out bicycles. They also offer action camera rentals, which can be useful if you'd like to record your ride without bringing your own equipment.
For my cycling trip, I ended up renting an Insta360 Ace Pro 2 from VeloPro to capture photos and videos along the route. They have several camera models available, with prices varying by rental duration.
Our VELO1 Cycling Route & Stats
Although we've previously completed a 46-kilometer cycling ride in Al Qudra Desert in Dubai, I'm still far from being a long-distance cyclist. So, we decided to keep our cycling short and ride only a portion of VELO1. Instead of cycling all the way to Dubna, we followed the route from Yakhroma-Dmitrov-Tatishchevo before turning around and returning to our starting point.
Cycling Stats
- Distance: 34.57 km
- Route: Yakhroma-Dmitrov-Tatishchevo
- Time: 3:36:07
- Moving Time: 2:59:41
- Elevation Gain: 42 m
- Recorded Using: Garmin Forerunner 255S (check my watch review here!)
Despite the distance, I found this ride noticeably easier than cycling in Al Qudra. The terrain was mostly flat, and there were plenty of opportunities to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
However, the final few kilometers still felt challenging. As someone with no cycling training before this trip, my legs were getting tired, and my butt definitely felt the consequences of spending several hours on a bike seat. A few training rides beforehand would have helped. If only I had done my part!
Overall, the Yakhroma–Dmitrov–Tatishchevo section is manageable for recreational cyclists who are comfortable riding for several hours. However, don't underestimate the distance if you're new to cycling. The mostly flat terrain makes the ride easier, but at the end of the day, your stamina and comfort on a bicycle will still matter.
Cycling Experience on VELO1
Starting in Yakhroma
We started our cycling journey in Yakhroma at an easy, relaxed pace. I was still getting used to the cycling track, so I didn't want to rush. Instead, I took my time enjoying the scenery and getting a feel for the route ahead.
The lush greenery, the Moscow Canal, and the fresh breeze made for a refreshing change from the usual landscapes I'm used to in Dubai. Finally, I feel so alive!
Of course, the journey also came with a few unexpected sights, including dead frogs scattered along the track! Even my boyfriend couldn't figure out why they were there, but apparently, that was part of the experience, too.
Dmitrov Rest Stop
After cycling for approximately 8 kilometers, we reached our first rest stop in Dmitrov.
This rest stop also has a bike rental facility, making it a possible starting point for those who prefer to begin their VELO1 journey in Dmitrov rather than Yakhroma. There's a small cafe selling light snacks, vending machines for drinks and snacks, and toilet facilities.
However, the seating area was rather limited. There was only one log serving as a bench, and it wasn't even under the shade! We ended up cycling a few meters farther, towards the large bridge leading to Dmitrov's town center, where we found some shade to sit down and eat our snacks.
I understand that this bridge may also be an option for cyclists who want to stop and explore Dmitrov. However, it was under construction during our visit, so we couldn't confirm whether it was accessible or suitable for crossing. I'd recommend checking the latest conditions before planning a detour into town.
Cycling Along the Moscow Canal Through Forests and Countryside
Beyond the Dmitrov rest stop, the scenery became one of my favourite parts of the ride. The trail continued through stretches of lush greenery, with occasional pine trees and white-barked birch trees rising above the forest floor. Some sections were shaded by the trees, while others opened up to reveal the bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds.
As we continued cycling, the landscape alternated between quiet woodland and open stretches alongside the Moscow Canal. The reddish gravel trail ran parallel to the water, bordered by tall grasses and wild vegetation. We also passed a striking red cross monument standing on a grassy hill. Its bold colour stood out against the surrounding greenery and blue sky, making it an unexpected landmark along the route.
Every now and then, we spotted boats and cargo vessels moving slowly along the canal, adding a little activity to an otherwise peaceful countryside setting.
Tatishchevo Rest Stop & Turning Point
Approximately 10 kilometers after Dmitrov, we reached Tatishchevo, our turning point for the day.
Just a few meters behind the Soviet Sculpture Park, where several Soviet-style sculptures are scattered beside the trail, there's a small lovely cafe with air-conditioning and glass walls overlooking the surrounding greenery. After cycling under the summer sun, stepping into a cool indoor space was a welcome break.
The cafe serves light snacks and energy gels, making it a perfect stop to recharge before continuing your ride. There are also toilet facilities, which are useful when cycling a longer distance.
Outside, there's an open resting area with tables and shaded spots where cyclists can sit down, relax, or take a short break before heading back.
As for us, we kept things simple and enjoyed a slice of cake and some ice cream before cycling back towards Yakhroma to catch our train back to Novodachnaya.
Cost & Logistics:
One thing I loved about our VELO1 cycling trip was that we didn't spend much on the activity itself. Here's a breakdown of our expenses for the day:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train tickets (per person, one way) | Approx. RUB 140.00 |
| Bike transportation fee (per bike) | RUB 260.00 |
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 camera rental (whole day) | RUB 2,700.00 |
| Coke from a vending machine (1 piece) | RUB 130.00 |
| Cake and ice cream at a café in Tatishchevo (1 piece each and shared) | RUB 1,110.00 |
A few things to note:
- Train tickets: I don't remember the exact fare because we used our Troika cards instead of buying separate tickets. The amount above is an approximate one-way fare.
- Bringing your bike on the train: During our visit (July 2026), we were charged RUB 260.00 per bike when the train attendant check our train tickets. She said that we should have purchased a separate bicycle ticket at the train station which is much cheaper than the RUB 260.00 per bike.
Overall, the biggest expense was the camera rental. If you're bringing your own action camera or don't plan to rent one, you can save quite a bit on this trip!
What to Bring & What to Expect on VELO1
Whether it's your first or 100th time cycling in Moscow, there are a few essentials worth bringing if you're planning to ride VELO1.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Face cover (buff/scarf) – helpful during windy conditions or for keeping warm when temperatures are cooler.
- Water (2–3L) + light snacks – there are rest stops along the route, but it's still better to bring your own water and snacks.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – for sun protection, especially during summer.
- Phone + power bank – useful for navigation and in case of emergencies.
- Small cycling bag – I bought an Osprey Katari 3 and highly recommend it, although I forgot to pack it for this trip!
💡 What To Expect:
- Countryside Scenery – expect a change of scenery from Moscow's busy streets, with forests, villages, and stretches of countryside along the route.
- A Popular Cycling Track – VELO1 attracts cyclists of different ages and experience levels. We even saw kids cycling along the route!
- A Long, Steady Ride – pace yourself and take breaks when needed, especially if you're not used to cycling long distances.
- Weather Matters – the trail can get muddy after rain, while parts of the route are used for skiing during winter. Check the conditions before heading out, particularly if you're visiting outside the warmer months.
Personal Thoughts on Cycling in VELO1 in Moscow
Apart from our cycling experience in Al Qudra, I didn't have much experience with long-distance cycling. And while the desert ride gave me that feeling of novelty, cycling along VELO1, surrounded by the countryside beyond Moscow, felt quite liberating.
The stillness of nature, the trees stretching along the route, and the cargo boats passing through the canal... it was a scene that's etched in my mind. It felt like a privilege. A privilege to spend time without having to rush off to meet another deadline.
I'm getting sentimental, I know. Maybe it's because I'm constantly trying to keep up with the pace of a fast-paced corporate environment, and somewhere along the way, I've started craving these little moments when I can simply slow down.
While we didn't get to cycle all the way from Yakhroma to Dubna, I'm motivated to train harder and return one day to complete the route. But until then, I'm back in Dubai, working my ass off on weekdays and looking for ways to squeeze in mini-adventures in this city I now call my second home.
