Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016

Sun burn, saddle-sore asses, aching muscles… it was time for true heroes to step up to the challenge of completing this tough 420km in 3 day ride. The target was the historic northern Italian city of Bologna, home to the Sativa Indica trade show.

Most unwelcome weather – heavy rain – made this a difficult ride for most riders. However, everyone had their eyes on the prize – finishing the 2016 Medical Cannabis Bike Tour on a high! And this was accomplished with everyone home safely. A tremendous achievement, with enough money now raised to get on with the business of some serious medical research.

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The last day of the 2016 Medical Cannabis Bike Tour was a 140km ride to the historic northern Italian city of Bologna, where the tour was concluded with a warm welcome from the organisers of the Indica Sativa Trade expo. Riding conditions were some of the worst that the MCBT has seen in its short but colourful history, with torrential rain falling for much of the day. However, our intrepid MCBT 2016 riders, with a little help from the support teams, pulled together to make a final push towards the finish line. Arriving in Bologna in the early evening there was a great sense of relief and achievement. 420km completed in 3 days, many new friendships made!

The second day of the 2016 MCBT was certainly flatter than the first! However, this day wasn’t all plain sailing although the lack of hills allowed the Medical Cannabis bike tour riders to get up some speed, especially in the leading peloton. The route ran parallel to the coast, passing Venice on the way although there was no time to stop for romantic reflection on a gondolier! The romance was provided by overcoming the challenges of the route as Day 2 of the MCBT 2016 adventure came to its conclusion in the historic town of Monselice, a place linked with the mythological Trojan hero, Opsicella.

Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016

After the mountains of Slovenia today’s ride never got above 50m, but it was long – over 160km. It was a chance for the peloton to get some speed up. However, it was a tricky day 2 on the road, with 2 road diversions, lost riders and the last rescue mission of the day bringing back 9 people and 11 bikes in an 8 seater van!

Passing fields of grape vines, sleepy villages with cypress trees and small churches and, of course, excited inhabitants who looked on with curiosity.

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The 2016 Medical Cannabis Bike Tour began in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, in May. Located in the Julian Alps near the Italian and Austrian borders, the first day’s ride was mountainous and the first 12 km (from 800m – 1600 m) were described as ‘pure hell’ by many of the cyclists! At the highest point the tour rode across snowy peaks with eagles flying overhead. Crossing the border after 75 km, the bike tour arrived in northern Italy where the countryside became much more easy going. After day 1, the tour had already developed a great spirit of comradeship and adventure!

Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016 - Slovenia to Italy - Indica/Sativa Trade

In the history of the MCBT, we have experienced some big climbs, but day 1 (144 km) of the 2016 tour was definitely one of the hardest! The first 12 km (from 800m – 1600 m) were HARD!

High in the sky where the eagles fly and the mountains are covered with snow and the temperature is a chilly 1 degree, it was almost 3 hours before the group went up and down and was riding in the warm sunshine again. However, the views of Slovenia were awesome.

Watch the video!

Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016

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In May 2016, the 5th annual Medical Cannabis Bike Tour took place in Slovenia and Italy. Once again we completed 420km in 3 days, riding through stunning scenery, from steep, snow covered mountains, through sleepy countryside with fields of grape vines and historical old villages.

With over 80 riders and volunteers from all over the world, the tour was another inspirational experience with great vibes and new friendships formed along the way. The 2016 adventure was another example of just what can be achieved when people come together and work together.

We have now raised over 350,000€ over the past 5 years, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, and this money is now enough to pay for clinical trials which begin in the first trimester of next year. This is fantastic news and the start of another great adventure for the bike tour. You can keep up to date with developments on our Facebook page over the next few months.

In the meantime, check out the videos of the 2016 Medical Cannabis Bike Tour…. and think about signing up to join us on our next instalment!

Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016 - Slovenia to Italy - Indica/Sativa Trade Bologna 2016

Medical Cannabis Bike Tour 2016 - Slovenia to Italy - Indica/Sativa Trade Bologna 2016

MCBT 2016 – Biggest Bike Tour Yet Hits Slovenia/Italy this May

It’s that time of year again! Wheels are pumped, chains are oiled, riders are fit and ready to go…

From May 17-19, over 90 cyclists and volunteers will be travelling 420km in 3 days across Slovenia and Italy. The bike tour will arrive at the Indica Sativa Trade expo in Bologna on Friday May 20th, where celebrations will begin.

Why celebrations? Because this year will see the bike tour reach its financial target to fund independent clinical trials which will use cannabinoids to treat cancer patients. This year’s tour has already raised 100,000€ in sponsorship from companies and individuals.   

The MCBT has been an incredible 5 year journey, which began with 2 riders in 2012. Riders in the 2016 tour are coming from all over Europe, North and South America. Follow the tour’s progress on the MCBT Facebook page
www.facebook.com/medicalbiketour