From 22 to 24 May 2026, the 21st annual traditional Rotary event, “By Bicycle or on Foot Around the Lednice-Valtice Area”, took place. Participants gathered and were accommodated in Velké Pavlovice, from where they set out into the surrounding wine-growing countryside and the Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape for the individual parts of the programme.
The gathering, organised by the Rotary Club Valtice-Břeclav, which operates across the wider region, once again confirmed that the combination of physical activity, friendship, discovering the landscape, and informal Rotary fellowship creates an exceptional programme to which participants are always happy to return.
This year’s event was attended by nearly twenty Rotarians from various clubs. Among them were experienced cyclists, recreational riders, and those who preferred the walking option. The whole weekend was marked by friendly meetings, the sharing of experiences, and the joy of exercise in one of the most impressive parts of South Moravia.
Friday’s programme was devoted to the Velké Pavlovice Wine Cycle Route. Participants set off along a route leading through Nové Mlýny, Bulhary, Lednice, and Rakvice. The landscape offered not only striking views of vineyards and the waters of the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, but also the calm atmosphere typical of this region. The route was prepared so that both more sport-oriented participants and those who chose a more leisurely pace and wished to take in the surrounding countryside could enjoy it fully.
A pleasant feature of the programme was a stop at Michlovský Winery, where participants were able to rest, enjoy refreshments, and taste local wines. There was also plenty of space for conversation, sharing experiences from club activities, and reflecting on further joint projects and future meetings. During Friday, the participants covered almost 50 kilometres together, and throughout the day there was an excellent atmosphere and strong mutual support.
Saturday’s programme continued along the Modré Hory Cycle Route, which offered further remarkable experiences. The route, approximately 40 kilometres long, led to the Chapel of St Anthony of Padua and then on through Trkmanický Forest, Kobylí, and Vrbice. Participants admired not only the picturesque wine-growing landscape, but also the unique architecture of the well-known seven-storey wine cellars in Vrbice, which are among the most distinctive attractions of the region.
Another memorable moment was the stop at the Slunečná lookout tower, from which impressive views opened up over the surrounding vineyards, villages, and the rolling countryside of South Moravia. Saturday’s stage was characterised by a relaxed pace, shared photographs, refreshment stops, and above all the joy of spending time together.
The evening programme also contributed greatly to the overall atmosphere of the gathering. After the day’s physical efforts, participants came together over a glass of Moravian wine, with time for informal conversation, exchanging experiences, and strengthening bonds of friendship. It is precisely these moments that remind us that Rotary is not only about public service and club projects, but also about mutual inspiration, understanding, and lasting friendship.
Special thanks go to Jaro Benda for the carefully prepared programme, excellent organisation, and warm welcome extended to all participants. Thanks to his efforts, the entire weekend took place in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere that the participants will remember for a long time.
The 21st annual “By Bicycle or on Foot Around the Lednice-Valtice Area” once again showed how naturally it can connect Rotarians across clubs and generations. Alongside its sporting dimension, it also offered space for personal meetings, sharing experiences, and strengthening inter-club relationships. Even now, many participants are already looking forward to future cycling events together, for example in Poprad or Třebíč, as well as to the next edition of this popular gathering.
Text: Marie Smrčková, RC Třebíč
Photos: Jaromír Barák, RC Třebíč
