Flat & Rolling Rides

The Tbilisi–Rustavi ride is a local classic. The version proposed here turns it into a loop, starting and finishing at Liberty Square.

The route initially crosses the eastern neighbourhoods of Tbilisi (Avlabari, Isani, Samgori and Varketili) before continuing along Moscow Avenue and leaving the city towards the Azerbaijani villages of Karajalari and Gachiani.

The outward section is predominantly flat and trends gently downhill. Shortly after Gachiani comes the only significant effort of the day: a short, approximately one-kilometre ascent ending at the route’s highest point. It is noticeable but brief and does little to disrupt the generally easy character of the ride.

After reaching Rustavi and passing the city’s Liberty Square, the route turns back towards Tbilisi. The return journey remains largely flat, although it trends slightly uphill overall.

Wind is an important consideration on this route. Riders will often benefit from a tailwind between Tbilisi and Rustavi, but this usually means facing a headwind on the return leg. On particularly windy days, conditions across the exposed plains can become extremely demanding, and the route is best avoided. The secondary road towards Rustavi is generally quiet, although it is fairly narrow in places and stray dogs may occasionally be encountered. Most of this section passes through open countryside, agricultural land and scattered remnants of the region’s Soviet and industrial past. The return to Tbilisi follows the main highway and therefore involves considerably heavier traffic. Nevertheless, the road is very wide, leaving ample space for cyclists in most sections. It is not the most peaceful or scenic part of the ride, but it is generally manageable for riders who are comfortable cycling near traffic.

Once you reach Kvemo Ponichala, you are effectively back in Tbilisi. From there, only a few kilometres remain through Ortachala before returning to Liberty Square.

With limited climbing and a mostly flat profile, this is an excellent route for easy endurance riding and low-intensity aerobic training. Rustavi can also serve as the starting point for longer extensions towards destinations such as Gardabani or Marneuli.

Another classic ride from Tbilisi, presented here as a loop starting and finishing at Liberty Square.

The outward leg towards Mtskheta crosses Saburtalo before descending to Marshal Gelovani Avenue. This is probably the least pleasant section of the route because of the heavy traffic. Riders wishing to avoid it can use one of the parallel roads through Digomi Massive or follow Beliashvili Street. Neither option is completely traffic-free, but both can feel more manageable than the main avenue.

Once you pass Tbilisi Mall, you are effectively leaving the city. After one final left turn, the route follows a narrow and somewhat uncomfortable road beside the Mtkvari River. A pavement is available along part of this section, although it is generally dirty, uneven and unsuitable for comfortable riding. Fortunately, this stretch is short. At the next major junction, turn right following the signs towards Mtskheta.

From this point, the atmosphere changes considerably. The road becomes quieter and passes through greener surroundings, with woodland, attractive houses and views of the surrounding hills. After reaching Pompey’s Bridge, you are practically in Mtskheta. A stop at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is highly recommended.

Mtskheta is also an excellent starting point for several extensions. From here, cyclists can continue along the main roads towards Natakhtari or Saguramo, turn towards Armazi before Pompey’s Bridge, or follow the scenic road from the town centre to Shio-Mgvime Monastery (another local cycling classic).

The return journey follows an alternative route through Zahesi and Gldani. Retrace the road from Mtskheta to the first major junction, turn right and cross the bridge. This section can again be slightly uncomfortable: there is a pavement, but it is damaged, uneven and full of holes. Once across the bridge, however, you can comfortably continue towards Zahesi and then Gldani.

The final approach to central Tbilisi passes through Didube and Nadzaladevi, behind Station Square, before crossing Saarbrücken Bridge and returning to Liberty Square. Traffic is the main drawback of this route, particularly within Tbilisi and along the larger connecting roads. The final kilometres into Mtskheta and the first part of the return journey are considerably quieter. Nevertheless, the beauty and historical atmosphere of Mtskheta, combined with the sudden change of scenery only a short distance from the capital, make the ride well worth the effort.