The region among L?dek, Javorník and Otmuchów has always lived at its own particular pace. For the last 50 years it has been put out on the sidelines as a periphery of Czechoslovakia and Poland. Above all however, as opposed to its past, the region has existed in mutual isolation and lack of any contacts. The present has brought a collapse to the region, but, at the same time, a chance for its rebirth. The diversity and “human” character of its nature – the region boasts hills of more than one thousand-metres height, vast water reservoirs on the Polish lowlands, steep and rolling roads – along with opportunities for contacts with different cultures all generate chances which may attract large groups of tourists. Region L-J-O has been given a common name due to the cycle route shared by three areas: • L?dek area which is a part of the K?odzko region and creates one, large, submontane valley amidst the Rychleby Mountains and the ?nie?nik massif. It Is scenically surrounded by the majestic peaks of Smrk, ?nie?nik Kralicki and Czarna Góra. • Javornik area offering magnificent views of Polish lowlands. It is an area of gentle transition from mountainous regions to submontane hills where fields and meadows alternate with forests, all surrounded by the majestic circle of the northern slopes of the Rychleby Mountains. • Area between Paczków and Nysa formed by so-called Pradolina Nysy. Its weather and the beauty of artificial lakes on the river Nysa K?odzka attract tourists every year. Cycling opportunities and the L-J-O cycle route Owing to its diversity, a varied degree of road difficulty and low motor traffic the entire region has become a true paradise for cyclists. However, well signposted routes still account for a limited number in the entire region. Only in the area of L?dek there are several dozen of signposted cycle routes, and signposting for all routes is being prepared. For cyclists, the most important advantages of the area are good visibility (with the exclusion of high, mountainous areas) and safety of the routes. The route connects towns of L?dek Zdrój, Javorník and Otmuchów. It leads along an old, royal track, that is the trade route running from Bohemia through the K?odzko region to the East. During the Second World War, a road was built to connect Javorník and L?dek. Hazards and dangers along the route: In its entire length, the route leads along rather quiet roads of worse quality. These are primarily paved roads with potholes, therefore the route is not recommended for bicycles with non-tube tyres. Cyclists should exercise particular caution when riding downhill in both directions from the border-crossing point in the pass in Travná. Other critical places are located by the exit from the square in Javorník. Cyclists should take into account heavier traffic on the route Javorník – border crossing Bílý Potok, right up to the exit from the main road. The cycle route avoids crossroads and joining the busy and important road No. 408 between K?odzko and Nysa. Cyclists should consider following them when visiting Paczków or ?cibórz (the camping site and the beach at the other shore of Lake Otmuchowskie). The region • Rychleby Mountains – on the Polish side they are called the Z?ote Mountains (from the K?odzko defile to the Smrk peak), on the south - the Bialskie Mountains. On the Czech side, they curve north-east and close the Javornik region from the south. Their highest peak is Smrk (1125 m) and the crest height drops to 500-600 m. north-west. • Massif of ?nie?nik – with the highest peak in the entire vicinity - ?nie?nik Kralicki (1345 m.). It enters the region only with the northern tip of the massif over Stronie ?l?skie. • Pradolina Nysy – formed by a shallow and flat tectonic depression with the height of around 200-300 m., crossed by the river Nysa K?odzka. • Paczkowskie Foreland stretching along the right-hand bank of Nysa K?odzka, forms a passage from ?ulovska Upland and the foreland of the Rychleby Mountains to Pradolina Nysy. • ?ulovska Upland – is a gently folded hilly area filling the inner side of the Rychleby Mountains. It is located at the height of 300-400 m. and coincides with a considerable part of the cycle route. It also appears as a region of tourist interest. Its bedrock consists of so-called Silesian granite. Abut the history of the project: The first international Czech and Polish cycle route represents a part of the project to develop the Polish and Czech borderland. It has been founded thanks to the Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic, Polish provincial authorities and the District Office of Jeseník. The content-related aspect of the project was prepared and worked out by the Czech agency of regional development REgEX v.o.s.. Agentura pro regionální rozvoj v ?eské republice, in co-operation with the following partners – Czech Tourists Club, Polish Tourist Society PTTK, Agency for Development of the Opole Region, the Town Office in L?dek Zdrój and towns of Javorník, Paczków, Otmuchów. The cycle route constitutes the first section of international cycle route No. 60 “?u?yce - Beskidy" currently in preparation. The concept of the cycle route running along the entire Polish and Czech borderland is part of action aimed at revival of contacts and cooperation expected in the region.