bucket list cycling trips

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Bucket List: 17 must-do rides and races in North America

From mountain bike stage races to 200-plus-mile road rides to alpine tours, these are the events and rides you need to put on your priority list.

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Blue Ridge Parkway

Where: North Carolina and Virginia When: Late spring through fall Why: Spawned by the New Deal more than 75 years ago as a scenic driving route, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides 469 uninterrupted miles of tarmac through some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Although created for cars, the benefit of bypassing intersections via overpasses provides cyclists the same luxury of never having to stop for traffic. Elevation ranges from 600 to 6,000 feet. www.blueridgeparkway.org

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Where: Glacier National Park, Montana When: Summer Why: Dedicated in 1933, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a breathtaking alpine route through the heart of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. The only road in the States to hold both National Historic and National Civil Engineering Landmark designations, the route over Logan Pass runs 50 miles and climbs to 6,646 feet. Road construction over the next decade will cause up to 30-minute delays, but a trip by Jackson Glacier with the bighorn sheep is worth it. www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm

The Snowy Range

Where: Laramie to Saratoga, Wyoming When: Late spring through fall Why: Highway 130 begins in Laramie, but its true beauty begins outside of Centennial. Crossing over the Snowy Range, the road kicks off with a steep grade and rises at a moderate rate for another 10 miles through beautiful pine and Aspen forests. At tree line, riders are treated to a spectacular view of the cliffs of Medicine Bow Peak as the road rises gradually to Libby Flat. If you choose to ride over the top, you can continue on to Saratoga Springs, which features natural hot springs and some restaurants. Traffic is light to moderate and the route is one of the hidden treasures of the Front Range of the Rockies. www.byways.org

Dirty Kanza 200

Where: The Flint Hills region of Kansas When: May 31, 2014 Why: Riding a century is certainly a doable challenge for most cyclists. Fewer tackle a double century (200 miles in one day). Even fewer attempt this epic ride over the undulating dirt and gravel roads of central Kansas. The most telling part of this event is the disclaimer issued by the promoter: “If you break down or become injured, do not call us. We will not come rescue you.” A support crew and a back-up emergency plan are recommended. Cut-off times are based on a 10mph average speed. Created by masochists for masochists, the Dirty Kanza 200 is not for newbies. www.dirtykanza200.com

Lake Champlain Bikeways

Where: Vermont, New York, Québec When: June through October Why: Lake Champlain Bikeways has mapped out bike-friendly loops all around this New England gem, taking riders through rolling hills, up mountains and along the beach for over 380 miles. Also available are a number of theme loops in Vermont and New York, like the Island Rail Trail loop, which takes riders along the Vermont shore via the old Rutland Railroad Island Line. www.champlainbikeways.org

Natchez Trace Parkway

Where: Natchez, Mississippi, to just south of Nashville, Tennessee When: Spring or fall Why: The bicycle-only campgrounds provide primitive camping for visitors who are biking the Natchez Trace Parkway. By using the Parkway campgrounds, bicycle-only campgrounds, and communities near the Parkway, you can plan your trip to ride between 30 and 60 miles each day. Each Parkway campground provides tent sites, picnic tables, and fire grates throughout the year. Water is available throughout the year inside Parkway restrooms; outside water sources may be unavailable during winter months. www.nps.gov/natr

White Rim Trail

Where: Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, Utah When: Fall, winter, spring Why: A 103-mile loop on non-technical jeep roads, with breathtaking views that are well worth it for any level of rider. The White Rim is a hard, white, sandstone layer that forms a bench above and below softer surrounding red rock layers. The loop is a triangle bounded on two sides by the Colorado and Green Rivers and has around 6,000 feet of total elevation, much of that back up to the top of Island In The Sky mesa. It can be ridden in one to four days. Overnight camping requires a permit from the Park Service well in advance; support vehicles can carry gear in. www.utahmountainbiking.com

LOTOJA Classic

Where: Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming When: First Saturday after Labor Day Why: At 206 miles, Leon Bergant set an individual course record for LOTOJA (Logan to Jackson) in 2012, at just over nine hours, but not everyone is so gung-ho. More than half the field each year is out for the fun ride that starts before dawn. The scenic route climbs through southeast Idaho before hugging the Wyoming border into Jackson. Get training. www.lotojaclassic.com

Mount Washington Hill Climb

Where: Northern New Hampshire When: August 16, 2014 Why: The Mount Washington Auto Road is one of the most difficult paved climbs in the world. The 7.6-mile toll road climbs 4,618 feet at an average grade of 11.6 percent. That’s steeper than the Mortirolo, Zoncolan, and Agliru, and far steeper than any climb you’ll see in the Tour de France, and you don’t have to cross an ocean to get there. The hardest pitch is the last 50 yards at 22-percent gradient. Last year’s winning time was 50 minutes and 48 seconds. The race fills fast, so register early. www.mwarbh.org

Tour de Tucson

Where: Tucson, Arizona When: November 22, 2014 Why: More than 9,000 cyclists gather the Saturday before Thanksgiving to race and ride the Tour de Tucson. The crowd ranges from kids and beginners to pro racers. Adults can choose from 38-, 57-, 81, and 107-mile routes. Tucson in November offers perfect riding weather, and the big routes take you out into the Sonoran Desert with spectacular mountain views. Beware the sandy dry riverbed crossing. www.pbaa.com

The Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic

Where: Spring Mills, Pennsylvania, (close to State College) When: May 25-May 31, 2014 Why: Ever really sampled East Coast singletrack? If not, try a healthy serving at the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic, a seven-day mountain bike stage race in central Pennsylvania that can be tackled solo, duo or with a team. The race stages are located in Rothrock and Bald Eagle state forests and are punctuated with rock gardens, challenging climbs and technical descents. But don’t let that dissuade you; race organizers say that if you can ride three or four hours at a steady pace each day you’ll finish. What helps make Trans-Sylvania even more appealing is that the race uses a home-base campground so you sleep in the same bed every night. Racing is fully supported: aid stations are stocked with food and supplies and the courses are all marked. www.outdoorexperience.org/tse/

L’Etape du California

Where: Thousand Oaks, California When: April 6, 2014 Why: Think you can set a new Strava KOM mark on the Rock Store climb? Give it a go on the route for the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California. The route changes each year and has visited the brutal Mount Baldy climb in the past. Want to stand out? VIPs traditionally get prime parking, breakfast, kit, and bike demos. www.letapeducalifornia.com

Where: Missouri River to the Mighty Mississippi When: Last full week of July Why: The self-purported “oldest, largest and longest bicycle-touring event in the world” is more than 40 years old. A rolling bicycle party, RAGBRAI makes its way through the hills of corn country each summer. From your saddle, take in the open arms of the Midwest during the day and enjoy good food, beer and company at night. Don’t want to carry panniers? Throw your bags in the 18-wheeler and grab them at the next campground. www.ragbrai.com

Tour of Utah Ultimate Challenge

Where: Salt Lake City to Snowbird Ski Resort When: August 9, 2014 Why: Now you can climb into the hurt box over 10,000-plus feet of climbing in the Wasatch Mountains. The new queen stage for the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah will start on the edge of Salt Lake City and finish atop the 6.5-mile climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon. www.rideuc.com

West Yellowstone to Mammoth Hot Springs

Where: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming When: November Why: The world’s first national park is a magical place for a cycle tour. For a few weeks most years, the park closes to motorized traffic in the fall, but cyclists and other non-motorized visitors remain until snow covers the roads. From West Yellowstone, a detour south to Old Faithful geyser starts an inspiring trip past the Roaring Mountain geo-thermals, Obsidian Cliff and the Golden Gate. www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bicycling.htm

Mount Evans

Where: Idaho Springs, Colorado When: Summer Why: You can’t ride higher on a road bike. This 28-mile route takes you to the top of the highest paved road in North America, at 14,240 feet of elevation. The road is only open June-August in most years and costs $3 to ride on. You’ll ride through tall pine forests, past clear alpine lakes, through stunted, wind-battered high-altitude trees, and through many miles of alpine tundra above treeline. It is often snowing on top, even if it is 90 degrees in Denver and 70 degrees in Idaho Springs, at 7,586 feet. Be prepared with sufficient food, water and clothing, and don’t be surprised at how weak you feel when nearing the top — there’s only half as much oxygen compared to sea level. The effort pays off with views for hundreds of miles, mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and an enormous feeling of accomplishment. Just don’t forget extra layers for the descent. www.mountevans.com

Leadville Trail MTB 100

Where: Leadville, Colorado When: August 9, 2014 Why: The high-elevation Leadville Trail 100 is a must-do for anyone who’s been throwing a leg over a mountain bike for any amount of time. While the course has only a couple of technically demanding downhill sections, what makes it so difficult is the rarified air. The LT100 ranges between 9,200 feet to nearly 13,000 at the 50-mile turn-around point, and is a major factor in the attrition rate; about 65 percent of the field actually finishes within the 12-hour cutoff. The other trick to racing Leadville is actually being one of the 1,500 or so riders in the event. For the masses, entry into the perennially sold-out race is through a lottery. However, a series of LT100 qualifying races has been developed, lending a bit more order to the start list. Qualifiers for 2014 are scheduled for Texas, New York, Utah, Colorado, California, and Arizona. So, other than the accomplishment, what do you earn? Finish before the 12-hour time limit and you earn a silver belt buckle; a sub-9-hour ride earns you gold. www.leadvilleraceseries.com

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10 Bucket-List Biking Trails

By: Suzanne Matyas March 28, 2017

Stretching from sea to shining sea is an incredible expanse of trails running through forests, farmlands, parks, city centers and wildlife areas—and connecting us with nature, history and our communities. And while every trail offers its own unique experience, there are some that are so extraordinary that they truly rise to the top.

1. Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail (California)

Starting out west, we have the spectacular  Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail  in California. Known as “the Bizz” to locals, this trail made it into the  RTC’s Rail-Trail Hall of Fame  for good reason; its nearly 26 miles make it one of the longest rail-trails in the entire state. Giving its riders the ability to ride from up high through shady forest to along the craggy Susan River Canyon, the trail is sure to thrill. Known for its rubberneck-provoking foliage, the Bizz also has beautiful trestle bridges, a 25-foot carved redwood statue of Paul Bunyan, historical sites and a signature chili cook-off.

2. Midtown Greenway (Minnesota)

If you commute by bike, you know that not all paths provide very fluid or scenic rides—and that’s why the  Midtown Greenway  has easily landed its place on this top-10 list. Despite stretching just short of 6 miles, this urban trail is a commuter’s—and every other type of cyclist’s—dream! Sitting 20 feet below street level, the greenway completely removes its users from overhead street traffic to smoothly take them through the heart of south Minneapolis and under more than two dozen bridges (including a cool suspension bridge), and connect them to other recreational hotspots.

3. Minuteman Bikeway (Massachusetts)

Another commuter utopia,  Rail-Trail Hall of Fame inductee and biking dream for history buffs is  Massachusetts’ Minuteman Bikeway . Helping transport several hundred thousand users annually these days to work, town and places to play, this 10-mile trail also served to transport Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride in 1775. Much has changed since Revolutionary times, but the Minuteman Bikeway still allows its riders to get in touch with the country’s roots by journeying through Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington and Bedford, and passing several historic sites, museums and natural areas along the way. 

RELATED:   How to Prepare for Your First Long-Distance Trail Ride

4. Banks-Vernonia Trail (Oregon)

Weaving its way through pristine forest, the  Banks-Veronia State Trail  is a 22-mile gem tucked along the foothills of Northwest Oregon’s Coast Range. This paved path is a popular and accessible escape in the Portland area, “even though it’s really close to the city,” says Barry Bergman, trail development manager at RTC. “It really feels like you are getting away from it all.” Packed with wonder and wildlife, the can’t-miss route runs through the 1,800-acre L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and over the jaw-dropping 80-foot-high and 735-foot-long Buxton Trestle Bridge. 

5. Burke-Gilman Trail (Washington)

We couldn’t leave this game-changing original off the list:  Washington State’s Burke-Gilman Trail . Built in the 1970s, this far-out trail was one of America’s first-rail-trails and helped blaze the way for many similar trail projects across the country—and it isn’t hard to understand why. Spanning nearly 19 miles, this landmark trail links Puget Sound, Fremont Canal, Lake Washington, the University of Washington and many vibrant parks—and connects to other terrific trails. Students, commuters and trail users of all varieties take the trail to get around, get outside and to get to the waterfront! 

6. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes  and  Route of the Hiawatha  (Idaho)

Majestic, distinct, dazzling and wild are all words that attempt to capture the spirit of Idaho’s  Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes  and  Route of the Hiawatha —but they don’t fully do them justice. These two Hall-of-Fame rail-trails are close to each other, and with the help of the  NorPac Trail , make up a larger, nearly connected 85-mile network through some of the most scenic stretches in the country. The path flirts with the Idaho-Montana border, treating its riders to an unforgettable adventure with sweeping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, upward climbs and exhilarating dips, diverse wildlife, high trestles galore and, of course, the 1.6-mile ride under the Bitterroot Mountains through Taft Tunnel. 

7. Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD) (Virginia)

Affectionately known by the locals as the “W&OD” trail,  Virginia’s Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park  is an all-around favorite for trail users. “I grew up in a neighborhood nearby and would spend countless hours biking and hanging out with my friends on the trail,” says Jorge Brito, RTC’s development manager. “It’s where I fell in love with cycling.” Spanning an impressive 45 miles, the W&OD functions jointly as the highway of commuter trails in busy Northern Virginia and the Capital area, as well as a recreational getaway. Well marked and packed with Civil War-era history, this Rail-Trail Hall of Famer is also an economic engine—with actual cabooses—that fuels a ton of trailside businesses (one of which is called  Caboose ).

8. Dequindre Cut Greenway (Michigan)

Immersed (literally, it’s nestled 25 feet below street level) in downtown Detroit, the  Dequindre Cut Greenway  is both a fantastic ride and a fairytale trail. Once upon a time, this retired railroad corridor became neglected and felt the effects of decay. Then the strong community banded together to turn the 1.8-mile trench into a vibrant beacon and useful link through the city. Filled with eye-catching artwork and character, the greenway safely connects trail users to the Detroit River and the popular Detroit RiverWalk. 

9. High Trestle Trail (Iowa)

A best in the Midwest and a must-do nationally is Iowa’s famous  High Trestle Trail . Even if you haven’t heard of it, you’ve probably seen photos of the trail’s most notable feature: a high trestle bridge with 43 diamond-shaped swirls and blue-glowing LED lights—and after reading this, we hope you go ride it and snap a few of your own! The route itself amounts to a spectacular 25-mile ride through the outskirts of Des Moines, across neighborhoods and bucolic farmlands and above the Des Moines River Valley (approximately 130 feet!) on the iconic trestle bridge; it also connects you with a handful great trails along the way.  

10. Great Allegheny Passage (Maryland and Pennsylvania)

Last but certainly not least is the venerable and very first  Hall of Fame trail : Pennsylvania and Maryland’s  Great Allegheny Passage  (GAP, gaptrail.org ). Once the treading ground of President George Washington, “the GAP has given the trail movement a shining example of what an uber long-distance experience can do for both trail riders and communities along the trail,” says Eric Oberg, RTC’s director of trail development in the Midwest. Extending an astonishing 150 miles through two states, across the Eastern Continental Divide and Mason-Dixon Line, roaring rivers, mountain passes, epic tunnels and trail towns until it connects to the  Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park  towpath and ultimately reaches Washington, D.C., “This trail is certainly a bucket list adventure for any cyclist.”

• Tags: Best Of Celebrate Trails Day Encouraging Trail Use Top10 Trail Destinations Using Trails
• States: California Idaho Iowa Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Oregon Pennsylvania Virginia Washington

Suzanne Matyas

Suzanne Matyas is RTC’s social media and engagement strategist. She is an inline skating and skiing enthusiast, and a mediocre runner, and loves corny jokes.

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12 Beautiful Biking Destinations You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List

For the most part, bike rides are often quite beautiful. Whether you’re biking through rolling hills or a cute little countryside town, or even some cool urban streets, your two wheels often end up bringing you places that your two feet wouldn’t. But even though riding in general is quite the scenic sport , some bike rides are simply extra stunning—like, can’t-stop-thinking-about-them, pinch-yourself stunning. And no one knows this better than the people out there experiencing it.

That’s why we hit up 12 avid cyclists and adventurists to ask about the absolute most beautiful ride they’ve ever been on. Add these trips to your bicycling bucket list, and get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking views on your next ride.

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“Of the 500 miles I bikepacked across France this summer, from the English Channel to the Mediterranean, there’s one wild day of riding that’s stayed with me. Almost from the moment my husband and I rolled out from the small southern village of Génolhac, the 42-mile ride unfolded like a slow-moving flip book of France’s most beautiful vistas. Over the course of three hours, we pedaled through the charming towns of Bessèges and Barjac, glimpsed hilltop castles, and experienced a rare back-to-back stretch of lavender and sunflower fields.

After feeling the burn from a few long climbs, we reached the Ardèche Gorge, the largest natural canyon in Europe, which seemed less a tourist attraction than a hard-earned secret reserved for cyclists. We toasted our journey in a bar built inside a limestone cave and spent the rest of the afternoon swimming in the cool river under the naturally carved bridge of Pont-d’Arc.”

—Lauren Matison Crossley, writer, conservationist, and cyclist, @laurenmati ; photo by @ecniv

“On a recent family trip to Wyoming, we took advantage of the new-ish 56 miles of paved pathways that link the town of Jackson Hole to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park. It's about 15 miles from where we were staying in Teton Village to Jackson Hole.

We biked over the rushing whitewater of the Snake River and past moose-crossing alerts, all in the shadows of the Grand Teton mountain range. After refueling with acai bowls on a shady lawn in town, we biked the 15 miles back along the same snowbasin route. The surrounding scenery was truly stunning, but I also loved how flat, easy, and paved the ride was. It made it easy to really enjoy racking up the miles on a sunny day!”

—Christine Amorose, ad sales account executive, adventurer, biker, and travel and lifestyle blogger, @cestchristine

“Carmel-by-the-Sea is quickly becoming a must-see for cycling enthusiasts throughout the world. Home to the famous 17-Mile Drive, the picture-perfect Highway 1, and, of course, Big Sur, the area certainly has no shortage of epic drives and rides.

Of those, one hidden gem is the other-worldly Robinson Canyon in the Carmel Valley. The outback climb takes you through many microclimates, sweeping vistas, giant redwoods, and quiet country roads. The descent is equally exciting, too, with long gradual turns and a chance to open the pace. After finishing the ride, which is just under 60 miles, I had an incredible dinner and stay at L’Auberge Carmel, which was just as memorable as the ride itself.”

—Travis McKenzie, avid cyclist, athlete, and founder and CEO of NTSQ Sports Group, @travmckenzie

“I recently spent seven days cycling by myself across Austria , along the Danube Bike Path. I rode about 30 miles per day from Passau, Germany, to Vienna, Austria, on a self-guided bike tour. I had luggage support, and all of my accommodations were taken care of through BikeTours.com , but I was completely on my own for the entire ride. And I discovered that the organized, self-guided bike tour was a perfect ride for solo female travelers.

There are designated bike paths most of the way, very little car traffic (some tractors here and there), plenty of delicious Austrian food and beer, vineyards, villages, kind and curious locals, and, if you hit it right, sunshine. It was 75 degrees and sunny every single day on my mid-April tour. The magnolias were in full bloom, tourist season was just around the corner, and local businesses were open and excited to welcome cyclists. I found plenty of restaurants and cafes with bike parking, and all of my hotels were right along the river as well, all offering secure overnight bike storage.

The route is mostly flat, as it follows the Danube River, so I chose a hybrid touring bike (and ended up with some calves of steel), but electric bikes (e-bikes) are also available. [A touring bike is a bike made specifically for bike tours that’s usually extra comfortable, and a hybrid bike is a blend of a road bike and a mountain bike that can usually tolerate a wider range of conditions—so a hybrid touring bike is all of those things.] I couldn’t have imagined just how enlightening this experience would be, and I highly recommend it to anyone from solo travelers to families. Cycling is a fabulous way to slow travel through beautiful, delicious Austria.”

—Jackie Nourse, adventurer, outdoor enthusiast, trip leader, and cyclist, @travelingjackie

“In the past couple of years, Colombia has been all over the ‘places to go now’ lists in major travel magazines all over the world. The country is in the midst of a huge tourism growth spurt, which is why I was excited to see it for the first time by bike. And I’m so happy I did, because my ride enabled me to see parts of Colombia I likely wouldn’t have seen otherwise—and made me fall in love with the country itself.

I rode with my friend and a local cycling company called Equipo Cycling , which paid for our trip in advance, since we were there to report on the adventure. Our guide met us early in the morning in Medellín, put our bikes on top of the car, and drove us an hour or so outside the city to the surrounding countryside, where we started our ascent. Not going to lie, it was definitely hard—especially considering Medellín’s at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level—but by the time we got to the top, the view was absolutely breathtaking. It was foggy and we were so high up that there were clouds below us, which made it seem like we were legit on top of the world. After we stopped for an obligatory photo shoot, we made our way back down the super green hills, cruising past lush coffee farms, gardens, and refreshing brooks. The descent was definitely a whole lot easier—and, perhaps best of all, it ended with cold Colombian beer in a super cute town called Santa Fe.”

—Annie Daly, travel writer and adventurer, @anniemdaly ; photo: Rene Munoz for @equipocycling

“I recently visited Park City, Utah, for a mountain biking trip, which culminated in a 9-mile ride on the spectacular Wasatch Over Wasatch (aka “WOW”) trail. This single-track trail offered stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Heber Valley as we rode through various landscapes, each beautiful in their own unique way. The ride starts out in Wasatch Mountain State Park, and climbs through an Aspen grove, then takes a sharp descent through rock switchbacks before continuing downhill through lush pine forests. As a beginner mountain biker, the terrain was fairly challenging for me, but thankfully the beauty of the ride helped distract me from my nerves! After the ride, we ended up alongside the Provo River, the perfect spot for sandwiches and a quick dip, and I soaked up the Utah sun, feeling lucky to be alive—in more ways than one!

—Locke Hughes, freelance journalist, health coach, and beginner mountain biker, @lockeitdown

“River Road is on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. It's a somewhat secret spot that allows you to ride right next to two waterfalls and the Hudson River. It also has epic hill climbing, and the best part is that it’s less than a mile from Manhattan! I live in Jersey City and work in Manhattan, so I’ll do the ride—which is about 40 miles—on my way to work a couple times a month. It takes about two hours total.”

—Nick Taranto, cofounder of plated.com and bike enthusiast, @semperanto ; photo by @tjdocena

“While immersing yourself in the beauty of Tuscany in any fashion is a treat, cycling allows you to really feel the (slow) beat of the landscape. You can take a 13-mile bike tour with Cortona Wine Tours to explore Italy's ‘Val d’Orcia,’ a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its rolling crop-filled landscape, medieval hilltop civilizations, and prized Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

From the 16th-century San Biagio Church starting point, you'll take a challenging up-and-downhill bike ride, through views of olive groves, wheat fields, and the dormant Monte Amiata volcano, all of which help distract your tired muscles. Plus, you can almost always see the fairytale architecture of Montepulciano, Monticchiello, Montefollonico, and Pienza, where you'll stop for a break. At the end of the ride, you'll savor the sights, literally, with a delicious meal at the farm-to-table Podere Il Casale.”

— Jessie Festa , world traveler, blog coach, adventurer, @jessieonajourney

"One of our favourite bike rides has actually been around the gorgeous Central European city of Prague . Most people that rent a bicycle will stick to the Danube River and maybe through the old part of town, but we headed up to the hills overlooking the city and hit the 25 miles of mountain bike trails that twist their way through parks, forests, and rocky outcrops for over four hours. Part of the ride was on a downhill-style single track, while the rest was on manicured dirt paths and narrow, old roads.

Even in summer, when Prague is packed with tourists, we spent a huge portion of the ride completely on our own. Being able to see the historic city from high vantage points without any other people around, while also getting our adrenaline pumping, made it one of the most enjoyable bike rides we've ever tackled."

—Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford, adventure travel bloggers, @nomadasaurus

“I spent 12 days traveling with the tour company Backroads on a bike trip through Vietnam and Cambodia. Both countries are breathtakingly beautiful. This was my first long bike trip, and I was in awe at the new advantages biking allowed me as a traveler. In countries that might not be as developed, a bike allows you to ride into villages, meet and talk with locals, and see the true beauty of the country up close and personal!

—Aydan Puth, social media manager and avid traveler and adventurer, @aydanputh

“Tirol in Austria is, in my mind, one of the most underestimated cycling destinations. It’s got some of the toughest cycling climbs I’ve ever ridden, but the beauty of the scenery can sometimes make you forget you're suffering. One of the best rides I had in Tirol was a 93-mile adventure my friend and I went on. We had no specific destination in mind; all we wanted was to climb nearly 10,000 feet in a single ride. We experienced an actual feeling of euphoria when we reached the third summit, and had climbed 10,249 feet!”

—Rasmus Taun, designer and cyclist, @shotbytaun

“Having had the opportunity to ride our bicycles across countries throughout Asia, South America, and Europe, it has been a wonderful surprise to discover world-class cycling and scenery here at home, in the Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky. On an idyllic, sunny day in late September, we found ourselves on a four-hour, 65-mile loop exploring the quiet, pristine backroads surrounding Lexington, Kentucky. As we rode through the counties of Woodford and Bourbon, our noses detected the nearing bourbon distilleries, as evaporating whiskey wafted heavily through the air, escaping barrels from Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and many other craft distilleries. Along the way, we also passed famous thoroughbred horse farms, including Claiborne and WinStar, where future and former Kentucky Derby winners curiously lined the fencerow, making for a backdrop so surreal that we just had to stop and savor the experience.

This ride inspired us so much that we wanted to spread the word to other cyclists that Kentucky is a world-class cycling destination. Because of this ride, we created the Bourbon Country Burn , a three-day bicycle tour and bourbon festival in September that explores the bourbon distilleries and horse farms surrounding Lexington. Each day, riders are able to choose from various distance options, while exploring many of the same country roads, bourbon distilleries, and horse farms that have inspired us to discover more of our home state by bicycle.”

—Austin Render and Mollie Hanrahan, avid cyclists and cofounders of the Bourbon Country Burn, @bourboncountryburn

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The 25 Best Bike Rides in the World Right Now

Tour de France stages. Classic British Columbian downhills. Epic gravel grinds in the American heartland. These bucket-list rides are guaranteed to be the most fun you can have on two wheels.

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Let’s be clear: this is a subjective list, and you’re going to curse us on social media before you even read it. But just know that this roundup of the best rides on the planet—culled from my own personal experience of riding bikes for the past 30-plus years, as well as the advice of passionate cycling friends—is just gravy. My favorite rides have always been the ones that leave from my garage. But even though bikes are a great form of environmentally friendly recreation and transportation doesn’t mean we all don’t daydream about century-distance rides through the European countryside and fat-tire epics across the Mountain West.

So here goes.

Colle de Finestre

Piemonte, italy.

Style: Road climb Miles: 11

The Dolomites, in northern Italy, are worthy of the hype, but that’s not all the country has to offer cyclists. The Piemonte region, in the northwest, is also riddled with great climbs and is perhaps even more steeped in Italian cycling culture. Start from the town of Susa, in the Cottian Alps, find your way to the town of Fenestrelle, and if you have the legs, include the Giro d’Italia’s famed Colle de Finestre climb , an 11-mile haul that averages a 9 percent grade and gains some 5,558 feet.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Style:  Cross-country singletrack Miles: 18

At its best, mountain biking is equal parts aesthetics and whoop-it-up fun, and these two Crested Butte stalwarts— you should link them —are among the sport’s best. Featuring natural flow (no machine-made berms here), expect loamy singletrack, a few sportingly steep corners, and ample high-altitude climbing. Also plan on ripping through wildflowers so tall that they beat your hands, elbows, and even shoulders in some weirdly beautiful masochistic embrace as you fly on by.

Barry-Roubaix

Hastings, michigan.

Style: Gravel (plus a race) Miles: 22, 36, 62, or 100 When: April 13

The organizers of the Barry-Roubaix call it the largest gravel race in the world, and with 3,500 contestants, who are we to doubt them? There’s tons of prize money and whatnot, but really, the Barry is more of a celebration of cycling and a spring throwdown than it is a race. The huge peloton is filled with people excited to cast off the winter blanket and embrace a new riding season, and we love everything about it, especially the fact that the 100-mile route is called Psycho Killer. Want to ride it another weekend? The race organizers put together a comprehensive course map that you can tweak to choose your own adventure.

Mount Taranaki Circuit

New plymouth/taranaki, new zealand.

Style: Road Miles: 77

New Zealand is worth visiting for way more than its road riding, but you might as well get in some exercise while you’re enjoying perhaps the friendliest country on earth (at least judging by the Kiwi skiers we’ve known). This ride circumnavigates an active 8,000-foot stratovolcano on the North Island and includes 4,600 feet of elevation gain. The route can be tackled solo anytime during the southern summer, but if you want to immerse yourself in local culture while clocking some serious miles, sign on for the Taranaki Cycle Challenge , which happens again in January. More than 1,000 cyclists participate, and if you’re a total hard-ass, you can loop it twice, as 11 people did last year.

Graubünden, Switzerland

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 155

The world’s best mountain bikers are coming from Switzerland these days for a reason. It’s the riding, people. And this year,  the Swiss Epic , a five-day, 155-mile stage race, heads to Graubünden in the country’s southeast, near the ski towns of St. Moritz and Davos. Pro mountain-bike racers consistently tell us that the Swiss Epic is the hardest—both technically and in terms of climbing—of all the mountain-bike stage races, and we expect more of the same from Graubünden, which has over 10,000 miles of rideable trails that pass through pine forest, along treeless high-Alpine ridges, and across cold mountain streams. Sign up for this year’s race, August 20–24, only if you’re crazy serious. Everyone else should use the race route as a guide for an epic ride at their own pace.

Logan Mill to Sugarloaf to Magnolia

Boulder, colorado.

Style: Gravel and paved Miles: 40

Boulder is famous for its paved road riding . It should be known for its steep dirt. On a gravel bike, head up the Boulder Creek Path to Four Mile Canyon, then bang a left on Logan Mill and follow signs for the Escape Route, a forest-fire egress that’s steep enough to put you on the rivet. From there it’s on to Sugarloaf Road (paved and dirt) and the Peak to Peak Highway (paved). Make sure to stop at Salto in Nederland to refuel on pecan sandies and a macchiato for the big ring push down Magnolia Road to the Boulder Creek Path to complete the circuit. And this is but one of a half-dozen mixed-surface routes above Boulder that are nearly devoid of cars and feature soaring views of the Continental Divide.

Tour of Flanders

Flanders, belgium.

Style: Cobbles and more Miles: 162

Until the gravel-bike boom, we’d never have called the brutal cobblestones and trampled dirt paths of Belgium farm country among the best riding in the world. Watching the pro peloton barely survive spring-classic events like the Tour of Flanders on skinny-tire bikes made for fun racing but abysmal riding. But that’s changed. Armed with a modern gravel bike with 40-millimeter tires and a more comfortable body positioning, these heritage routes are now doable, especially if you keep to the dirt edges and don’t punish yourself on the cobbles. Focus your ride plans on the Flemish Ardennes in East Flanders, where the cobbled climbs beat the hell out of racers but will give you riding like you’ve never experienced.

Whistler, British Columbia

Style: Downhill mountain-bike trail Miles: 1.5

Twenty-one years ago, Whistler’s A-Line Trail was old-school singletrack with nice natural flow. The trail that’s evolved since has been credited with the invention of the purpose-built flow trails that now dominate not just downhill parks but our local trail systems, too. The basic idea? A sustainable trail complete with capping soil, bermed turns, long-distance sightlines, and a range of gnar options, so mountain bikers can lay off the brakes, lean their rig way over, and catch smooth air. And far from being left behind, A-Line continues to get better every year.

Alto de Arrate

Basque country, spain.

Style: Road climb Miles: 2

Longtime Tour de France fans have heard about the great climbers of Basque Country for generations, but relatively few Americans ride there. Which is weird, because the western Pyrenees rival France with its mix of mountains, beaches, hamlets, and dining. Stage out of San Sebastian and ride the Alto de Arrate from both directions. The two-mile climb appears frequently in the Vuelta a España and annually in the Tour of the Basque Country. Think lush countryside and 10 percent grades—without the touristy T-shirt shops of France.

Clawhammer/Black Mountain

Pisgah national forest, north carolina.

Style: Technical singletrack Miles: 12.5

Located in the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest—North Carolina’s fat-tire dreamland— the Clawhammer is a rooty, rocky technical ride with a 7.5-mile beast of a climb thrown in. The ascent takes you to a ridge that contours two summits before you gird yourself for a rollicking, scare-your-spleen, four-mile, 1,900-foot descent that comes at you quickly. Be sure to wait for a few sunny days to dry out the course before you attempt this one. It will be worth the wait.

Col de la Croix de Fer

Le bourg-d’oisans, france.

Style: Road climb Miles: 20

Of the Tour de France’s most famous climbs, the Col du Galibier is sketchy with too many tunnels, Mont Ventoux is windy and isolated, and the famed Alpe d’Huez is totally overrated (the top looks like a kitschy tourist shop). But the steady climb up the pass of  Croix de Fer (the Iron Cross) runs some 20 miles and gains some 5,000 feet in the French Alps near Le Bourg-d’Oisans and is, in my estimation, the most scenic in France.

The Whole Enchilada

Style: Singletrack Miles: 35

Purists might scoff at the notion of a shuttle ride earning top status on a compilation of bucket-list rides, but before you start hating, make sure you actually ride this 35-mile, 8,000-vertical-foot descent. There are various starting points, but the full smothered enchilada plate begins high in the La Sal Mountains and passes through at least three distinct ecosystems before finishing right beside the Colorado River just six miles from downtown. The scenery is stunning, and the riding is fast and largely directional (it’s rare to see anyone heading up). It’s also in no way an easy day on the bike. You’ll still climb 1,500 vertical feet, and if you’ve ridden technical trails before, you know that bike handling still burns a lot of energy.

Rebecca’s Private Idaho

Ketchum, idaho.

Style: Gravel Miles: 20, 60, or 100

Ketchum is famous for its endless and fast-flowing singletrack. It could just as easily be known for its gravel offerings. That’s in part because this is Idaho, where paved roads are scarce. There are plenty of amazing routes you can tackle by yourself, but if you sign on for this event , founded by famed endurance racer Rebecca Rusch , also known as the Queen of Pain, you can choose from 20-, 60-, or 100-mile routes, which you can ride solo, with a partner, or even tandem. Don’t let the Labor Day weekend discourage you—high summer in Ketchum means temperatures in the high seventies, and you’ll rarely swelter. We also love that Rusch isn’t afraid to throw buttery singletrack into the course. Gravel bikes love baby singletrack.

Vuelta al Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi, ecuador.

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 90 When: November 9–10

One of the toughest mountain-bike races on earth, the Vuelta al Cotopaxi climbs 4,000 feet over a mix of trail surfaces, none of which you’d describe as purpose-built and all of which you’d describe as grueling. It’s so hard that, unlike the Leadville Trail 100 race, which is roughly the same distance, most humans could never finish it safely in a day, so be prepared to camp near the summit. Sounds miserable, but with 250 two-person teams signing up to to do again and again, it’s worth checking out this year. If you don’t want to race, the trails around Cotopaxi make for great bikepacking .

Vermont Gran Fondo, a.k.a. the Gaps

Waitsfield and warren, vermont.

Style: Road Miles: 100

You can head out any old summer day and try to knock off all six of the “gaps” (northern New England speak for mountain passes) around Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont, or you can settle for just four gaps and sign up for this June 29  gran fondo . Organizers change up the route every year, but it generally covers 100 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. The state’s lush countryside and fully supported aid stations are such a draw that Coloradans and Californians make the trip.

Alpine Panorama Route

St. margrethen to aigle, switzerland.

Style: Road tour Miles: 300

One of nine officially designated bike tours in Switzerland, National Route 4, also known as the Alpine Panorama Route , is itself nine stages long and covers 300 miles while gaining 30,000 feet in the mountains and the rolling hills of the Swiss foreland. You’ll ride past bucolic farmland, mountain passes and gorges, castles, and tidy chalets with self-pay apple-cider stands. The well-marked route is great for self-guided tours, and if you’re feeling fit, try the dramatic punch up to the ski station of Saas-Fee.

Tai Mo Shan Downhill

Style:  Downhill mountain-bike trail Miles: 18+

Named for the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, which it descends, this route is really a series of trails that takes you from Tai Mo Shan Country Park, past the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, and all the way to the Gold Coast, if you chose. Expect steeps, rock gardens, and berms, with drops up top and terrain that mellows out somewhat as you descend until you reach the fast, beginner-friendly trails around the reservoir and, eventually, the ocean. You’ll want a dual-suspension bike with plenty of travel and a friend or taxi to shuttle you, as it’s a big climb to the trailhead.

Algarve, Portugal

Style: Road Miles: 20+

The word has long been out among regular tourists that Portugal is more affordable and less crowded then the rest of Western Europe, but that news is only now reaching the cycling community. The Algarve region, in the country’s far south, is a perfect mix of culture and rolling terrain, and it features a great assortment of category 2, 3, and 4 climbs, with stops along the way for coffee and pastries. From the town of Almádena, head through the foothills of anachronistic Portugal and finish atop Fóia , the region’s highest peak. For steeper climbs, head north to Manteigas and fuel up for the effort with a “Super Bock”—a local beer.

Belgian Waffle Ride

San marcos, california.

Style: Gravel Miles: 133 When: May 5

This sufferfest soothes its 13,000 feet of elevation gain and roughly 130 miles with waffles and beer. That’s great, but we mostly love it because, unlike some other gravel beatdowns we know, the waffle ride happens in May in sync with Europe’s spring classics, the spirit of which it has been designed to replicate, so you (probably) won’t die of heat exhaustion.

Dale Ball Trails to the Winsor Trail

Santa fe, new mexico.

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 25+

You’ll have to love climbing for this one. Leaving from Santa Fe’s central plaza, you’ll climb the Dale Ball Trail network  and find your way to the Santa Fe National Forest and the Chamisa Trail, which has two routes that ascend about two miles to the Winsor Trail, a steady, 9.3-mile doubletrack grind that tops out after 7,000 feet of climbing. But that means there’s 7,000 feet of descending ahead of you. And better yet, it all ends in the village of Tesuque, whose namesake market is home to the best taco and enchilada plate and margarita around.

Mount Washington Hill Climb

North conway, new hampshire.

Style: Road climb Miles: 7.6 When: August 17–18

It’s been called the hardest hill climb on earth, and in terms of actual bike races, it lives up to that hype . The average grade is 12 percent, after all, and some large sectors sustain 16 to 18 percent, while the last few hundred feet max out at 22 percent. That’s steep enough that in spots you’ll have a hard time maintaining traction on your rear wheel. Sadly, the only time you can ride this treasure is during the actual race (and its one practice ride), which benefits the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. That needs to change, because cyclists that don’t have $350 to spend on the entry fee should get the chance to test themselves, too, but the benefit is worthy if you have the cash.

BC Bike Race

British columbia, canada.

Style:  Singletrack Miles: 200+ When: July 4–12

The best ride is the one you’re on right now. Which is why we’re including the BC Bike Race in this roundup. Instead of telling you which section of trail in B.C. is our favorite, you can tell us. The race covers seven stages and includes the rooty, loamy boreal riding that western Canada is famous for. It can be grindingly technical. It can be fast and flowy. What is constant is Canadian beer. In short, it’s like cycling: wildly diverse in its excellence and all the better for it.

Giba Gorge Mountain-Bike Park

Pinetown, south africa.

Style: Cross-country and downhill Miles: 15+

Technically, it’s not one ride but seven, but if you find yourself in South Africa with the need to shred dirt, head to this private bike park 17 miles northwest of Durban and the Indian Ocean, where you’ll shred berms, rock drops, and bridges and push yourself on fast, fun climbs. Anchored by cross-country trails like the Blue Route, a ten-mile loop that’s one of the most popular rides in the country, the park also features downhill and enduro trails to give your full-suspension rig a workout, as well as BMX and supercross tracks and horse-riding routes.

Mount Tamalpais to Point Reyes

Marin county, california.

Style: Road Miles: 94

You can ride this route as part of the Mount Tam Century or on your own whenever it suits you. But you must ride it. Our friends that are familiar with the route rave about both the ride quality of its beautiful California tarmac and the views as you emerge from the fog of the redwood forests. Loops in this area can run any length you like. We recommend the 94-mile option that includes the climb up 2,560-foot Mount Tamalpais, but whatever route you choose, you’ll likely gain 3,000 feet or more.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Style:  Cross-country Miles: 220+ When: August 11–16

Breckenridge is home to some of the longest and most rollicking backcountry rides in North America, but figuring them out on your own can be a lesson in orienteering. Better to sign on with the Breck Epic , a six-day race/ride that will see you tackle a 35-to-50-mile loop of the region’s most amazing trails each day for six days. That’s a staggering amount of high-country singletrack and would involve much cursing and map reading to navigate on your own. Days three (Guyout), four (Aquaduct), and five (Wheeler) are the most memorable, and you’ll finish each stage in the tent with a recovery sandwich known as a Big Johnson: PB&J with fluff and potato chips smashed in.

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Best Places To Cycle Around The World

Traveling by bicycle gives you the freedom to explore some of the most beautiful places in a unique way. For over 2 years now Antonio and I have been bicycle touring through the Americas. While we have had a few stretches of very nice riding like cycling the Baja California Peninsula , the Huasteca Potosina in Mexico and crossing Central America there is so much of the world that is waiting for us to explore on two wheels. Here’s our list of bicycle touring trips that we can’t wait to start. 

CARRETERA AUSTRAL, CHILE

The Carretera Austral runs for 1240 km from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south. You’ll cycle past dense forests, snowcapped mountains, glacial streams, villages, islands and rivers.  This region of Chile is sparsely populated so there are plenty of opportunities for wild camping.  Some parts of the road are paved but the majority is gravel ranging from good to terrible quality.

KARAKORAM HIGHWAY, PAKISTAN AND CHINA

The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road in the world. It connects Western China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range. The road runs 1,200 km from Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, Western China to just north of Islamabad. Here you’ll cycle past shooting mountain peaks and tiny villages. The altitude and heat make this road a real challenge but the breathtaking scenery makes it worth while.

Photo by GothPhil , licensed under  CC BY

RUTA DE LAS LAGUNAS, BOLIVIA 

The Lagunas Route is a dirt road that takes you through the lake region in Southwest Bolivia. It runs 418 km (260 miles) between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The classic route for cyclists is to head north from Laguna Colorada, past Arbol de Piedra and from there north to Laguna Hedionda, San Juan and the Salar de Uyuni. The landscapes on this 4000m altiplano seem out of this world with towering volcanoes, lagunas with bright green, red or blue coloured water, salt lakes and flamingos.

Photo by Nick Kaiser, licensed under CC BY

Tom Allen of Tom’s Bike Trip calls Mongolia an adventure cyclist’s paradise. It’s the 11th largest country on earth and is sparsely populated, the majority people live in the capital while the rest live in small settlements, making for quite roads. The weather can be extreme (freezing nights and blazing hot days), the roads are unpaved and there are great wild camping opportunities making cycling in Mongolia a real adventure.

Photo by Salva Rodriguez , licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

WHITE DESERT, EGYPT

The White Desert is a national park in Egypt that is known for its massive chalk rock formations. These rocks have been wind carved over thousands of years which give them their bizarre mushroom shape.

Photo by  Mariusz Kluzniak , licensed under  CC BY 

PAMIR HIGHWAY, TAJIKISTAN

The stunning scenery and challenging terrain of Tajikistan’s Pamir Highway makes it one of the most popular routes for adventure cyclists. The highway takes you deep into the mountains then up and over to Kyrgyzstan.

Photo by Iee Hughes , licensed under  CC BY 

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

This national park contains the world’s largest concentration of sandstone arches. Not only does the park contain 2,000 arches but lots of other impressive geological sights like colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires. There’s lots of paved and unpaved routes running through the park making cycling a great way to explore Arches.

Photo by Scott Ingram, licensed under CC BY 

NAMIBIA 

Namibia is a country with diverse landscapes, desert, rugged Atlantic coastline, mountains and canyons. There are plenty opportunities to spot wildlife including big game such as elephants, rhinos and lions. The big red sand dunes of Sossusvlei are also a highlight of cycling in Namibia.

Photo by Patrik M Loeff , licensed under CC BY

For more of our top bicycle touring gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

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4 Responses

Great list! Stoked to be cycling the Pamir Highway and Karakorum Highway next year. As for the rest of your routes… inspiration for the future!

That’s awesome Josiah! Let us know how your trip goes!

Great List! but i miss Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu and Manali-Leh Highway. Carretera Austral will be my next Trip in 2017 and the other Routes are Targets for the Future (i hope) greetings, Georg

Carrying the back packing and let’s go! Wow! I always feel exciting in this experience! I like this post! Thank your sharing!

12 best cycling destinations in Europe 2024

In this article, we share our pick of the best cycling destinations in Europe and why we think they should be at the top of your must-do list.

Making this kind of selection is always tough, but we hope it helps inspire your 2024! We’ve ordered the list by season of the year – you’ll find our favourite places to cycle in each season to help with the question of when to go where – making it easier to plan your bike trips in Europe.

While we believe these are the best cycling destinations Europe has to offer, we’d love to hear your thoughts, too – let us know in the comments if you have any other preferences!

For our pick of the best cycling destinations outside Europe, read this.

This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a booking or buy something, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.

Best spring cycling destinations

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has been extremely popular with holidaymakers over the last 50 years or so. Over the last twenty years, the island has developed its offer, and helped along by Team Sky’s (now Team Ineos) regular training camps, it is now considered to be one of the best places to cycle in Europe.

As with so many parts of Spain, Mallorca boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and combined with mild winters and easy accessibility from main European cities, it is seen as the number one ‘go to’ location for many cyclists, and one of the most suggested cycling regions for anyone seeking recommendations. It is certainly the most visited destination guide on www.epicroadrides.com, which is quite some achievement when you consider that there are no UCI WorldTour stage races held on the island.

For the amateur cyclist who wants to cycle Europe, there is an ideal mix of terrain, from the Tramuntana mountain range in the west to the flat but very scenic roads in the south and east. Added to that, of course, you can test yourself on the same stretches of road that the professionals from Team Ineos, Movistar and countless other teams ride on whilst at their training camps.

The climbs of Sa Calobra and Puig Major, while not as steep as the mountains you would find in mainland Europe, are extremely popular and packed with cyclists in the high season. The Mallorca 312 (a 312-kilometre sportive) is going from strength to strength and takes place every April. It all makes for one of the best cycling holidays in Europe, and one of the best cycling destinations in the world.

More information

Our in-depth guide to Mallorca (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

If Mallorca is where the professional cyclists train and hold their training camps, then Girona is the city where a disproportionate amount of them live. Further north than Mallorca, and within touching distance of the Pyrenees, you would be hard-pressed not to spot a professional cyclist as you take to the super smooth and virtually traffic-free Catalonian roads.

First made famous by Lance Armstrong, who lived in the city for many years, a lot of professionals from outside of Europe now base themselves in the area as geographically it affords easy access to the premier races on the UCI race calendar in neighbouring France and Italy.

As you walk through the streets of Girona’s old town, you can see the cycling influence: restaurants and cafés (some owned by ex-professionals) are intermingled with high quality bike rental, tour and cycling service companies. It oozes chic sophistication and with fantastic, quiet roads its undoubtedly one of the best places to cycle.

There is a mix of terrain starting from gentle climbs, such as the popular Els Àngels , to the more arduous tests of Mare de Déu del Mont and the well-known Rocacorba . Stray a little further to the north west as you hit the front ranges of the Pyrenees and the climbs get more demanding.

Many would say that Girona is one of the very best road cycling destinations in Europe.

Our in-depth guide to Girona (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Costa Daurada

The Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) sits just south of Barcelona on Spain’s eastern coast and is certainly less famous than Mallorca and Girona.

The area is working hard to build its reputation and at the moment still remains a pretty well-kept secret – but given its fantastic climate, roads and cycling routes, we’re not sure it will stay that way for too much longer, and may soon be part of the discussions when looking at the best cycling holidays Europe has to offer.

If you don’t like crowded roads and want to get away from it all then the Costa Daurada and its long coastline is well worth a closer look. It is extremely accessible being served by both Barcelona airports as well as nearby Tarragona. Two professional teams, Bahrain Merida and UAE Emirates, have held training camps in the area and there are now more and more cyclo-tourists riding the roads around Cambrils and Salou.

The resort is an ideal place to clock up those pre-season base miles and whilst there are many flat roads adjacent to the coast, there is no shortage of climbs in the Serra de Montsant, Muntanyes de Priorat , Mussara and Prades areas. Most of the ascents are under 10 kilometres in length at manageable gradients of between 3% and 6%.

So, if you’re looking at cycling holidays abroad this year, the Costa Daurada is definitely worth a look before it gets wider recognition as one of the best European cycling destinations, and the crowds begin to descend.

Our in-depth guide to Costa Daurada (which includes links to related route guides and articles). We’ll also give a little shout-out for the nearby Terres de l’Ebre region , just to the south of the Costa Daurada and the Barcelona region just to the north. Definitely worth a look if you’re interested in the Costa Daurada!

The Algarve offers some of the best cycling holidays in Europe thanks to its diverse terrain, warm climate, and quiet roads.

While it might not (yet) be the most popular road cycling location in Europe, it is slowly growing in reputation, not least thanks to some WorldTour and ProTeams using the region for their training camps. This year alone, both Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team (WorldTour) and Human Powered Health (UCI ProTeam) held their pre-season training camps here.

The Algarve borders Spain in the east and lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, so the climate is temperate all year round, although summer can be extremely hot, reaching temperatures of 20°C first thing in the morning! That’s why spring is probably a better bet, as temperatures are more manageable throughout the day, yet you don’t have to fight for hotels or space on the roads with tourists that visit during the high season for the beaches.

In terms of cycling, there are decent-sized mountains inland, with the most famous climb being the Foia climb in the Serra de Monchique. It is often used in the professional stage race, Volta ao Algarve, which is held on an annual basis, usually in mid-February, and attracts some of the best professional cyclists in the world. The organisers also put on a sportive on the same weekend as the professional race, and we’ve covered this and two other key events, (including a mountain biking race) in our article here .

Elsewhere there are more rolling hills to contend with, and for those who prefer flatter routes, we recommend staying near the coast. There are also plenty of bike hire options if you don’t fancy taking your own.

If you’re looking for the best cycling locations Europe has to offer, the Algarve certainly won’t disappoint.

Our in-depth guide to cycling the Algarve . Our article on Portugal’s N2 route and our guide to the best cycling events in the Algarve  should also be of interest.

Want more spring cycling destination ideas? Read this.

Best summer cycling destinations

French alps.

People have been cycling through Europe, and in particular the French Alps, from time immemorial. However, the ever-increasing publicity surrounding the Tour de France and the willingness for amateur cyclists to punish themselves on these fabled slopes ensures that they will never lose their appeal.

Excitingly, as part of a continuous improvement process in the area, a very ambitious ‘made for cyclists’ project has recently been launched. Entitled the ‘Via 3 Vallées’ project the three ski resorts, south of Moûtiers, namely Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens are being linked by the creation of asphalt mountain roads for the exclusive use of cyclists! So it won’t just be one of the best places to bike in Europe anymore, it will also offer some of the best road cycling in Europe too.

Stages one and two have now been completed which means that you can cycle from the altiport at Courchevel (circa 2,000 metres) up and over the Col de la Loze on a brand new 6-kilometre road. This incidentally increases the height of the Loze to 2,304 metres meaning it will be the 11th highest col in France.

Then, at the end of 2019, another new ‘cyclist only’ road (7.5 kilometres) down the other side to Méribel was completed, meaning that the two resorts are now connected by bicycle. This has created a superb 62-kilometre circular loop (1,970 metres) starting and finishing in Les Allues and incorporating the ‘new’ Col de la Loze and the new roads.

The final part of the project will see another ‘cyclist only’ road between the Col de la Loze and the Val Thorens ski station – a cyclist’s dream! So, if you’re thinking of where to go this year, this really could be one of Europe’s best places for cycling holidays!

Our in-depth guides to the Alpe d’Huez region of the Alps (based out of Bourg d’Oisans) and the Iseran region of the Alps (based around Bourg Saint Maurice). These include links to many related route guides and articles.

Alpe d’Huez/Bourg d’Oisans: here .

Col d’Iseran/Bourg Saint Maurice: here .

Find out about cycling Col de la Loze and the Gran Fondo Col de la Loze here .

Nice has been synonymous with cycling for over a hundred years, indeed it was in 1906 that the fourth edition of the Tour de France visited the capital of the Côte d’Azur. It’s been back many times and in 2024, Nice will host the final stage (which is being moved from Paris due to the 2024 Olympics).

The best European cycling holidays combine a pleasant climate, great culture and top-quality cuisine – and Nice is famed for all three (along with its stunning coastline).

Other than a great coastline bike path that runs from Nice’s port to Antibes, much of the area is dominated by big climbs as you leave the city and head for the hills. To the north west lies the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d’Azur where you will be able to test your climbing legs on the 19-kilometre ascent of the Col de Vence .

Head out to the east, on undulating terrain, in the direction of Monaco and the Italian border and you will eventually reach the seaside town of Menton. If you then traverse due north into the hills of the Alpes-Maritime you can then climb the Col de la Madone (Lance Armstrong’s training climb) and the nearby, hairpin-laden Col de Braus as well as the aforementioned Turini .

If you want some of the best cycling Europe can offer, with some tough challenges, then Nice is worth checking out.

Our in-depth guide to Nice and the Côte d’Azur (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

When you visit a town with a reputation for downhill skiing you know beforehand what sort of terrain you are likely to encounter! Situated in northern Italy and very close to the border with Switzerland, Bormio transforms itself in the late spring and summer months into a mecca for cyclists (don’t arrive too early in the year – many of the passes don’t usually open until May/June!). It’s highly recommended as one of the best cycling trips in Europe.

Top of the bill is the legendary Passo dello Stelvio which sits on the edge of the town. The description by the Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport probably best sums up the climb when it wrote that the mountain was ‘a serpent of asphalt, five tunnels, 21.5 kilometres and 1541 metres of climbing’.

That said, the north eastern ascent of the mountain from the village of Prato is generally regarded as the classic ascent due to the 48-hairpin bends that are contained within the 25 kilometres of vertical ascent. It is probably the most photographed mountain in cycling history. (There is also a third ascent of the Stelvio available starting in Switzerland via the Umbrail Pass ).

Also within cycling distance of Bormio are the famous climbs of the Passo Gavia and the super hard Passo del Mortirolo , both steeped in Giro d’Italia folklore. Stage 18 of the 2020 Giro d’Italia saw the peloton climb the Stelvio (from Prato) before scaling the hairpin-packed and spectacular Torri di Fraele to finish by the Cancano dam .

A truly incredible region with the potential of making it one of the best cycling holidays in the world.

Our in-depth guide to Bormio and the Stelvio region (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

You might also like our pick of the best places to cycle in Italy .

Ever since the Innsbruck Road World Championships in 2018, Austria has seen more interest as a destination for road bike holidays in Europe. Testing gradients and the scenic views are just two of many reasons Austria should be on your list of cycling destinations in Europe to visit.

Austria lets you tailor your trip to your preferred style of riding. If you like mountains, then head west, where there are cols here to rival those in France and Italy. If heat is a deciding factor in your Europe cycling tours, then head to the east, particularly around Vienna, where it is also flatter.

The ideal time to visit Austria is between June and September, particularly if you’re wanting to visit the mountains where outside of these months you might experience some road closures due to snow. The fantastic scenery and variety of terrain make Austria one of the best cycling trips Europe has tucked away – though the growing popularity means it can’t be considered a hidden gem for much longer.

Our in-depth guide to Austria (which includes links to related route guides and articles). In this article, John Vincent shares his Salzkammergut cycling tour itinerary or, if you’re looking for places to stay in the mountains but want a destination a little less-known than France, read our article on the best places to stay in the Alps.

Slovenia is a fantastic destination, one of the best places for cycling holidays in Europe, and it’s also recognised as the continent’s most sustainable country. It’s somewhere cycling is encouraged as both a mode of transport and for tourism.

Slovenia is a country full of hidden gems, and with the rise of the strength of Slovenian riders in the professional peloton like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, it’s somewhere that more and more cyclists are considering for their European cycling tours and holidays.

Slovenia does have a lot to offer, particularly in the summer. Ride along dedicated cycle paths and discover gorgeous places like the Vipava Valley , Lake Bled, home to blue and green lagoons and traditional castles and architecture. Alternatively, challenge yourself in the Julian Alps .

Our in-depth  guide to Slovenia  (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Want more summer cycling holiday inspiration? Read this.

Best autumn and winter cycling destinations

Another new winter cycling destination has emerged as Cyprus starts to gear up to welcome more and more cyclists to the island. Driven by a national push to encourage more people to use bicycles as a means of reducing their carbon footprint, a cycling culture is clearly developing. For winter cycling trips, Europe’s best destinations offer over 300 days of sunshine – and with Cyprus averaging 326 days each year, there’s a lot to like!

The island has a diverse selection of terrain, from flatlands in the east to undulating terrain in the south. The area around the Troodos mountain range is arguably the best place for cycling on the island, offering an opportunity for the climbers to test their legs.

In addition to the warm weather, an added bonus due to the particular climate of the region is that there is little or no wind on the island. If you normally spend your winter in colder climes, this is a huge plus point!

As a popular holiday destination, there is a good selection of quality hotels, restaurants and shops, and there are now established cycle routes and bike rental outlets in all the main towns and cities such as Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos.

Definitely one to consider for 2024 if you’re looking at different places to go cycling.

Our in-depth guide to Cyprus (which includes links to related route guides and articles). We also have an in-depth guide to cycling the Limassol region.

Costa Almeria

Costa Almeria is a gem of a hidden cycling destination! A coastal province quietly tucked away on Spain’s southern coast between the commercialised areas of the Costa Blanca (e.g. Alicante and Benidorm) and the Costa del Sol (Marbella and Malaga), with its own microclimate and average temperatures of between 16 and 22 degrees in the winter months.

It’s a perfect winter cycling destination in Europe.

Sitting by the sea and the nearby Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar and surrounded by the Sierra Filabres mountain range, you will find the holiday resort of Mójacar and a good range of hotels, restaurants and shops. Venture west into the hills, and you will have the super smooth roads to test your legs as you climb the Sierra Bedar and the Puerto de la Virgen (a pre-season favourite hill climb test for the professionals).

Heading further west to the town of Gérgal, you can sample two ‘Especial’ climbs made famous by the Vuelta a España, the Alto de Velefique (Almeria’s own Alpe d’Huez) and the 30-kilometre-long climb to the giant observatories at Calar Alto . This area sits alongside the Desierto de Tabernas, the only true desert in mainland Europe and the one made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Spaghetti Western movies.

A word of warning – don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a car or another person for miles! This is a sparsely populated part of Spain, and in reality, when you get into the hills, it’s just like riding on closed roads. In our view, it’s more than worthy of being called one of the best road cycling holidays in Europe.

Our in-depth guide to the Costa Almeria (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Our guide to nearby Murcia may also be useful.

Gran Canaria

The Canary Island resort of Gran Canaria has quickly earned a reputation as an excellent new cycling destination in Europe and is a great choice for winter cycling holidays. Sitting just 100 kilometres off the northwestern coast of Africa, it boasts some 3,000 hours of sunshine each year – that’s 8 hours per day on average!

But there’s much more to it than the weather, as the island has everything required to get you in shape for the forthcoming season. Challenging climbs, good quality road surfaces, stunning coastal roads, and deep canyons. The added advantage of it being a popular holiday destination also means that hotels, shops and restaurants are in plentiful supply, particularly on the coast.

The Vuelta a España has, in recent years, visited the island and raced to a stage finish at the summit of the popular Pico de las Nieves (Snow Peak), which at 1,950 metres is the highest point on the island.

One of the other highlights of Gran Canaria is the infamous Valley of Tears, probably the most revered climb on the island. It’s a brutal climb with sections at 25% and is clearly steep enough to test anyone’s legs!

It’s fair to say that Gran Canaria is thought of by many as one of the best road cycling destinations out there.

Our in-depth guide to Gran Canaria (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

If you like the idea of the Canaries but not Gran Canaria, check out our guides to Lanzarote and Tenerife .

Want more winter cycling holiday inspiration? Read this for autumn cycling holidays and this for winter cycling holidays.

What next?!

What did you think of our selection?

Which of these best cycle holidays in Europe have you tried, and what would be in your top 3?

Comment below and let us know!

If you want guides to the scores of other places that narrowly missed our top 12, check out our cycling holiday destinations page, here !

Other related articles that might be useful:

• Inspiration for the best cycling routes in the  world ,  Europe  or the  UK .
• The best cycling holidays in Europe that you can drive to from the UK?  Check out this article .
• Looking for more off the beaten track adventures in Europe? You might like Iceland’s Westfjords , Poland’s Masurian Lakes and Romania .
• You might also like our pick of the  best cycling weekends away and the best cycling holidays in Europe that you can drive to from the UK !

Want to check travel advice before you go? If you live in the UK, a good place to start is the government’s travel website .

Useful books to help you plan

If you want to continue your planning, check out these beautiful books. They’re full of stunning photography and information to inspire your next adventure.

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John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

6 Responses to “12 best cycling destinations in Europe 2024”

Claire, yet another inspirational, helpful and motivational article. Just wants you book and to begin the mental imaging

Thanks so much Eimear, what a wonderfully kind comment! It really is so nice to hear our articles are helpful. Thanks for taking time to get in touch!

Don’t forget the Annecy region in Savoie! It’s superbe! Thank you for all your info!

Great shout, Annecy is a beautiful destination for all kinds of holiday and it’s definitely worth bringing your bike. Quite a bit of traffic around the lake itself but head into the hills and it’s a different story!

I love this article, thank you! At the same time I am a bit crestfallen – my favourite country is Italy and I was hoping to find a region to explore, having already done Bormio / Stelvio etc

Thanks for your kind comment Steve! Perhaps this article will help you find somewhere else in Italy to explore? https://epicroadrides.com/cycling-blog/cycling-in-italy/

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A 2020 Biking Bucket List

2020 will be here before we know it, so our team gathered around to set some goals and compile an awesome bucket list of things to try on their bikes in the new year.

Where will two wheels take you in 2020? Check our some of our goals and hopefully find some inspiration for your own riding next year.

1. Cycle in a new country every year

Team member Bryna is picking out her next trip currently!

2. Try Bike packing for a weekend

Team member Ashley is planning her first bike-packing trip in 2020.

3. Ride as many miles as the year – 2020

One of our guests inspired team member Dave to try this goal!

4. Try Mountain Biking

Team member Katherine wants to test out some mountain biking trails in Wisconsin (and beyond).

5. Save up for a new bike

Team member Lindsay is looking forward to a new ride in 2020.

6. Choose to bike instead of using a ride share

Cut your ride shares by 20% to save money and the planet. Our team members are trying to choose to bike for errands and rides that are less than 3 miles from home.

7. Explore new parts of your town by bike

Team member Joe has a list of new rides to try in Madison.

8. Tackle the Etape du Tour

Team member Penny wants to head to France for this feat in 2020.

9. Commute to Work By Bike

This is a company-wide goal at Trek Travel for all employees! Not only does it provide great exercise, but it is also environmentally friendly.

10. Compete in a bike race

Team member Emily wants to tackle three Olympic distance triathlons!

11. Join a charity ride

Team member Erika wants to try the Trek 100 for the first time.

12. Pick your 2020 Trek Travel Trip

Tell us where you’re traveling next or share your bucket list ideas on social media by adding #theworldcalls or #trektravel to your posts!

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Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

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Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

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Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

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Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

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8 Bucket List Family Bike Tours Around the World

A cycling trip with the whole gang is pretty much the ideal family vacation. On the road, you see a place from a completely different perspective. The kids get away from their gizmos. You’ll get fresh air and exercise, but don’t worry, it’s not the Tour De France — you’ll be making plenty of stops to see iconic sights and scarf down delicious eats. Bikes and equipment are provided, along with transportation in case anyone conks out on the trail (distances will vary according to age and ability). And at the end of each day, your kids will sleep like champs. Pedal your way through these family bike tours guaranteed to bring the excitement.

1/8 California Redwoods Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Courtesy of Backroads

It’s thrilling to pilot your bike through the California Redwoods, the tallest living things on the planet, some of which were alive before Christopher Columbus. After winding through the forest, break times will be spent playing on a wild beach, kayaking on a quiet lagoon teeming with wildlife, or wandering through the magnificent fern canyon that was used as a backdrop in Jurassic Park . At night, you’ll eat s’mores and swap stories around the campfire at the Albee Creek Campground (one of the Golden State’s best-kept secrets) and Patrick’s Point State Park, situated right by a bluff with epic views of the Pacific.

5 days, from $1999 per person. Backroads.com

2/8 Puglia Family Bike + Adventure Tour

Cycle southern Italy, eat incredible food and splash in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Repeat. Sound like heaven? It is. On DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.’s tour of Puglia, you’ll pedal along Italy’s heel past dreamy coastal roads, sleepy fishing villages and sun-dappled olive groves. After a ride, stop to taste fresh-made mozzarella at a local farmhouse or snorkel through the ruins of the ancient city of Egnazia. Or swap your bikes for horses to take a sunset ride through the golden countryside near Otranto. In the evenings, you’ll eat homemade orrichiette pasta at local restaurants and bunk down in one of three accommodations: an elegant converted monastery, a sweet farmhouse hotel, and a trullo —one of the UNESCO-listed conical stone dwellings unique to Puglia.

6 days, from $4,495 per person. Duvine.com

3/8 Holland: Amsterdam to Odoorn

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The Dutch own more bicycles per capita than any other country in the world, so your family will instantly fit in with the locals on this fun-filled trip from Austin Adventures. Cycling through Holland’s immaculate northern territory is a dream—the bike paths are pristine, well-marked and largely flat. Zoom past flower-filled meadows, dense forests and canals. Stops include a working windmill, a zoo and a famous Dutch pancake house in Odoorn (it may take a while to choose, as hundreds of pancake varieties are available). Hotels along the route are comfortable and kid-friendly—one even has four bowling alleys for a nighttime tournament.

7 days, from $2698 per person. Austinadventures.com

4/8 Mt Rushmore Family Tour

South Dakota’s gentle, ridiculously scenic Mickelson Trail is one of the country’s best paths—and Bicycle Adventures has put together an action-packed tour that will make grownups feel like kids again. When you’re not taking a leisurely spin past enormous grazing buffalo on the bikes, you’ll explore an active Wooly Mammoth dig, take in the grandeur of Mt Rushmore, hit a local waterslide and visit the mysterious Wind Cave, one of the longest in the world. After one ride, you can soak your road-weary muscles in a hot spring. The journey finishes up in Deadwood, notorious home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Rest up in the Sylvan Lake Lodge, a classic since 1937.

6 days, from $2556 per person. Bicycleadventures.com 

5/8 Derbyshire

Courtesy of Saddle Skedaddle

UK-based tour company Saddle Skedaddle offers the perfect cycling tour for first-timers: three days in the bucolic countryside of the Peak District National Park. Cruise along former railways that have been converted into traffic-free cycle paths such as the famous Tissington Trail, which winds through impossibly green hills dotted with sheep. In the evenings, you’ll turn in at Harrington Hall, a stately former 17 th century manor house.

3 days, from $480 per person. Skedaddle.com/us

6/8 Vietnam and Cambodia Family Adventure

Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

This bucket list journey from Butterfield & Robinson is the best of country and city. One day you’ll cycle through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, passing Buddhist temples and the region’s famously narrow houses. On the next, you’ll traverse the quiet countryside through serene rice fields and over bamboo bridges. The tour culminates in a visit to the glorious temple of Angkor Wat. The kids will scarf up the mouthwatering cuisine in this corner of Asia (what’s not to like about noodles, rice and spring rolls?). It’s one of the many ways they’ll soak up a vibrant culture they’ll never forget. Hotels are unabashedly luxurious, such as Hoi An’s Anantara Resort, nestled in lush gardens on the Thu Bon River.

8 days, from $6995 per person. Butterfield.com  

7/8 Vermont Family Trek

There’s a dreamlike quality to central Vermont. Whiz past quaint towns, placid cows munching grass and follow the meandering path of the Winooski River. After a long day on the bike, there are so many delicious ways to cool off: kayaking and paddle boarding on Lake Champlain, plunging into swimming holes, or splashing in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Elmore. Vermont has artisanal food galore, so you’ll also take the concept of farm-to-table to new heights with lunch at a local farm. One night, parents will enjoy dinner and some grownup chat at an award-winning bistro in Vergennes, while the guides keep the kids occupied.

6 days, from $2799 per person. Trektravel.com

8/8 Sud Tyrol Family

Glide past the spectacular Alpine landscape in one of the most beautiful bike paths in all of Europe.

Courtesy of Ciclisomo Classico

(a woman-owned bike company, which is still a rarity) has put together a magical itinerary to please everyone. Meander along the rolling Etch River Valley with its eye-popping view of the Alps before enjoying a bucolic picnic in the stunningly picturesque village of Oberbozen—all while surrounded by flaxen-maned Avelignesi horses. Gape at a 5300-year-old mummy named Otzi at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, go wind-surfing in the Lake Garda district and visit the Medieval castle of Roncolo. At night, you’ll collapse into a feather bed in an elegant mountain lodge.

 7 days, from $4295 per person. Ciclismoclassico.com

By Jancee Dunn

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Picked up an outdoor pursuit during COVID? Take it to the next level with an active vacation

One positive side effect of the coronavirus pandemic was a spike in participation in active, outdoor and fitness activities. According to a 2021 study by the Outdoor Industry Association , “Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, more Americans have turned to the outdoors, some for the first time and others for the first time in many years."

More than 60% of those who started or resumed walking , bicycling, fishing or running/jogging intend to continue even after restrictions lift.  Walking and hiking saw the biggest spike, followed by running, cycling and camping,  but participation in just about every outdoor activity – from skiing to kayaking – grew. Meanwhile, purchases of home fitness equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills saw 170% growth during the pandemic, according to a study by ResearchAndMarkets.com . 

As the travel industry rebounds and Americans start vacationing again, there is increased interest in active trips. Companies specializing in active travel such as Butterfield & Robinson , Backroads , DuVine and G Adventures are reporting record bookings for 2022 and beyond.

“We knew that there was going to be a boom in active travel once lockdowns eased, given pent-up demand and the incredible growth of biking and hiking around the world. But we didn’t know just how big it would be!” says Tom Hale , founder of Backroads , which bills itself as the nation’s largest active-travel tour operator. “We’re experiencing unprecedented demand right now. Our business is up more than 100% when comparing 2022 to 2019, the last full year of travel before the global pandemic.”

Not so long ago, this niche revolved around weeklong cycling or hiking trips to a handful of popular destinations such as Tuscany, Burgundy and California wine country, aimed at dedicated enthusiasts. These days, choices abound,  as destinations and variety of trips have exploded.

Now there are niche trips for every desire and ability, to established and emerging destinations worldwide. There's truly something for everyone who enjoys being active outdoors, whether they have a closet full of Lycra or not.

There are now out-of-the-box active vacations that many consumers might not be aware even exist, and these are five surprising areas that have seen growing interest.

Bike, hike and boat

Traditional guided trips stay a couple of nights at a hotel and then move to the next, but a recent trend has been to substitute a floating home base that moves with the group.

“If you've ever taken a point-to-point trip, you know it can feel as though you spend your time unpacking and repacking,” says  Andy Levine , founder of DuVine , an outfitter focused on cycling, hiking and gourmet dining experiences. 

Ships also allows exploration of otherwise hard to reach areas. “The goal of every DuVine tour is to show travelers places they might not find on their own. We felt that in places like Greece and Turkey, the routes we really wanted to show were scattered across islands, so centering the trip around a private yacht allows us to moor in less populous, hidden ports," he notes.

DuVine has “Cycle + Sail” group trips (as well as private charters) in Greece, Turkey and Sardinia.

Backroads has been a big pioneer in “Active Cruises,” especially European river barges . These smaller vessels allow guests to explore inland European cities along famed waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Duoro and Seine.

Backroads also uses ocean-going ships to offer biking and hiking/walking trips in more offbeat locations such as Iceland , Japan , the Galapagos and Amazon , as well as Vietnam and Cambodia .

The company’s newest thing is “full ship departures.” On these, “Backroads secures a luxurious river ship exclusively for their guests, who enjoy classic biking enhanced by the camaraderie of 150 like-minded travelers,” explains spokesperson Liz Enbinder. There are nine new full-ship trips being added for next year, including Bordeaux wine country and Holland and Belgium.

Hut-to-hut hiking, skiing and mountain biking

A signature of the Alps, rifugios  (Italian for "refuge") are high-mountain restaurants, many of which offer lodging. These are individually owned and traditionally focus on regional cuisines – fondue and raclette in Switzerland, polenta and sausages in the Dolomites – usually at very reasonable prices and with stellar views. They are beloved by hikers as a place to have a wonderful hot lunch you don’t have to carry, or a rest stop for coffee and dessert or beer and wine.

But increasingly, they are being used as waypoints for multiday mountain trips in summer and winter that maximize time in nature and eliminate transfers from trailheads to hotels in towns below. More full-service inns up on mountains than “huts,” rifugio accommodations range from dorm-like to luxury. Some offer hot tubs and saunas but almost all feature decks, views and delicious alpine fare. Yet, they are often more affordable – and memorable – than conventional hotels.

“You become more engaged with your environment than when you’re at a hotel,” said Kimberly Rubio of Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in ski, hike and bike vacations in Italy’s Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Because the Dolomites have an especially large concentration of rifugios and are home to the world’s largest interconnected ski lift and trail network, Dolomiti Superski , this is one of the most popular areas for hut-to-hut trips, and Dolomite Mountains  trips for alpine or backcountry skiers , cyclists ( road ,  mountain or e-bike ) and hikers .

Hut-to-hut trips are special because of the combination of elements: beautiful landscape, fantastic cuisine and beverages, cozy rifugio accommodations, welcoming hosts, actively experiencing nature, yet enjoying creature comforts – all without having to carry a heavy pack” (tour operators move your luggage).

While week-long hut trips are very popular in the Dolomites, elsewhere in the Alps, huts are often combined with town hotels on famed hiking routes such as the Tour du Mont Blanc (Switzerland, France and Italy).

There are similar rifugios in South America and Patagonia, while more rustic huts are widely used for multiday trips in the Rockies, Norway and Iceland. Wildland Trekking is a leading operator offering hut trips globally.

All e-bikes

A few years ago, all the leading cycling companies started adding the option of choosing an e-bike, electric assist motorized models that still require pedaling but do a lot of the work for you. This facilitated multigenerational and multi-ability trips, as occasional cyclist grandparents could keep up with their more active children and grandchildren and less-enthusiastic cyclists could travel with avid friends.

But e-bikes became so popular that some companies have started running exclusively e-bike trips. Leveling the playing field removes any feelings of judgement or competition and appeals to travelers who may be intimidated by the idea of joining a group of hardcore enthusiasts.

Butterfield & Robinson , the outfitter generally credited with inventing the entire genre of cycling trips in 1966, and now the leader in all e-bike departures, notes, “E-bike technology brings the peaks within everybody’s reach.”

For example, its 8-day Ishikawa cycling trip in Japan is rated activity level 4 (Avid) on the company’s 5-point scale , but the same itinerary for an all-e-bike trip is level 2 (Recreational). Butterfield currently offers six different group all e-bike trips on roads, plus a self-guided e-mountain bike trip in Italy’s Dolomites . Other e-bike destinations:   Morocco , the Spanish island of  Mallorca , Switzerland  and the eastern French city of Alsace . And of course, it also offers cycling’s classic trip:  Tuscan wine country .

Celebrating 30 years in business, Escape Adventures offers several affordable domestic all e-bike tours, noting, “Our e-bike (both road and mountain bike) vacations are created specifically for both first-time cyclists and experienced enthusiasts who want to bring their partners who don’t bike nearly as much.”

Their signature destination for both road and mountain biking is stunning Southwestern Utah, including Bryce and Zion National Parks , while they also have a mountain bike trip in Moab, Utah , one of the world’s most famous off-road destinations. They also offer single-day e-bike road tours outside of Las Vegas , reflecting another emerging active travel trend, the growth of urban miniadventures.

Active culinary

Some people like to shop, sunbathe or visit art museums while on vacation, but the one thing every single traveler does is eat. Interest in all things culinary has been booming for years, so it makes sense to combine this with physical activity for two great kinds of travel in one trip – plus, many feel better about “earning” indulgences like gelato while working out.

For years, Tourissimo , a Boston and Italy-based specialist in hiking and biking trips to Italy, has hosted a series of trips led by acclaimed chefs . Guests get to interact daily with food celebrities they might only see otherwise on TV, joining them for cooking classes and special meals.

One famous cycling chef who has hosted multiple annual Tourissimo trips is Mary Sue Milliken , cookbook author, co-founder of the Border Grill restaurants , co-star of television’s long-running "Too Hot Tamales" and winner of James Beard and Julia Child Awards. “What could be better than guilt-free eating that comes from the workout you achieve every day?” asks Milliken.  Four regional chef cycling trips are offered for 2022 including Emilia Romagna , Friuli Venezia Giulia , Sardinia and a Piedmont trip that's also open to hikers.

Backroads runs “Active Culinary” hiking and walking tours in France and Italy , showcasing market and farm visits and private cooking classes, while DuVine also offers several regional “Chef on Wheels” bike tours in Italy .

“I believe every region is revealed through its cuisine and terroir. All our tours have a culinary-forward focus, but we know gourmand experiences can be the driving factor for certain travelers. We saw the opportunity to amplify the exclusivity and wow-factor, and our Specialty tours were born,” says DuVine’s Levine. “These trips put the emphasis on food-and-wine-forward activities, filling every moment off the bike with culinary activities – and sometimes on the bike too, providing an opportunity to ride alongside our special guest!”

Most top active travel operators heavily stress regional food and drink and include activities like winery visits and tastings, and Backroads includes Michelin-starred meals on many of its regular itineraries. Dolomite Mountains offers a special food-centric “Gourmet Ski Safari,” as well as a summertime hiking version, combining traditional meals at rustic alpine huts with Michelin-starred restaurants in town.

Rather than being devoted cyclists or hikers, many travelers today are interested in trying new and different physical activities.

For this reason, the major active tour operators have greatly expanded multisport tours, combining days of different pursuits, usually including cycling and hiking but also adding other options, such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, zip lines or via ferrata (a cable-connected, safer form of climbing), whitewater rafting, yoga or surfing lessons.

A few years ago, Backroads added a new lineup of winter multisport trips that combine snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, winter hiking, horseback riding and crampon-equipped glacier walks, in locales ranging from Wyoming’s Tetons to Canada and Scandinavia .

G Adventures is an active tour company offering more affordable trips that has a slate of multisport trips worldwide including oddities such as spelunking (caving) in Spain and rappelling in New Zealand .

But perhaps the most unusual multisport mashup is DuVine’s recently added Scotland Golf + Bike Tour . Says Levine: “It marries two very different leisure pursuits, but you’d be surprised at the overlap of interest! With the home of golf in St. Andrews, Scotland is an obvious must-do for golf tourism. But it's also a gorgeous setting for cycling, and between playing on championship courses, you may be cycling on the coast or biking to landmarks like castles and cathedrals.”

Editor's note: Travel and food writer Larry Olmsted has led culinary-themed trips with Tourissimo, one of the trip outfitters mentioned in this story.

Five Cycling Trips for your Bucket List

Whether you’re into city breaks or prefer to check out Mother Nature’s offerings, travelling on two wheels is often the best way to explore a new place.

Dreaming about warmer, sunnier rides, we’ve rounded up five cycling trips that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Already booked a cycling trip, or have one in mind? Don’t forget to check out our blog on everything you need for a long bike ride.

Dolomites, Italy

Photo Credit: @sportstravellingveemag on the Sella Ronda

Busy with skiers in the winter, Italy’s northeastern mountain range transforms into a cyclist’s playground once the sunnier months hit. With weaving roads through limestone peaks and vast valleys of rock, it’s no surprise the area has a rich history of cycling. The Giro d’Italia first visited in 1937 and has been back over 40 times. Many cyclists built their reputations in the Dolomites, too - including Bartali, Coppi and Binda.

If you want to really want to soak up the cycling culture here, visit when the Sella Ronda Bike Day and Maratona dles Dolomites cycling events are on to enjoy the buzz of locals and other visiting cyclists! The Sella Ronda in particular is one of the most famous circuits in the area, and takes riders along various iconic passes, including the Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo.

Tours and accommodation: Check out trektravel.com for group, private or custom trips of the Dolomites, and don’t miss this blog post, which provides some epic inspiration for places to stay during the summer.

Girona, Spain

Photo Credit: Eat Sleep Cycle: Girona

 This ancient city in northern Catalonia, Spain, is known for its cobbled streets, crumbling architecture and Gothic churches. However, the area has some epic cycling opportunities, too.

The winding roads, narrow lanes and hidden squares and nearby Els Àngels loop make cycling around Girona a memorable experience in itself. However, you can also head 30km east and choose from any of the nearby Costa Brava cycling routes and coastline.

The Les Gaverres mountains are to the south, and the Pyrenean border with France is to the north, so you'll have plenty of choice of incredible landscapes to check out.

Tours and accommodation:  Visit gironacycling.com for more information on cycling tours. They even include a stay at the ecological, family-run Hotel Mas Pelegri, which has over 100 different cycling routes on its doorstep, which range in distance and elevation. Every stay even includes route maps for biking, hiking and running, making this hotel a no brainer for keen sportspeople.

Famous Ruta 40, Argentina

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The Ruta 40 is widely recognized in the cycling world as one of the world’s most epic rides. At over 5000 kilometres, the Ruta 40 runs alongside the Andes Mountain range and is the longest route in Argentina.

Normally reserved for cyclists with high fitness levels and stamina (or just the brave!), riders will be taken across 236 rivers and see 27 Andean passes. The route crosses 11 provinces and passes through three provincial capitals (Mendoza, San Juan and Río Gallegos). On this route, you'll experience climates ranging from the tropics to cold Patagonian glaciers, navigate hairpin bends and experience endless straight but stunning roads through the Argentinian landscape. Not one to be missed!

Tours and accommodation : SouthAmerica.travel is a great source of information about Ruta 40 and touring options, including places to stay along the way

Pacific Coast, USA

Photo Credit: peteandianhittheroad.co.uk

Often seen in the pages of magazines or on our TV screens, Highway 1 and Highway 101 are among the most iconic roads in the United States. This of course makes it a must-see for adventure-seeking cyclists.

The route is really varied, and riders can check out lots of cool scenery including lighthouses, craggy rock formations, Redwood trees, farmland and beautiful fruit orchards. The highlight for many riders is of course cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, or cruising the famous winding highway to the Big Sur Coast.

Tours and accommodation: Adventurecycling.org takes you along this iconic coastal route, starting from either San Francisco or Bellingham, WA. Unsure where to stay along the way? Check out this article for accommodation from San Francisco to San Diego (and beyond!)

Cape Town, South Africa

Photo Credit: Rook Cycles

Many people don’t realize it, but Cape Town is actually one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. As well as road cycling routes, it has access to lots of scenic mountains for riders actively seeking a bumpier ride!

Table Mountain is a great choice for visiting mountain bikers due to its impressive network of bike trails and tracks. Tokai Forest is also popular for memorable mountain biking experiences on gravel trails through dense areas of forest. Road cyclists are pretty spoiled for choice, too.

Check out Sea Point Promenade , a 7 kilometre long scenic beachfront route. It runs from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point, connecting to Green Point Urban Park. For those seeking a (much) longer ride, the Cape Town Cycle Tour stretches 109 kilometres and takes you through some of the most stunning roads in Cape Town. Beware, it's no ride in the park - so make sure your fitness levels are up to it!

Tours and accommodation: Cyclethecape.com offers some great touring options for exploring the Cape Town area, including Table Mountain. You can also check  outcapecycletours.com  for some further afield routes! This blog post is also super useful for ideas and inspiration on hotels and areas to stay, as well as non-cycling activities, for if you need a day off!

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Passo Campolongo

Passo pordoi, passo fedaia, passo manghen, passo gavia from bormio, monte grappa, passo dello stelvio, passo valparola, passo gardena, passo sella, passo falzarego, croce d'aune, passo mortirolo, tre cime di lavaredo, passo san boldo.

The cycling bucket list: 15 rides to do before you die

There is nothing quite like the euphoria of completing a cycling challenge. The unique sense of joy and camaraderie that overcomes you at the end of an epic journey, or a formidable climb is hard to beat!

From the British Isles to Central America, or the coast of Vietnam, across the globe, there are a host of amazing cycle routes to test the mettle of the most experienced cyclists, each of which offers its own incredible blend of scenery. Read on to discover 15 rides to do before you die.

Land's End to John O' Groats, UK

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The UK's most iconic cycle challenge, Land's End to John O' Groats, or as it's also known, LEJOG, is an epic cycling journey of over 1000 miles, covering the entire length of Great Britain and its full spectrum of landscapes, locations and landmarks!

Beginning in Cornwall, in the UK's most southwesterly point, (the appropriately-named Land's End) and ending in the village of John O' Groats at Scotland's northwestern tip, in between you'll cross all manner of scenery, from picturesque stretches of coastline to historic villages and market towns, the rugged landscapes of the Lake District, and of course, Scotland's breathtaking blend of forests, lochs, and soaring highland peaks!

The Passo Stelvio, Italy

The highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, The Passo Stelvio boasts a somewhat legendary reputation among cycling fans thanks to the Giro d'Italia, where it has provided the stage for some of the race's most iconic moments.

Sometimes referred to as 'the world's greatest climb', the route has it all, breathtaking beauty, heritage and hairpins for days! Not for the faint-hearted, the pass might only be around 25km in length, but it has a vertical gain of 1,800m to its near 3000KM summit.

Getting to Stelvio Pass on two wheels there are three possible options; from Prato allo Stelvio, on the South Tyrolean side; from Bormio on the Lombardio side, and our favourite, from the Swiss side departing from Santa Maria (in Val Monastero) which crosses the stunning Umbrail Pass.

The Haute Route

The pinnacle of amateur cycling, the 'Haute Route' was launched over a decade ago, with the aim of providing cyclists with the opportunity to join a peloton of like-minded souls in tackling some of the most challenging routes on earth.

Despite the name, it is not in fact a single route, but a series of 3, 5 and 7-day events which take place in Europe's most iconic cycling destinations, namely the Dolomites, the Pyrénées and the Alps. The latter, includes the series' flagship, a gruelling (but memorable) 7-day event, encompassing some of the toughest and most iconic climbs of the Tour de France!

Mallorca: Coast to Coast, Spain

Mallorca is a paradise for cyclists thanks to its great year-round weather, and range of excellent roads, which include lofty mountain passes and long coastal plains. What's more, when it comes to single-day cycle rides, its hard to beat the coast-to-coast route from Andratx to Port de Pollensa, along the beautiful MA-10, a 116km (there are possible add ons if you want a tougher challenge) wich has 2964m of ascent, and some truly beautiful scenery!

Highway One, Vietnam

Running the entire length of the country, Vietnam's National Highway 1, is often seen as a symbol of national unity, connecting the once disparate cities of Hanoi (the capital) in the north, with Ho Chi Minh in the south.

Encompassing 2,301 km in total, the route hugs the coastline for almost its entirety, and along with its two largest cities, passes through, or near, many of the country's most beautiful sights, including, the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, the historic cities of Hué and Hoi An, and the popular beach town of Nha Trang.

Mizen to Malin, Ireland

Mizen to Malin, or as it's often known, Mizmal, or Ireland's 'End to End', is a just over 1000km route along the country's Atlantic West Coast.

When it comes to wild beauty, there are few if any more beautiful stretches of coastline on the planet than Ireland's western shoreline. This iconic route which usually begins in the south at Mizen Head, and finishes in the Donegal village of Malin, in the north, provides a truly memorable mosaic of untouched beaches, breathtaking cliffs, and moorland, dotted with ancient ruins and backed by mountain vistas.

La Ruta de los Conquistadores, Costa Rica

If you're a mountain biker with the spirit of an adventurer, then Costa Rica's gruelling but captivating Ruta de los Conquistadores is for you!

Following the ancient paths of the Spanish conquistadors who crossed the beautiful Central American nation in search of gold, intrepid cyclists travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, through biodiverse rainforests, banana and coffee plantations, and up volcanoes, ascending some 22,0000 feet, in the process.

The route is usually attempted as part of a three-day stage race, that is considered one of the most challenging in the world. In fact, only 50% of entrants complete it!

The Maratona, Italy

Held in Italy's awe-inspiring Dolomites mountains, The Maratona, is without doubt one of the most beautiful cycling routes on the planet.

The annual sportive is one of Europe's most iconic amateur cycle events, and every year attracts some 9,000 cyclists, who travel 138KM across winding roads and mountain passes, ascending some 4230 meters in the process. Incredibly challenging, the event is certainly not for the faint-hearted (although shorter options are available), but when it comes to spectacular vistas, The Maratona is truly hard to beat!

Congo Nile Trail, Rwanda

Want to get off the proverbial beaten track? (on two wheels of course) Head to the beautiful east African nation of Rwanda, and follow the network of small roads and trails along the banks of Lake Kivu.

The 280km route passes through rural villages, coffee and banana plantations, verdant valleys and biodiverse forests, giving riders a unique experience of an often-overlooked destination, that has so much to offer!

Pyrenees Circle of Death, France

One for the more experienced riders out there, the aptly-named 'Pyrenees Circle of Death', is considered the hardest stage in the Tour de France, encompassing 158km, four epic climbs, and a total elevation gain of 5,800m!

It is named, as, it is the stage where many of the world's best cyclists see their hopes of winning the Tour De France die, and for amateur riders, it will take a truly herculean effort to complete. However, the combination of awe-inspiring scenery, legendary climbs, exhilarating descents, and the immense sense of achievement you'll enjoy at the end, makes it a shoe-in to our cycling bucket list!

North Coast 500, Scotland

This amazing route, stretches for over 500 miles across Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. From rugged coastal cliffs and soaring peaks, to grand castles, highland lochs, and endless forests, it is the perfect way to discover the rich, natural beauty of this beautiful nation.

A popular route for road trips by car, the North Coast 500 is also perfect for two wheels, with its numerous steep climbs, freewheel descents, and hairpin bends, plus sweeping vistas that will live long in the memory!

Greenbelt route with the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Canada

Take on Ontario's best cycling trails, and enjoy some of the best scenery that Canada has to offer with this 1000km route.

Combining two of the country's signature cycle trails, which were designed to protect two of the country's key natural ecosystems, the route passes through all manner of beautiful verdant countryside, and along the shores of two of Canada's iconic Great Lakes: Ontario and Erie. Traversing the combination of paved roads, and unpaved and paved trails, you'll enjoy all manner of stunning views and encounter some fascinating wildlife, whilst the myriad of towns and cities along the way give you the chance to enjoy the region's famed hospitality.

Tour of Flanders Sportive, Belgium

When it comes to sportives, the Tour of Flanders is a certified classic! It follows much of the same route as the professional iteration, encompassing 235km of narrow cobbled roads, which traverse hills, charming villages, and verdant countryside.

Demand is high, and the annual springtime sportive is limited to 16,000 riders, so make sure to get your application in early, to secure your place in this iconic event.

Ruta del Café, Colombia

Ruta del Café, (the coffee route), as the name suggests, takes riders through Colombia's world-famous coffee-growing region, famed for its high-quality beans and breathtaking natural beauty.

Expect challenging terrain with plenty of ascents (though you'll also enjoy some nice descents as well!), and picturesque, verdant landscapes, dotted with colourful towns and cities where you'll experience the rich local culture and traditions of this captivating part of the world!

North Sea Cycle Route (EuroVelo 12), Various

Perhaps the most epic cycle route on the planet, this nearly 6000km itinerary takes riders across the eight countries that border the North Sea: England, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

From Dutch lowland landscapes to awe-inspiring Norwegian cliffs and Fjords; windswept Scottish coastlines, and bustling port cities like Hamburg and Gothenburg, this epic route truly has it all. However, to complete the full route you'll probably need at least 100 days, and several ferry trips, so many people choose instead to tackle a small section, such as the Netherlands and Belgium. If you do the full journey, however, you're in for a ride like no other, and are sure to make countless memories that you'll never forget!

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7 Places to Ride Before You Die

Excerpted from  The Cyclist's Bucket List , these bike trips will stoke your imagination and vacation planning

The Cyclist's Bucket List

Every experience on a bike is unique to every rider. But inarguably, some experiences remain more memorable than others. The smell of lavender at a roadside picnic, waiting for the Tour de France to arrive. The vertigo-inducing view of the Pacific Ocean from the 10,000-foot summit of Hawaii's Haleakala volcanic crater (a 5-plus-hour climb). A crisp pale lager hitting your lips after a ride along the canals of Amsterdam, one of the world's most bike-friendly cities. These are the sights, the smells and tastes, that every cyclist should experience before they die. These, and a wide range of other must-do rides , races, shops, and shrines, all rooted to a specific location or event, comprise the  Cyclist's Bucket List, A Celebration of 75 Quintessential Cycling Experiences . Here are seven unforgettable bike rides from the book.  

Leh-Manali Highway, India

Nothing really grows up here in the thin air near the top of the world. High in the Himalayas of northern India, in the Ladakh region, the town of Leh sits on the banks of the Indus River. The bare, windswept mountains rise from the earth in every direction, thrown into the air millions of years ago by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The shifting sun casts these rock-strewn peaks in shades of shining gold. The plates still shift, occasionally making these mountains shake. Thousands of people have forged a living in this remote landscape for thousands of years, despite constant conflict amongst various empires and the disparate interests of the nations we now know as Pakistan, China, and India. Today, the Indian Air Force maintains a military outpost in Leh and a firm grasp on the region.

For nearly as long as people have ridden bikes with knobby tires, those people have brought their bikes to this small town in eastern Utah, a rust-colored recreation paradise of sandstone canyons and high desert mountains on the banks of the Colorado River. Encircled by federally managed lands and situated at the cusp of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab is perhaps most famous for its Slickrock trail , a completely unique experience that winds 10 miles through a lumpy expanse of Navajo sandstone. The route through the red-rock moonscape, situated on a plateau above town, is discernable only by the white dots spray-painted onto the stone and the line of tire marks left by the thousands of mountain bikers who've come here to ride across the roller-coaster-esque route.

The Mortirolo, the Gavia, and the Stelvio, Italy

The Mortirolo, the Gavia, and the Stelvio: These three mountain passes rise above all others in Italy, both in altitude and in legend. The tiny, serpentine roads accessing these storied peaks wind through towering rock formations. They endlessly switchback up—up above the treeline, up above the clouds—into the craggy Italian Alps and the Dolomites, on the border of Switzerland. The Giro d'Italia, the Italians' version of the Tour de France, first made the cycling world aware of these climbs in the mid-1900s, but the roads—originally dirt paths—date back as far as the 18th century. From the village of Bormio, nestled deep amongst these Alpine peaks, a cyclist can ascend the Mortirolo, the Gavia, and the Stelvio. A masochist may ride all three passes in a single day.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The beauty of the world's bike commuting epicenter—where 60 percent of urban trips occur by bike, on separated pathways with cycling-specific traffic signals—is that most Dutch don't cycle specifically to lose weight or make an environmental statement. They ride because cycling is the city's quickest, most convenient, and safest form of transportation. They ride because it's just...normal. Here, bikes rule. But it wasn't always this way.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The dark volcanic rock rises from the surrounding green slopes in towering spires and sheer cliffs, forming a 30.5-kilometer ridge down the center of the Trotternish peninsula on Scotland's Isle of Skye. The rock formations on this rustic isle have long inspired Gaelic legend and even Hollywood directors (Ridley Scott shot his 2012 film Prometheus here), and they have also drawn cyclists from across the United Kingdom and around the world.

An 80-kilometer loop starting in the town of Portree runs along the edge of the peninsula, through rolling farm fields, and between the shore of the Atlantic and the looming ridgeline. You'll first encounter the Old Man of Storr, a knifelike outcrop that rises more than 600 meters above the nearby sea. Local folklore tells of a giant who sank into the earth here, leaving only his thumb pointing toward the sky. More likely, lava, battered by thousands of years of wind, rain, and erosion, formed the Storr.

Majorca, Spain

Close your eyes now, and imagine a paradise for cyclists. Envision an island surrounded by jewel-colored waters, with terrain that varies from soaring stone mountains to rolling hills and agricultural plains. Listen to the soft hum of your tires on silk-smooth roads ascending cliffsides in enticing loops at ever-gentle gradients and back roads that are half a lane wide and pass through groves of ancient olive trees. Feel the warm sunshine against your skin, breath in the salty coastal breezes. Know, here and now, that such a place exists, and it is named Majorca.

Part of the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Spain, Majorca has long attracted vacationers seeking relaxation and beauty, and it is increasingly a coveted destination for road cyclists from around the world. Some of the top Tour de France teams, such as Sky, train here, yes. But from February through May, you'll also find packs of cyclists participating in all-inclusive camps, riding through the Tramuntana mountain range on the island's western coast and congregating in the plazas of the numerous tiny towns across Majorca.

Tour d'Afrique, Egypt to South Africa

The first Tour d'Afrique occurred in 2003, but the idea to ride across Africa from tip to tip had formed decades prior. Henry Gold, the man behind the seemingly mad event had traveled extensively in Africa as the executive director of Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. Based on his experiences there, Gold became convinced bicycles could prove transformative for the majority of people in Africa, but he struggled with how best to bring bikes and awareness to the continent.

As told in the Cyclist's Bucket List , during a trip to Ethiopia in the early '90s, he came across the Russian Olympic cycling team altitude-training in the mountains. A colleague, knowing Gold's inclination to tackle challenging projects, teased him that he should organize a bicycle race from the top of Africa to the bottom. Gold laughed, but days passed, and he couldn't get the idea out of his mind. So he went to a friend, Michael de Jong, an inventor and bike racer, and told him about the idea. De Jong became similarly fascinated with the Africa tour. De Jong planned a route and produced an informational brochure for potential participants.

They scheduled the first Tour d'Afrique for 1994, but a terrorist attack in Egypt forced them to cancel. The two men moved on, and the event went dormant for nearly 10 years. Then, on the eve of his 50th birthday, Gold found himself seeking a life-affirming challenge. He called de Jong, told him he wanted to do the Africa tour, and gave him 24 hours to decide. Eleven months later, the 2 men and 31 other participants, ranging from world-class adventurers to a 55-year-old mother of five who'd only begun riding that year, set off from Cairo and pedaled toward Cape Town.

Gold and de Jong had estimated the trip would take 120 days, with roughly 1 day of rest for every 5 days of riding. In order to garner additional press coverage and appease participants with competitive ambitions, the Tour d'Afrique was set up as (and officially remains) a race. Riders clock in individually at the start of each day and record their times at the finish. But racing is certainly not required. Packs of riders form pacelines and push for the finish each day while others dawdle, barely making it to camp before sunset. 

The first Tour d'Afrique participants, whom Gold believes were the first cyclists ever to ride across the continent consecutively, would serve as guinea pigs for the tours that followed. In Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, Gold had to depend on his previous good works in Africa and diplomatic connections to even gain access to the countries, which were in tense political conditions. Once south of Kenya, at the halfway point, they would rely solely on maps and local knowledge for guidance, as Gold had scouted the route only as far as Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

For more about the story of the first Tour d'Afrique—and for 68 more destinations to fantasize about visiting with your bike, check out the Cyclist's Bucket List .

Ian Dille is a freelance writer and producer based in Austin, Texas. He tells stories about bikes, and other things, too.

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We provide guided motorcycle experiences to the top motorcycle destinations in the world..

Cort Harwood, CEO Bucket List Bike Trips, LLC At Wall Drug, Rapid City, SD

Our mission at Bucket List Bike Trips is simple. Deliver World Class Guided Motorcycle Experiences to the top destinations in the United States. We began as a vision of our Founder Cort Harwood. Cort’s passion for riding started at the age of 9. His first motorcycle was a Yamaha 125 and he fondly remembers the day he landed it in a pine tree jumping the dirt hills just outside his hometown. The old motto “Keep the Bike Upright” has true meaning with him.

After planning and completing the Motorcycle Excursions he had always dreamed of he decided busy executives/people like him needed a company to do all the behind scenes work. With that idea, Bucket List Bike Trips was born. Our Excursions have taken tour participants to destinations like Daytona Bike Week, Key West Florida, Sturgis Bike Rally, Tail of the Dragon and Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the California Coast. Our Premiere Excursion is the Ride Across America Tour that travels from Charlotte North Carolina to the sandy beaches of California in 15 days.

Our trips have catered to bikers of all ages. We’ve even booked private tours for entertainers and athletes that want to tour the country a little more incognito, giving them the chance to go unnoticed as they vacation and relax. Bucket List Bike Trips are laid out to maximize riding time on scenic routes but some days we will be road warriors and hit the open road to cover a few extra miles. We make motorcycle excursions easy by coordinating everything: Hotels, meals, bike shipping or rental. So Quit Dreamin’ and Start Ridin! Book your Bucket List Bike Trip today!

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Elvis Impersonator and Cort Harwood at Sturgis 2014

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We provide two motorcycle options for our Tour Participants:

OPTION 1 – Full Concierge Service Option

We coordinate the shipping in both directions for your personal motorcycle to use on the Guided Tour. Shipping cost are calculated Port to Port from your home to the start and end points of your selected tour.

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Hotel Rooms for all Tour Nights

Breakfast on all riding days

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