Best Cycling Destinations in the World
Why not forget about the car and plan your next vacation around your bike? Life moves much more slowly from the seat of a bike, giving you time to really engage with a new destination and culture. Even better, cycling is healthy and green. Bike routes and trails are being created in every corner of the world and you have the option of taking a planned tour or setting your own itinerary, giving you complete freedom on the road. And, if you’re concerned about your fitness and stamina, then an electric bike could be the answer.
Traveling with your bike
Traveling abroad with your bike is much easier than you think. While terms, conditions, and costs vary from provider to provider, you can bring a bike (and an electric bike) on most planes, trains, and ferries. All airlines now insist that bikes be dismantled and packed for the flight. Bag holders are readily available and come in a variety of materials, from strong clear polyethylene to rigid boxes and fabric zippers. Remove the pedals and turn the handlebars in and, if required by your airline, partially or fully deflate the tires. Remember to allow time in your schedule to break down and pack up and to put back together at the other end. We recommend that you do this before you leave the airport so that any in-flight damage can be reported immediately.
The cost of checking in your bike varies from airline to airline. Always check the costs and budget for them. The trains will have dedicated, pre-bookable spaces (usually for a fee) for assembled bikes, while bikes folded on stands travel free as part of your baggage allowance. Most ferries allow you to board your bike as a foot passenger. After you push it down the ramp, you will be prompted where to store it. Again prices vary.
The countries most in love with their bicycles
At the top of the cycling popularity rankings are Belgium, France and Spain. Belgium is home to the oldest cycle race in the world, the Liège-Bastogne-Liège (first held in 1892). Since 1903, France has hosted the famous Tour de France every July, while interest in the Tour of Spain grows year after year. In fact, 20% of Spaniards place the bicycle as their main means of transport. Along with the Netherlands and Denmark, these countries are good starting points for a cycling holiday. However, if you want to venture further afield and try long-distance cycle routes around the world, then these may tempt you.
North Sea Cycle Route, Europe
Eurovelo 12 or the North Sea Cycle Route is the world’s longest signposted cycle route offering 6,000 km of enjoyable cycling that takes you along Europe’s diverse North Sea coastline. It will tour Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Make it an odyssey (it’s perfect for all experience levels) or dip into it from time to time.
Danube Cycle Path, Europe
The enchanting Danube Cycle Route takes you on a 2,800km meander along the banks of the Danube River as it winds through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Most of the route runs on flat, paved roads, ideal for beginners and families.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Although Route 1 is not a dedicated bike lane, this iconic California highway is very popular as a cycling vacation destination. The highway winds for more than 1,500 km from where California meets Oregon to its southern border with Mexico.
Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
Munda Biddi is probably the longest off-road bike trail in the world, stretching almost 1,000 km through Western Australia from Mundaring to Albany. With tough trails and extreme heat, this is not for the inexperienced or the faint of heart.
The Silk Road, Asia
The legendary Silk Road runs 8,000 km from Istanbul in Turkey to Beijing in China. It would take an experienced cyclist several months and careful logistical planning to tackle the entire route, but some sections can be combined with other vacation plans. This really would be the bike ride of a lifetime.
Great Divide, North America
If 8,000 km is too ambitious, then the Great Divide Route from Banff in Canada to the Mexican border is shorter, with a length of around 4,500 km. It would take an experienced cyclist around three months to complete. It is 90% off-road and mountain biking skills are required as you travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Training and Preparation Tips
As with any active vacation, the more prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of it. Be sure to log a few miles before you travel, and have an honest discussion about distance and fitness expectations with your fellow travelers. Don’t be too ambitious with your itinerary, but build in some flexibility and definitely a few days off for sightseeing. Make sure your bike is fully serviced and your gear and clothing are suitable for the expected weather conditions. So be prepared for the unexpected too! Make sure your travel insurance fully covers your expedition, and most importantly, carefully plan your nutrition and hydration needs.
