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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World
Slide Nr 1Sporty or laid-back, fast or slow – cycling allows you to take in the view at your own pace, on your own terms, which explains why more and more travellers are opting to see the world on two wheels. Grab your water bottle and put on those hot pants, because we’ve scouted out the best routes and tours for seasoned cyclists and causal bike riders across the globe.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 2Rocky Mountains, Canada – A walk in the Canadian Rockies is often described as one of those “before you die” must-have experiences, but cycling through the mountains lets you take in even more of those awe-inspiring landscapes in the same span of time. Various routes wind through British Columbia and Alberta, past majestic valleys, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers. Biking from Banff to Jasper is a popular option for those who prefer a trip of moderate-high difficulty, with prolonged, challenging ascents and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Prepare your own itinerary of about 7-9 days (there are plenty of options for accommodations and food along the way), or join one of the many guided or self-guided tours provided by local operators.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 3Pacific Coast, United States – With its quaint small towns and large reaches of wilderness, the US offers many options for cyclists, but one of the most exciting routes is the stretch between Seattle and San Francisco along the “other” Pacific Coast Highway – a total of 1,577km. Though the road from SF to LA gets all the attention, this more northerly route is less busy, meaning you’ll practically have the scenic forests, cliffs, remote beaches and coastal farms all to yourself during your 2-week journey. You’ll need your rest, but don’t worry: campgrounds, accommodations and restaurants can be found at least every 90 kilometres or so. This tour is a treat at any time of year, but summer and autumn are best.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 5Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – Located in the southwest of Bolivia and stretching across 10,582 square metres, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. In the first months of winter (December to April), the intense blue of the sky contrasts with the layers of salt, creating a spectacular mirror effect in which the earth seems to blend with the sky – you feel like you’re walking among the clouds! While many make the trip by off-road vehicle, several tour agencies offer the option of travelling by bicycle, also allowing you to visit the train cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes), Isla Incahuasi and the Tunupa volcano. The trip can be done in a day, which is probably advisable since temperatures can drop to around -20°C at night.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 6Eje Cafetero, Colombia – Recently, the Colombian government made 38 new cycling routes throughout the country available to national and foreign travellers, allowing adventurous visitors to discover a wide range of natural landscapes, from mountains to savannahs and breathtaking coastal regions. One of the most interesting trails runs through the “Coffee Triangle”, a 45-kilometre route beginning in Salento, crossing Pereira and ending in Santa Rosa de Cabal. Along the way you’ll visit the plantations where some of the most exquisite coffee in the world is produced, as well as passing through colonial towns, the majestic Valle del Cócora and the Santa Rosa hot springs. If you have time, we recommend stopping by a traditional house from the region to rest, in addition to visiting the National Coffee Park and, of course, enjoying a delicious Colombian coffee. [Photo: Matthew Fuentes/Flickr]
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 7Argentinian Patagonia, Argentina – Cycling through Argentinian Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is truly an unmissable experience. This 12-day trip takes in the most captivating sights between El Calafate and Ushuaia, dazzling adventurers with the natural wonders found here at the edge of the world. The trip includes the National Park of the Glaciers, the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier and Punta Arenas, before arriving in Ushuaia, the so-called “End of the World”. The route stretches across 780 kilometres of land tracks and asphalt, plus another 250 kilometres of transfers in support vehicles; the plus side of taking an organised tour is that you won’t have to arrange for your own food and accommodations, which can be few and far between in this stunning but highly remote area.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 8Tuscany, Italy – Famed for its beauty, Tuscany captivates with enchanting landscapes, delicious cuisine and exquisite wines, as well as its role as the cradle of the Renaissance. A cycling trip – with transfers by train – allows you to explore the region’s medieval villages and historic cities, and marvel at the endless swathes of olive trees and vineyards. Several routes are available, but one of the most popular follows alongside the Arno River, including visits to Lucca, Pisa and Florence, as well as Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci. The best part? All that pedalling means you can have your fill of pizza, pasta and wine!
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 10The Rhine River, Germany – For millennia, the Rhine has influenced the people and cultures that settled along its banks. On the Rhine Cycle Route, stretching from the Alps to the North Sea coast, cyclists can pursue the region’s history, experience its culture and view its natural wonders; don’t miss the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with the famous Lorelei cliff as well as the many culinary specialties that will delight any palate. Wine lovers should stop by the vineyards that slope towards the river, while history buffs and culture vultures will have their pick of castles and cathedrals. The full route runs 1,233 kilometres and crosses 4 countries as it makes its way from Andermatt to Rotterdam; much of the route consists of flat, paved terrain, making it an ideal choice for active families.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 11Tulip Fields, The Netherlands – In the Netherlands, cycling is the most popular means of transport; and with its flat terrain and bike rentals on every corner, the whole country is an ideal destination for bike-loving travellers. During the springtime, when the vibrant tulips are in bloom, the best choice by far is to pedal the 40-kilometre stretch between Haarlem and Leiden, where you can marvel at incredible fields of daffodils, hyacinths, lilies and, of course, tulips – the national flower. You’ll also take in iconic mills, museums and parks where you can learn about Dutch agricultural traditions.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 12Way Of The Roses, England – Running 275 kilometres from coast to coast in northern England, this scenic trail is one of the busiest routes in the entire United Kingdom. The journey begins in Morecambe in Lancashire, and crosses the English countryside to Bridlington in East Yorkshire, taking in the picturesque Lune Valley, the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Wolds along the way. The route mainly uses rural roads, where cyclists can best appreciate the beauty of sights like the forest of Bowland or Nidderdale and the cathedral of York, as well as the city of Lancaster and authentic English towns such as Settle or Ripon. Take your time and enjoy the scenery; there are plenty of lodgings, food stalls and camping areas on the route, meaning you don’t have to rush from place to place in search of food and rest. [Photo: Alex/Flickr]
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 13The Way of Saint James, Spain – One of the most popular routes for walking, driving and cycling in Europe, the UNESCO-anointed “Camino de Santiago” has been travelled by millions of tourists and pilgrims since the Middle Ages, crossing the north of Spain to visit the relics of the Apostle Santiago in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela. There are various routes, the most popular being the French Way, which crosses the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Roncesvalles in Spain, then descends from the mountains to Pamplona before crossing La Rioja and the plateau between Burgos and León. The route enters Galicia at historic O Cebreiro then ends in Santiago. A trip not only of exploration and adventure, but also of spiritual and cultural discovery. [Photo: Alexander Schimmeck/Flickr]
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 14Danube Cycle Path (Germany, Austria and Hungary) – The Danube Cycle Path is one of the most popular long-distance cycling routes in Europe, and for good reason. The path runs from the river’s source in Donaueschingen in southern Germany to the border between Hungary and Serbia, but the 340-kilometre section between Passau and Vienna is said to be the most beautiful, and is the one most cyclists tackle. Along the way, you’ll see everything from verdant valleys to crumbling castles and historic monasteries, and stop for picturesque picnics or hearty Teutonic meals. A bike ride on the Danube is an unforgettable experience: at once culinary, cultural and close to nature.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 15Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka – If you visit Sri Lanka, you’ll certainly be paying a visit to the so-called “Cultural Triangle”, an area in the centre of the island that encompasses the country’s most important cultural and historical sites, like the temples of Anuradhapura, the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the caves of Dambulla and the ancient monolithic fortress of Sigiriya – many of which are within easy cycling distance of one another, allowing you to take in the fascinating sites while catching a glimpse of modern daily life.
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Pedal Power: 15 Spectacular Cycling Routes Around The World.
Slide Nr 16Great Ocean Road, Australia – Connecting the cities of Torquay and Allansford across 244km, this fabled coastal route offers magnificent views of the Australian coast at every turn. The dramatic road is one of the country’s most popular scenic routes, offering a bouquet of contrasts, from tropical forests, golden beaches, small fishing villages and places of incredible natural wonder, like the 12 Apostles rock formations. If you’re visiting Melbourne and enjoy cycling, you should seriously consider taking a couple of days to explore this iconic coastal route.
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