Cycling has been the must-do adventure lately. Cycling enthusiasts from all over the world are always looking for new trails to explore. Be it a novice cyclist or a professional, there are plenty of stunning cycling routes in this world splendid enough to satiate any cyclists’ desire.
If you are a passionate traveler who is also an avid cyclist you might want to combine both of your passions into one memorable adventure. So to make it easier here is a list of 10 of the best cycling destinations in the world for you to consider.
1. Girona, Spain
There’s a good reason why Girona is a favorite for professional cyclists. Located 60 miles north-east of Barcelona, it boasts a wonderful climate, good roads and country lanes, technical climbs and mountain scenery. Girona is a hidden treasure being so close to Barcelona yet so far away with an added advantage of diverse cuisines, rich history and culture, Girona, really is cycling heaven.
Girona is located in the Costa Brava region between the coast and the Pyrenees mountain. The unique terrain provides an ideal combination of long, flat lanes with rolling terrains which will test your biking skills. The best cycling trails in Girona are Rococorba climb, Els Angels, Mare de Deu del Mont, and the coast road.
2.Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is well known for its stunning roads that snake through its coastal area, all in the shadow of Table Mountain. The city embraces healthy lifestyle choices, with the Bicycle Cape Town organization set up to improve and encourage the areas of bike facilities, services, and routes.
From 3-12th March the city hosts, ‘LifeCycle Week,’ honoring all things two wheels with events and competitive racing.
From cycling down the coastal roads of the peninsula to riding steep up to the view of the False Bay from the top, Cape Town and its surroundings offer roads and tracks suitable for anyone from a leisure cyclist to a technical rider. There are plenty of sights to explore from the Misty Cliffs, Cape Point Nature Reserve to the Chapman’s Peak.
3. Dolomites, Italy
Cycling in the shadows of the surrounding jagged mountains and the dreamy meadows, The Dolomites, a UNESCO site, is a must have for every cyclist at some point in their life. Some of the best cycling trails in the Dolomites are the Sella Ronda Loop, covering a distance of 52 kms, and the Fedaia climb often considered as the toughest climb in the dolomites.
This majestic mountain range in Northern Italy is within the Alps. A vast area that ranges over 300 km it’s best recommended to pick an area to explore. There isn’t a lot of flat lanes here, so riders have to deal with either a tough uphill climb or a smooth curvy downhill, sometimes both. With pleasant temperatures during the summer and quieter roads, and with its close proximity to Stelvio Pass and Gavia Pass which is considered as a heaven for any cyclist, the Dolomites in the south Tyrol region of the Alps is a legendary destination for cycling.
4. Morzine, French Alps
Morzine is an excellent place for mountain biking or road biking. Located in the Rhone-Alpes region of France and nestled close to Switzerland, the resort towns of Morzone and Avoriaz boast idyllic chalets and hotels who cater to outdoor sports. It has hosted the famous Tour de France more than 20 times and is home to the extremely demanding Morzine Vallee d’Aulps, which covers a total distance of over 150 km with over 3900m of ascent.
The area boasts a variety of terrain, with plenty of flat stretches as well as hairpin climbs. With stunning mountain vistas and the gorgeous backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif, Morzine has some classic cycling routes such as the Ventoux, Col de Joux Verte, and the Col De Ramaz.
5. Pyrenees, France & Spain
The Pyrenees boasts famous climbs that have been visited by the Tour de France. The mountain range stretches for over 430km between France and Spain. In mid-summer, the cooler temperatures make the French side ideal for exploring, whereas the Spanish side would be very hot.
With over 500 mountain passes to choose from and infinite trails, the Pyrenees provides the perfect opportunity for novice cyclists who would want to ride on the mountains for the first time and professional cyclists who would want to tackle Tour-like routes. Cycling trails such as Tourmalet, Aubisque, and Peyresourde have gained a lot of fame in the past few years and serve as the ideal routes for any cyclist.
6. Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is an idyllic Caribbean island that is well known for its pristine beaches prime for scuba diving and snorkeling. But it’s also known for a hosting an annual Ironman competition.
This grueling triathlon incorporates 30 miles of coastline which is dedicated to cycling.
Be it exploring the town of San Miguel, or cycling around the whole island with sightseeing, Cozumel is an excellent experience for cyclists. Ride this scenic journey at your own pace and take in the views of the turquoise Caribbean sea.
7. Boulder & Aspen, USA
Boulder is the go-to place for cycling in the USA. Situated on the edge of the Rocky Mountains this is a terrain that offers some serious riding. Boulder is more boho-chic whereas Aspen, often more associated with winter sports is rich-chic. Either destination boasts a variety of resorts and breathtaking views. From spectacular cycling trails spread across the state of Colorado to mountain biking, this stunning destination is a great place for any avid cyclist.
8. Peak District, UK
You don’t have to travel far for the ultimate cycling break. The Peak District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK to ride a bike. The rugged scenery others a striking backdrop that will accompany along your trip. This location will offer you an alternative cycling holiday and not even the British weather will put you off returning. The routes take you through tunnels and Viaducts, continuously providing the cyclists with beautiful views as they pedal.
Home to the amazing off-road cycling routes such as Tissington and High Peak trails, the countryside of Peak District offers lovely villages, spectacular views, rich history, quieter lanes, and traffic-free trails. Offering stunning biking routes to all abilities, the Peak District is suitable for a mountain biker, or a novice cyclist or even a technical rider.
9. Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From glaciers to luscious green fjords, this is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream location. Most experienced cyclists will prefer the famed routes of Chile’s Carretera Austral and Argentina’s Ruta 40.
The renowned route of the Seven Lakes is a circuit known for outstanding beauty. You while cycle past snow-capped peaks, green forests and even volcanoes! Enjoy every sight that nature has to offer on this unique one of a kind ride. Cycling in Patagonia will be certainly tough but very rewarding.
10. Manali – Leh cycling
Manali – Leh cycling is also known as the Manali – Khardung La cycling is a once in a lifetime experience that cyclists from all over the world dream of. The cycling expedition starts from Manali which is a gateway to the Himalayas and ends in the city of Leh in Ladakh. The route takes you through 6 high altitude mountain passes of Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Naki La, Lachung La, Tanglang La, and the mighty Khardungla, the toughest and the highest pass in the world. Taking you across stunning scenery, barren landscapes, towering mountains, Gata loops with 21 curves and cold deserts, with a maximum altitude of 5360M the Manali – Leh cycling expedition is not for the faint-hearted. Demanding a very high fitness level this cycling expedition can be rightly dubbed as the Father of all Cycling expeditions.
