Over the past few years, cycling related travel has increased in popularity, and with good reason. More than being an efficient and sustainable way to get around the best tourist destinations, cycling can also help you stay fit both physically and mentally. While current circumstances prevent us from traveling the world, it’s definitely something to look forward to once quarantine orders are lifted.
Now’s the perfect time to plan those trips, so we’ve compiled the best destinations you can explore with your bike:
Whistler
The British Columbia resort is known for its challenging terrain and big events like the Enduro World Series and Crankworx; thus, it can be quite an intimidating place for beginners. Fortunately, the huge array of trails including bike parks accommodates every level of biker.
For instance, the famous Whistler Bike Park sees new trails added every season. While some trails like the jump-filled Crabapple Hits are for experienced riders, Whistler has its share of flow trails for those starting out as well. There are also breathtaking paths that cut through Canada’s mountains and take you on an endless web of sustainably built all-mountain routes.
With such beautiful bike trails, it’s not surprising that pro-led mountain biking tours have already been established in the region.
Snowdonia
Home to Wales’ highest mountain, Gala Bingo suggests that Snowdonia is a great place for the ‘adventurous’, with over 1,500 miles of public footpaths and bridleways and 100 beautiful lakes. It is a great place to hike, ride and is also a very popular place to walk dogs.
While the rocky terrain may seem like something more suited to experienced cyclists, Visit Snowdonia explains that there are routes for all kinds of cyclists here. Gwynedd Recreational Routes, which is a group of seven trails tailor-made with family-friendly routes, allow cyclists to enjoy scenic and remote paths along old railway lines, beside the Llyn Padarn Lake and the historical Menai Strait. The big mountain trails in Blaenau Ffestiniog are perfect for advanced and thrill-seeking cyclists with their rollers, jumps, drops and rock features, as well as a kick-ass view of the nearby towns and mountains.
Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley may not be one of the most popular trail areas out there, but it is slowly gaining traction and becoming a must-see for cycling enthusiasts across the world.
Located within the picturesque and ethereal Robinson Canyon, Carmel Valley is home to some well-known routes including Highway 1 and Big Sur. You can head to the Monterey Peninsula to bike the iconic 17-Mile Drive, passing through Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, the iconic Lone Cypress and the towering trees of Crocker Grove – while enjoying the view of the expansive beaches that serve as your backdrop. Carmel Valley is also perfect for anyone who wants to go on a short trip, escape the city and bask in nature while they ride.
An article by Self notes that the off-road trails will take you through many microclimates, giant redwoods and sweeping vistas.
Costa Blanca
Alicante’s Costa Blanca is home to two of the most established cycling holiday and training camp destinations, Calpe and Denia. While Calpe has been used as a training base for a significant number of the pro peloton, including Team Dimension Data, Trek-Segafredo, Team Sky and Sunweb, Denia is more of the quieter and less intense place where bikers can enjoy plenty of quiet, flat roads that are ideal for recovery days.
Cycling Weekly says that Costa Blanca is a perfect travel cycling destination due to the abundance of shops that cyclists can visit if ever they run into trouble and need replacement parts or servicing. Like Snowdonia, Costa Blanca also has family-friendly bike trails like the Denia Family Ride. The nice and gentle route starts at Via Verde, a disused railway line, and passes through scenic views of the Montgo mountain, Pego Nature Reserve, and El Verger.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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