Are you planning on taking an exciting cycling adventure? Perhaps it’s a global trip with a large group or a smaller, local trip with a few friends? Then you should add these destinations to your bucket list and really experience the sights and sounds of the region.
Keep reading to learn about the bike rides you can take in some amazing locations.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is a wonderful country to see on a bicycle. You can plan a cultural excursion from Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Hanoi riding on average between 12 to 40 miles on most days. Your ride will have you passing through the countryside and seeing a multitude of different types of terrain.
You will ride through rice paddies, lush jungles, shrimp farms, and seaside villages, just to name a few. Along the way, you will make stops so you can meet some of the locals and experience their delicious cuisine. You will also be able to explore temples, visit important sites from the Vietnam War, or take a dip in the South China Sea.
2. Trans-Colombia Challenge
If you are looking for a real challenge for your next cycling adventure than you will love participating in the Trans-Colombia Challenge. This is where famous Grand Tour cyclers come to practice and hone their skills.
Over a period of eight days, you will travel roughly 70,000 feet through the Andes mountains and attempt one of the longest paved climbs up the Alto de Letras. The Alto de Letras spans 50 miles and rises approximately 10,500 feet overall.
If you are worried about spending the whole time climbing trails, not to worry, you will also spend some time traversing through the Andean jungle and riding through coffee plantations.
3. Colorado
Colorado has several amazing sites for cycling. Mt. Evans has one of the highest paved roads in the United States reaching an elevation of nearly 14,500 feet. This is a great place to test your endurance and ride where Tour de France riders and Olympic medalists train.
If you’d prefer something a little more laid back, a ride around the town of Palisade will have you enjoying the picturesque views of Grand Mesa or the sandstone Book Cliffs. Enjoy sipping wine at one of the many vineyards or grab a bite to eat at a fruit stand.
Boulder also has a great bike riding scene, you can learn more about things to do there in this article.
4. Bordeaux and Burgundy
If you love wine then a cycling trip through the regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy are just what you need. When you get to Bordeaux you can ride through the famous vineyards, stop and have lunch in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, or blend your own wine at Chรขteau Lynch-Bages.
After you’ve seen all the sites and tasted all the wine and foods in Bordeaux, you will ride to Burgundy. Along the way, you will get to see some amazing castle ruins that date back 800 years and pass through charming little villages. Once in Burgundy, you can continue with a private dinner in a wine cellar and sample some more choice wines.
5. San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are some of the best locations for biking in the Pacific Northwest. During the summer months, some of the best cycling roads and paths can be found on Orcas, also known as the Emerald Isle. Orcas is the largest of the islands that make up the San Juan Islands and encompasses roughly 57 square miles of land.
For a challenge, bike the five-mile route that will take you to the top of Mount Constitution, 2,409 feet high. This highest point of the San Juan Islands offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the distant Mount Baker.
6. Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia
If you are looking to take a culture tour on the road less traveled then a cycling trip from Friuli Venezia Giulia in northern Italy to Slovenia will be the perfect fit for you. Start your trip to the northern Adriatic exploring Friuli where you can taste the local wines and learn some of the local languages from the friendly people who live here.
Next, you will head over to Slovenia and enjoy the spectacular views traveling the quiet roads along the foothills of the Alps. Over your six days of riding, you will enjoy rustic homecooked meals and learn about the local culture. You can also immerse yourself in the landscape by hiking, paragliding, or boating on the river.
You will also learn a lot about the history of the region between World War I and World War II. You might also be interested in visiting the World War I museum in Caporetto-Kobarid for further information about the history of these regions.
7. Burlington
Burlington, Vermont is a fantastic place for cycling and food enthusiasts. The 7.5 miles of paved bike path hugs Lake Champlain and has a spectacular view of the Adirondack Mountains. You can follow this path and connect to the Lake Champlain Bikeways system where you can see some of the best scenery in New England, Quebec, and Vermont.
On your ride, you can stop and enjoy the farmstands and country stores, historic sites and museums, or a charming B&B for an overnight stay. You can also easily access ferries to see the rivers and lakes or passenger rail lines to travel to a new location.
Plan Your Next Great Bike Rides Today!
These are some of the greatest places to plan some of your next memorable bike rides. Where are you excited to go for your cycling adventure?
For more travel tips and ideas, be sure to visit our website daily!