Whether you do it for fun or to be physically active, cycling is a great way to browse through the scenery and free your mind. If you go a step further and decide to ride on the tracks in other parts of the globe, you may be in for a wonderful adventure. From family friendly to extreme trails reserved for experienced riders, these are the top cycling destinations in the world you have to pedal in.
La Route Verte — Canada
Some believe that cycling through Canada is the best way to get to know this country. One of the most beautiful trails is La Route Verte that connects the east and west. It’s an extremely long cycling route — 3,200 miles or 5150 km stretching across Quebec.
If you are a nature lover, then don’t hesitate to spend your vacation on this trail. Rivers and mountains along the way are a sight to behold, and you will enjoy the abundance of fresh air. La Route Verte is full of signage and stop spots, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or sleeping in the wild. The best thing is you can get on this cycling route wherever you want and ride for only a portion of its enormous length.
Pokhara to Kathmandu — Nepal
One of the most popular cross-country biking places in the world is the Pokhara to Kathmandu route in Nepal. It takes 12 days to complete the trail that offers a view of gorgeous scenery, like the Annapurna Massif and the Marshyangdi River.
Make sure to take breaks to see more of the Nepalese culture and meet its friendly population in the settlements along the trail, such as the town of Gorkha. Also, get prepared for possible altitude sickness that may happen because of Nepal’s elevation. Listen to your body, eat carbs, and drink plenty of water every day to prevent this condition or at least lessen its effect.
North Sea Cycle Route — Europe
Europe is full of cycling routes and you won’t have a problem finding the perfect one in any of its regions. But, the favorite among riders is definitely the North Sea Cycle Route that doesn’t go through one, but several countries. This is quite a long ride, 4,381 miles or 7,050 km in length, which will take several days to finish.
The road will take you across eight European countries: the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK. Since you will be traveling across different types of terrain, it’s best to bring clothes for different weather conditions. Because of this, the best time to go on this journey is summer, but other periods have their charm if you don’t mind colder temperatures.
Green Mountains — Vermont
Vermont is a cycling-loving country where you will feel right at home with your bike. Riding the Green Mountains offers a good way to get to know the landscapes and local culture. One route goes over the Appalachian Gap for 70 miles or 113 km.
Green Mountains have some tough climbing points. If you are not in the best physical condition, you may want to skip the climb from the Middlebury Gap to the top. It’s an 11-mile or 18 km journey up, although the sight from above is amazing.
Silk Roads — Kazakhstan
If you want to meet Central Asia, take a biking holiday on the famous Silk Roads in Kazakhstan. The route starts on the gravel roads under the Tian Shan mountains and continues to the green valleys. Villages along the way are perfect for resting and trying some of the products made on the local farms.
This is a nomadic land so you will encounter lots of sheep and horses, especially in the summer. The old road from the Charyn Canyon will take you to Lake Tuzkol. The end of the ride is a unique experience since you will cycle among the desert dunes of the Altyn-Emel National Park. If you are interested, you can take a short hike to the Singing Sand Dune and marvel at the view.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam
Vietnam is probably the best destination if you are looking for cycling options that are budget-friendly. The route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covers a 746-mile or 1,200 km area with beaches, villages, and rice fields. Since the road is mostly uneven and has a few challenging parts, it’s recommended for experienced cyclists who are in good shape.
This trail will take you between the North and South Vietnam, to the road known as the Hai Van Pass. Take this ride slowly because it would be a shame to miss taking a dip and soak up the sun on one of the pearly beaches. Since both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are big cities, you will find a lot of things to do and see when there and get to know the Vietnamese culture.
The Atlas trail – Australia
If you are into mountain bikes, you will love the Atlas trail in the Tasmanian town of Derby. Named after the tin mine, it begins in Weldborough and runs across the mountain range standing tall in the background of this town. This ride through the Tasmanian wilderness is ideal for experienced riders since the path goes mostly into a rollercoaster descent for 6.26 miles or 10.08 km.
Make a few stops on the way down to enjoy the beauty of myrtle beech forests, with the ground covered in moss and boulders. The Derby Township has other trails that are suitable for beginners or riders who like to cycle for longer, like the cross-country road from the Blue Tier Ranges to the Bay of Fires.
Toubkal — Morocco
Toubkal is a nine-day journey across 425 miles or 684 km of mountainous region. The uphill and downhill parts of the trail are not for beginners, although with some training you can prepare for this ride. Morocco is often described as one of the most interesting travel destination and Toubkal will prove that true.
Mountains and deserts make up most of this beaten track, making a picturesque scenery for cycling. If you are enchanted with Morocco like many of the other travelers, try other tracks frequented by cyclists. The one going to the Sahara Desert is particularly popular among the adventure-seeking riders.
Camino de Santiago — Spain
Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James is part of the UNESCO World Heritage trail for over 155 miles or 250 km. It’s a self-guided pilgrimage journey that goes over the Castilian plains to the El Bierzo old wine road. This is a countryside region so you will pass by a number of rural settlements and hostels where you can rest.
Since this is also known as a pilgrimage ride to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you will meet people from all over the world. It will take eight days to reach the cathedral, but you can cycle here for longer if you want to try the local wine and delicacies.
All in all
Each of these cycling destinations offers a unique experience to riders who are looking for new ways to enjoy this increasingly popular activity. Once on your desired track, plan some extra time to enjoy the landmarks and find out more about the country you are in.
Author Bio:
Nina is a lifestyle blogger, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. In her free time, she loves to design clothes and furniture. If you wanna see what she’s up to you can find her on twitter.