Are you looking for some of the best places to cycle while enjoying some fantastic weather conditions? If yes, then you’re in for a treat because this article has some great options that you should definitely look at.
For many, going for a road cycle trip is one of the best ways to enjoy the coast range or explore the country. Hopping on a bike and going on a two-wheeled adventure gives you time to unwind, enjoy the scenery, stay away from the crowd, stay fit, and the best thing of all, it’s a green activity that’s safe for the environment.
If going for a cycling road trip is your thing, you should definitely consider one of these amazing destinations to go for road cycles.
Going for a Cycling Holiday in Spain
If you’re a cycling enthusiast looking for the right place to cycle in spring, Spain is the perfect destination. Don’t make the mistake of heading to Spain during winter though, because the mountains can get really cold while mid-summer time can get really hot too.
So, what is the best time to go on a cycling holiday in españa? The best time is when the weather is ideal and this is between the months of February, March, and April.
The Spanish mountains terrains are perfect for such holidays especially the flat routes, the long climbs, and for those whose preference falls in between.
Spain has several smaller islands and going from one popular cycling destination to another won’t take more than two hours.
Some of the best bike route destinations include pièce de résistance in Mallorca, Denia, and Calpe, Girona, Tenerife, and the Pyrenees.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cycling lovers around the world rave about the many roads that sit below South Africa’s Table Mountain near the coastal region.
You’ll enjoy the amenities that this place has to offer as you embark on your mountain bike adventure.
The activities that include special events and competitive races are controlled by the Bicycle Cape Town organization and includes the ‘Life Cycle Week’ that runs from March 3rd to the 12th.
This is one of the world-class road riding destinations and is highly aided by some amazing exploration sites such as:
- The Cape Town Nature Reserve
- The Smintswinkel climb
- The Suikerbossie double ascent
- The Misty Cliffs
The only months that you should avoid visiting Cape Town South Africa for a road cycle are December to February, all other months are ideal.
Cycling Through the Chinese Landscapes
No other place comes close to China for those looking to go for a poetic bicycle ride adventure. The country has lots of popular destinations including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Soldier of Xian.
Cycling is not the only activity that you should plan for in China because you’ll need to hike to the Tiger Leaping Gorge and visit Lijang, a world heritage site.
However, don’t forget the cycling route of Yangshuo that’s absolutely breathtaking. The routes are well paved and the limestone stone buildings are eye-catching especially as you get to Gullin from the Xingping.
You’ll need to keep your eyes on the road for this one or else. The best time to visit is between March to November where you’ll have nice days to enjoy what the ancient cities and world heritage sites have to offer.
Belgium
This cycling destination is for those who plan to wait until summer to go on a road cycling trip because its when the weather is predictable in Belgium.
The classic route that features the flat stretches is at the north while the hills are more pronounced in Southern Belgium.
If you enjoy riding on cobbles, the Koppenberg hills have a 600-meter ride while the Oude Kwaremont has a challenging climb that extends to 2.2km.
The famous Belgium cobbles climbs are favorable throughout the year, but the mid-summer time is the best time if you prefer a bit of sun.
However, if you’re looking for some family-friendly tours and riding along with others, you should consider entering the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge that takes place in April or the Tour of Flanders sportive that precedes it in March.
Dolomites, Italy
This is one of the best places to go for bike cycling in northern Italy, right in the Alps. The area is expansive and covers over 300kms so you’ll need to concentrate on one area because you simply can’t cover it all.
The Alta Badia area is one of the best places to go for a road cycle trip because they have all that you can expect for an awesome experience. There are bike hire services and accommodation to take care of all your cycling needs.
Flat roads are scarce in this area but you’ll enjoy the up and down rides in the Sella, Passo Pordoi, Falzarepago, Campolongo, and Valparola climb.
Bormio is also a favorite place to go for a ride in this region especially the 12km Gavia and Mortirolo stretch that has inclines with over an 18 percent steep.
The Dolomites bike day and the Sella Ronda bikes day are great annual events to visit and ride as a family.
The best time to visit the Dolomites in Italy is from October to November when the weather is just about right.
For those wishing to test their bike riding skills, the Maratona Dles Dolomites, which takes place in July, is a great event to take part in. it covers over 138km and has over 4230 meters to climb.
Namibia (From Windhoek to Felix Unite)
You probably know Namibia as the country with the second-lowest population density in the world but this country has a lot to offer, at least when it comes to cycling trips.
The northern parts of Namibia are where many choose to live leaving the south almost empty and for good reason. This place is dry and almost uninhabitable and you definitely won’t find a lot here, apart from the loose gravel roads and beautiful sceneries.
Riding in this region is not for the faint-hearted, it’s a 1000km stretch from Windhoek, the nation’s capital to Felix Unite.
Going for a ride in this region requires proper planning, packing of all utilities, self-drive, and a willingness to complete the seven-day bike journey.
The one thing that makes riding from Windhoek to Felix Unite is the big distance between towns, however, you will enjoy the gravel ride, the roadhouses, the many camping grounds, and the many beautiful attractions.
Some places that you should visit as you ride along the harsh conditions include the Sossusvlei’s red dunes and salt pans, the Helmeringhausen and Seeheim in the south to get a view of the Fish River Canyon.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
This amazing bike riding route is on the eastern part of the Canary Islands close to the African continent and this means one thing, warm weather.
The only challenge in this route in the wind that averages at about 18kph but all is not lost especially for those who want to get that extra push while riding.
The volcanic landscape is where you should be because the route has some decent stretches and steeps, especially at Monte Corona and Femes.
The best time to visit Lanzarote is from December to April when the weather is not too harsh.
Morzine, French Alps
Morzine is the place to be if you own a road bike because it’s a well-known route for mountain biking.
Bordering Switzerland, Morzine is not the place to stay, but you can if you’re carrying big bucks, however, riding is absolutely free.
The route has the resort towns Avoriaz and of course, Morzine, both of which have lots of chalets and hotels that offer amenities for cyclists.
You’ll find almost every sort of route in this region, whether you’re looking for a flat route or a steep climb. Be sure to take a ride at the 14km Avoriaz route, the Col de la Joux vert 15 km route, the 11km Col de Joux Plane, or the Col de la Ramaz 16 km route. Expect climbs varying between 6 to 9 percent in these routes.
High Atlas, Morocco
The route covers 550km, starting at Marrakech and ending at Zagora right on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
You’ll need a guide to tackle this bike cycling course, especially if you want to go all the way to Mount Toubkal, the highest in Morocco, peaking at a daunting 4167m. You’ll also need to pack a pair of hiking boots for this one.
You’ll get to the mountains through the Agdz and the Draa Valley route that features some of the most beautiful arid sceneries in the world.
The good thing about traveling to Morocco for some bike riding adventures is that it’s affordable and offers a unique bike ride experience.
You can find different types of bike routes in the world but to pick the right one, you need to consider your abilities, the amount and time that you’re willing to spend, and most importantly, your experience. But one thing is for sure, you’ll find your ideal biking route in one of the places listed above.