Riding around the city is often not enough. Sometimes we buzz our friends to join us for out-of-town cycling or use bikes to get to another city. However, there is something even better than that – combining cycling with tourism to see some of the amazing places the world has to offer as well as their own bicycle routes.
We’ve done some digging and came up with this list of the finest cycling routes around the world. Believe it or not, some of us put some of them on our bucket list. Here are 6 cycling routes that managed to catch our eye.
Friendship Highway
It is most likely that you have already heard of this 500 mile-long marvel in China. You can start riding either at the Nepalese border or in the city of Lhasa and enjoy some challenging altitudes of slightly over 16,000 feet! This isn’t for novices, but for those that have challenged themselves off-road before and the track demands careful planning because of the unstable weather conditions and the potential political issues.
County Clare
This route is perfect for those that would like to take a scenic route through Ireland and have fun at the beach along the way. The County Clare cycling route is relaxing and features many towns and cities where you can experience the local cultures without straining yourself too much. This place, too, requires you to plan in advance, but only because it is a popular tourist destination in Ireland.
Shimanami Kaido
You can probably guess from the name that this route is in Japan. It runs across a bridge for about 40 miles, connecting two big islands, Honshu and Shikoku. There are also six smaller islands on the way, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery, possibly explore the natural world of Japan at your leisure. You don’t even have to bring your own bicycle – there are bike rental services and you can book some of the bikes online.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
Americans and Canadians that enjoy the great outdoors often come across one another on this path. This is officially the longest biking trail in the world that starts in New Mexico and ends in Alberta, Canada. We are talking about 2,500 miles of pure challenge that experienced riders are expected to be able to complete within 62 days. So, if you think you can average about 40 miles per day, taking into account the rougher paths and the inclines, you are welcome to try. This is not a route for beginners, so unless you are an experienced cyclist who is also fit, you should either give it a pass or train for it.
Dordogne Valley
Do you enjoy France? Are you keen to try out some of the fine local cheeses and wine the country has to offer? If you pair this up with a passion for cycling, then Dordogne Valley seems like a reasonable choice. There are so many beautiful villages on the way and we are particularly charmed by Limeuil and Rocamadour.
Otago Peninsula
New Zealand is a great country to visit, especially if you are trying to avoid the cold months of the northern hemisphere. Starting from Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula cycling route takes you on a journey across the stunning coastline. If you are looking for a leisurely ride, you should focus on the first half of the route, as the second half is a little tougher with somewhat steep inclines.