If you enjoy sitting on your bike saddle more than the seat at your office or sofa at home, you’re like us. You’re an avid biker who’s always looking for new cycling routes to explore.
Well, look no further. To help you out, before you book your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most stunning routes cyclists will love worldwide. Of course, you’ll want to ride these routes at least once.
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Top 10 cycling routes every biker must ride in their life
1. The Great Ocean Road in Australia
The 413 miles route Down Under is one of the most stunning routes for cyclists. You will ride past Southeastern Australia’s roiling ocean and rich natural landscape as you make your way from Torquay to Allansford. In addition, there are many mountain biking trails dotting this route, which you can easily explore if you have the time.
2. Otago Peninsula in New Zealand
Australia’s neighbor has her fair share of biking routes, of which the Otago Peninsula is one of the best. This 33.5 miles riding route starts from city-center Dunedin and ends at the Harbour entrance. You can choose either the easier flat way or, the more strenuous uphill path. In addition, you will ride past cliffs jutting above New Zealand’s sometimes-calm-sometimes-stormy sea.
3. Route 10 in Holland
Holland’s Route 10 cycling trail is almost 400 miles of glorious open skies, expansive fields, and flat roads. The stunning wild tulips, endemic fauna, and massive windmills are a sight for sore eyes. This is one of the most memorable biking routes that any avid cyclist has to experience.
4. The Shimanami Kaido in Japan
If you want to ride family-friendly trails, then The Shimanami Kaido biking trail is to choose. Unlike most of the routes we’ve mentioned here, this one is far safer and one of the easiest to complete. It’s 40 miles trail that snakes around the quaint Seto Inland Sea. There are over 140 rest stops here, plus eateries and stores to purchase anything you may need en-route. Plus, no motorized vehicles are allowed.
5. Mont Ventoux in France
If you’re an amateur biker who loves Tour de France, you’ll be pleased with Mont Ventoux. It’s a part of the iconic race. Now, you can ride this segment of the Tour de France without the hassle of qualifying for the actual event. This 13-mile route is sheer uphill. So take lots of rest and look out at the many verdant vineyards and farmlands that straddle the route on either side. They’re spectacular.
6. Karakoram Highway straddling the boundary between China & Pakistan
High altitude cycling, anyone? The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest motorable roads globally, standing at a towering 15,300 feet (4663 meters). Depending on where you start, you will bike a route that’s either 810 miles (from Pakistan) or 551 miles (from China). This route is dizzying, to say the least. Not only are oxygen levels low here, but you’ll have to ride next to sheer rock faces, glaciers, and high-altitude forests—definitely one for the adventure junkie.
7. Manali to Leh Highway in India
If the ride across the Karakoram Highway was something you enjoyed, then the biking route from Manali to Leh is one you’ll not be able to resist. This is another high-altitude route, and it is much higher and more technically challenging. After all, the almost 300 miles Manali-Leh Highway is The Highest Road in the world. The biking route starts at a little above 4000 meters and, at its highest point, reaches an altitude of 5328 meters above sea level. The magnetic mountains (like the gravity-defying Cyclops hill), glassy lakes, vast cold deserts, and bright blue sky make this cycling route breathtaking and unforgettable. However, we recommend this route only to experts because it is a dangerous mountainous route.
8. La Farola in Cuba
The 35-miles long Cuban highway of La Farola is a gorgeous tropical paradise. You cycle through the verdant Cuban landscape to the backdrop of blue seas, foamy spray, and jagged limestone cliff faces. Deep gorges are dotting the riding route as well. But don’t worry. Railings are keeping you safe as you ride past. The weather is always warm here, and it’s one of the sunniest routes you can find.
9. North Sea Cycle Route across many countries in Europe
The North Sea Cycle Route is a must-do if you’re up for a multi-country cycling adventure. This 4000 miles biking route goes through multiple countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Scotland, and England. This is one of the longest cycling routes on the planet, and it is replete with such diverse landscapes that you’ll adore biking on. From marshlands to deserts to snow-capped mountains to beach-side tracks, this is a route for the passionate bikers who have some time on their hands. Be sure to carry your passport along when biking this route. Visas may be necessary beforehand for visitors from some countries. As for difficulty level, the North Sea Cycle Route is beginner-to-intermediate in its technical level. The roads are mostly flat with some incline.
10. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route across North America
If international travel is your cup of tea, you can consider another cycling route, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, that traverses North America. You start from New Mexico in the United States and ride to Alberta in Canada. Along the 3083 miles-long route, you bike through thick forests, across snow-clad plains, and around majestic mountains. Flora and fauna here are spectacular, and you’ll have many opportunities to stop and marvel at the wonder of mother nature. This entire route goes on mountainous terrain, some of which are single track. This is another route that is recommended to experienced cyclists.
To make your trip planning even easier, check out itineraries for all these locations and find the one that most appeals to you. Ask any questions and connect with other cyclists in our community and starting traveling wise.