As I stood on the road leading to the Alps, I took a look at my Cervelo R3. On my cycling holidays, the bike has endured many terrains with ease, but this was the route where heroes were made. I unwrapped up my energy bar (devoid of the substances that Lance used) and started cycling up the hill reminiscing about some of the sights Cervelo and I had seen together.
Mount Ararat – The sight that drives cyclists in Armenia
Armenia
The sight of Mount Ararat drives many cyclists towards the summit with their headphones playing the theme song of Rocky. The country is small and it is possible to cover it end-to-end in a week, but I recommend you explore the minor routes that lead off the road. Midway, when you will feel like taking a plunge in water, cycle through and Lake Sevan will be ready with its chill, but clear waters.
Difficulty level: Advanced
Italy
Well, the alleged birthplace of the mafia has something for every cycling holiday enthusiast. From mountains and lakes to coastal rides, the routes of the city are multi-faceted like its food palette. If you are a fan of glowing mountains (who is not?), the Dolomites route is a perfect match. The mountains were once coral islands so the light brings out the colours. The road tour of five lakes, Lago d’Orta, Lago di Mergozzo, Lago Maggiore, Lago di Lugano and Lago di Como will make you order your Google Glass to take a picture.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
France features most ardent terrains for cyclists
Greece
The home of the Olympic Games gives you altitude aplenty. If you want to visit the mythological Greek figures, the Peloponnese tour shall gift you an inspiring encounter. You can go further to the land of Spartans to find more courage. The Cyclades route shall have you hopping ferries but cycling along the white washed houses parallel to a blinding blue sea makes it worth the effort.
Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced
France
The country known for its designer dresses and anorexic models is flooded with picturesque routes. The Mecca of cycling, French Alps route, witnesses the rise of many heroes. Lesser known, Pyrenees also make for a good cycling holiday. Provence gives you the best experience in cycling, great view, suitable weather and empty roads. A word of advice, don’t overlook the lesser known routes, some might surprise you.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland inspire many cyclists to pedal on
UK
Here is the royal connection, you were waiting for. The Scots take pride in their country’s great routes, though it is debatable that they might be trying to forget their fashion choices. Really, skirt wearing warriors! The route along river Tweed and Tyne, the North Sea gives you a true taste of the North. Cornwall projects itself as a great cycling holiday destination for families. As you gulp down Irish beer, don’t forget to cycle past the Cliffs of Moher.
Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced
Napa Valley
When people tell you that alcohol and good health don’t go together, tell them to take the Napa Valley cycling tours. You can cycle your way through the vineyard to bottle process if you want to know how wine is made (Personally, I am more interested in drinking it). Other tours allow you to cycle through the vineyards giving you a closer look.
Difficulty level: Beginner
Vermont
Idyllic dairy farms, red barns, country roads and quiet lakes are what you get on a cycling trip to the city that is the largest producer of Maple syrup in the United States. The striking views of Mount Mansfield and a ride through the Woodstock will take you back in time (I mean metaphorically, not literally).
Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Utah has most diverse cycling routes
Utah
Riding at 10,000 feet above sea level, you will see sights that appear in every photographer’s dreams. Cycling in Utah takes you through five National Parks across changing landscapes redefining your concept of dimensions. Mueller Park Trail, the Pipeline and Dog Lake Trails in Millcreek Canyon, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Slickrock Trail and Skyline Drive are among the top routes of Utah.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
Canada
If USA is here, Canada shall not be left behind. The cycling route of the Cape Breton islands is famous for its photogenic properties. If you an adrenaline junkie, Canada boasts of many mountain biking routes that might excite your neurons.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
You can cycle past many UNESCO World Heritage sites in South Africa
South Africa
If cycling past UNESCO World Heritage sites has been your dream, Cape Town will help you believe that you are not the only one. Besides biking on Table Mountain, you can cycle through iSimangaliso, Greater Wetland Park and uKhahlambra Drakensberg Mountains. Cervelo and I prefer the Cape Winelands, Klein Karoo and Garden Route.
Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced
I am nearing my first pit stop, but if I make another list, the routes of these countries will definitely make the list: Tasmania, New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Cuba and Japan. So, don’t forget to let the wheels roll!
(Blog ordered by Deep Kalra)