It can be argued that there’s no better feeling than cycling along a beautiful route and feeling the wind in your hair. If you’re on the hunt for an exceptional experience on your bicycle, we know just the places you should add to your bucket list, all around the world.
1. Cape Point Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Enjoy a network of meandering roads that with ocean vistas at Cape Point Nature Reserve as you pedal along.
Your starting point is the Cape Point Nature Reserve entrance gates. A slight climb for the first few metres will take you to a dip through the fynbos scrub, and to the Olifantsbos beach where you can cool off in the sea, if you have time.
Afterwards, continue right towards Gifkommetjie on the tar road and along the circular section where you’ll come across more spectacular views. Alternatively, there is another route right before Olifantsbos you can take which is also very popular.
Cyclists have reported coming across eland, bontebok and zebra along the route, and if you’re lucky enough you might even spot a few marine bird species or even sunbirds and sugarbirds with their long, beautiful tails.
Be prepared for a good two to three hours of cycling over a number of kilometres, depending on your route.
2. County Clare, Ireland
Roads in Ireland may be a little narrow for cars, but they are a cyclist’s dream, and County Clare is especially paradisal.
The much-loved network of routes in this area has various places to stop off along them and is particularly suited to leisurely cycling.
Along this route, you can enjoy both inner-city and exquisite oceanside pathways in the green country landscape that the Emerald isle is famous for.
You can adjust your distance according to the route you take and stop whenever you like, but be sure to prepare for your visit ahead of time as this destination is quite popular in summer and the routes will be a little fuller.
3. Mont Ventoux, France
Something of a serious cyclist’s ideal bucket-list destination, Mont Ventoux is a renowned must-do, but cycling here doesn’t come without its challenges.
Known as the hardest of all the Tour de France hill climbs, avid cyclists cannot miss a chance to tackle this memorable route.
It’s only open to the public in summer and spring, so visitors are sure to have great weather during the ride and be able to fully take in the beautiful clear views over the vineyards.
You can expect a challenging yet unforgettable experience when cycling Ventoux.
4. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Known for its place among the top 10 best cycling trails in the world, Sun Moon Lake is not to be missed.
Visitors can enjoy a 3.4-km route, 400 metres of which are a scenic overwater bikeway connecting Shuishe to the Xiangshang Visitor Center.
Cyclists feel as though they are sailing a boat as they pedal along the route, and popular stops along the way include the Shuishe Dam, Sun Moon Lake water outlet, Yongjie and Tongxin Bridges, and the Xiangshang overlooking platform.
As well as admiring floating fields on water along the Shuishe section of the ride, one can also enjoy the view of the distant Ci’en Pagoda, as well as mountain ranges including Qinglong Mountain and Erlong Mountain.
5. Route of the Hiawatha, United States
Known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of rail-to-trail adventures, the Route of the Hiawatha is a cycling experience not to be missed.
Roughly 25km long, this unique trail takes its travellers along a route that includes 10 train tunnels and seven sky-high trestles.
Cyclists can ride level with the tops of tall green trees while looking out over the expansive forest below them.
The Lookout Pass Lodge on the route offers bike rentals and opens at 8am each day.
This family-friendly trail can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people of all cycling levels and experience, from young children to seniors, and shuttle buses are available to transport you and your bike back to the start at the top once you’re done.
Picture: Instagram
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