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Guest post by Diana Smith
Cycling is an ideal way to blow off some steam and stay in shape.
But have you ever considered using your bike to travel the world? Although the average person will be more than satisfied with the usual sightseeing tours around famous locations, there are those who prefer to get to know the culture they’re visiting in a more personal way. If you are one of those people, then you should definitely consider experiencing the thrill that is traveling the world with nothing more than your bike and a backpack.
From relaxing cycles along the shoreline to exhilarating mountain biking through the various mountain ranges and national parks, there are numerous breathtaking cycling routes you probably haven’t heard of. Some might be rather difficult to access, let alone travel there with a bike, while others can be found right in your geographical neighborhood without you even realizing it. However, these five breathtaking locations scattered throughout the world will surely leave you asking for more.
North Sea Cycle Route, Europe
North Sea Cycle Route, also known as Euro Velo Route 12 claims to be one of the world’s longest cycle routes spanning over 6,000 kilometers and 8 countries. It starts in the northern part of Scotland, particularly the Shetland Islands and stretches across the coasts of England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
This is a long and arduous journey which is best attempted during the summer, as most of these countries tend to have rather cold climates. The official NSCR website offers some useful tips regarding the route itself, but also offers information about the countries, their currencies, and laws regarding passing the borders between them.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, North America
This mountain bike route stretches from Alberta, Canada, all the way down to New Mexico. It’s 4,400 kilometers long and has around 61,000 meters of climbing. This route will take you through remote woodlands and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains where there are lots of things to do, as well as Great Basin’s wastelands and the Anasazi culture of New Mexico.
It is one of the most difficult biking routes in the world, and as such, requires a significant amount of preparation and willpower to actually be completed. This route is as remote as it is diverse and it is ideal for those looking to get away from the city and enjoy all the marvels nature has to offer.
The Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Unlike the previous two, the Shimanami Kaido is a short route – the shortest route on this list, being only 64 kilometers long. Separating away from the main roads, this route will take you through a series of wonderfully small scenic islands found in the Hiroshima prefecture. The Shimanami Kaido is actually a segregated cycleway which is also used by pedestrians. You don’t have to worry about taking your bike with you, as bikes can easily be rented at several locations along the route. Completing it in a single day is honestly not that difficult, as long as you don’t get distracted by numerous beautiful sights along the shoreline.
Salzach Valley, Austria
Austria’s Salzach Valley is home to one of the most serene biking routes in the world. It’s little under 250 kilometers long and offers breathtaking views of the Grossglockner Mountain, the Hohe Tauern National Park, as well as the highest natural waterfall in Europe. The route is mostly comprised of downhill pedaling, as it starts in Gerlos Pass and finishes all the down in Salzburg. Besides the cycling route, Salzach Valley is packed full with different activities such as rafting, summer skiing and taking scenic rides using a cable car.
Easter Island, Chile
One of the most expensive locations to travel to, Easter Island in Chile, has an amazing cycling route that encompasses the entire island. Hailed as the most remote inhabited island in the world, Easter Island is home to the famous monolithic Moai statues, some of which weigh more than 80 tons. Taking your bike with you might be rather difficult, but fortunately, there is a bike rental service in the main town of Hanga Roa. You can easily cycle through the entire island in a single day, or you can spread it out over the entire week and enjoy the numerous sights tourists rarely get to see. Besides the statues, make sure you visit the Rano Kau volcano crater and enjoy the sunset over the archeological site of Ahu Tahai.
These are just some of the most beautiful and interesting locations you can cycle through. Some routes can be easily traversed with a granny bike, while others might require a professional mountain or even an electrical bike such as gepida. It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you make sure you’ve packed all the necessities as some routes will take you far away from modern civilization.
Author Bio: Diana Smith is a full-time mom of two beautiful girls, great animal lover, and a passionate traveler.
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