Places you've been really wanting to visit to cycle?

Traveling with a bike. Bike Box reviews. Bike travel hacks. Organized Bike Events, Gran Fondos, and Cycling Destinations. Self-Promotion of upcoming events welcome.

Moderator: robbosmans

gurk700
Posts: 1117
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:40 pm

by gurk700

Mr.Gib wrote:
Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:48 am
gurk700 wrote:
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:31 am
My god. I didn't see this thread and literally just posted about my visit to Girona. YOU. MUST. GO. PM me if you have any questions.

I REALLY wanna go to Andorra and Switzerland as well. I've been to Geneva for 2 weeks but it was strictly a tourism type visit. Only riding I've done there was when we hopped into France and we rode e-bikes around Lake Annecy. It was beautiful but I really wanna take a bike to Switzerland in 2024.
I'm haunting you gurk! I did a good bit of riding in Andorra this summer (on the way from Girona to Pau as it happens). Not to my liking for a few reasons. The road network is pretty limited. There are a few side climbs that are steep and quiet, but the majority are pretty main roads with surprising amounts of cars. It is surprising that so many pros make their homes there - I guess it's a tax haven? We saw a good portion of the UAE team and a few Quickstep guys riding. The place itself is one big ski resort, and like so many ski resorts it lacks history, soul and classic Euro charm. I assume it's expensive but I wasn't paying so can't really say.

Switzerland? Just check out Kingtom's posts in the "on the road" thread. For the riding, some places may be its equal, but none are better IMO. And not just the famous cols, the whole damn country from river valleys to snow capped peaks is a perfectly manicured park. Even the most minor half lane farm roads are often serpentine ribbons of pristine tarmac. Worth a special effort to put in a couple of thousand kms on the bike there, and by special effort I mean expense - it is shockingly expensive. But quality costs.
Yeah the trips to Andorra and Switzerland would just be that though. A week of climbing things they have on offer. Livingwise, I know how tough it is from a friend who's lived there for years now and has two kids. Sheeeesh.. He's a finance person (ofcourse...) and it seems like it's the only way he's affording a good life lol.

I kinda knew that about Andorra. All MotoGP athletes live there too. It is indeed because it's a tax haven, shopping center and a ski resort. Everything a rich person may want. I'm more into those 2 places because of how beautiful they look. Would love to just enjoy riding there I think in spring, summer. Otherwise, give me the historic warm southern parts all day.
Current bikes: '24 S-Works Tarmac SL8, '24 Specialized Allez Sprint
Disgusting list of bikes owned

SapphireSphinx
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2024 11:51 pm

by SapphireSphinx

Pacific Coast Highway in California

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
Konsi
Inferno Series GM
Posts: 436
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:34 pm
Location: Genève
Contact:

by Konsi

gurk700 wrote:
Wed Dec 13, 2023 6:48 am
Mr.Gib wrote:
Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:48 am
gurk700 wrote:
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:31 am
My god. I didn't see this thread and literally just posted about my visit to Girona. YOU. MUST. GO. PM me if you have any questions.

I REALLY wanna go to Andorra and Switzerland as well. I've been to Geneva for 2 weeks but it was strictly a tourism type visit. Only riding I've done there was when we hopped into France and we rode e-bikes around Lake Annecy. It was beautiful but I really wanna take a bike to Switzerland in 2024.
I'm haunting you gurk! I did a good bit of riding in Andorra this summer (on the way from Girona to Pau as it happens). Not to my liking for a few reasons. The road network is pretty limited. There are a few side climbs that are steep and quiet, but the majority are pretty main roads with surprising amounts of cars. It is surprising that so many pros make their homes there - I guess it's a tax haven? We saw a good portion of the UAE team and a few Quickstep guys riding. The place itself is one big ski resort, and like so many ski resorts it lacks history, soul and classic Euro charm. I assume it's expensive but I wasn't paying so can't really say.

Switzerland? Just check out Kingtom's posts in the "on the road" thread. For the riding, some places may be its equal, but none are better IMO. And not just the famous cols, the whole damn country from river valleys to snow capped peaks is a perfectly manicured park. Even the most minor half lane farm roads are often serpentine ribbons of pristine tarmac. Worth a special effort to put in a couple of thousand kms on the bike there, and by special effort I mean expense - it is shockingly expensive. But quality costs.
Yeah the trips to Andorra and Switzerland would just be that though. A week of climbing things they have on offer. Livingwise, I know how tough it is from a friend who's lived there for years now and has two kids. Sheeeesh.. He's a finance person (ofcourse...) and it seems like it's the only way he's affording a good life lol.

I kinda knew that about Andorra. All MotoGP athletes live there too. It is indeed because it's a tax haven, shopping center and a ski resort. Everything a rich person may want. I'm more into those 2 places because of how beautiful they look. Would love to just enjoy riding there I think in spring, summer. Otherwise, give me the historic warm southern parts all day.
Let me know if you need pointers or routes for the Swiss alps! Or check out bcycletinferno.ch for many bucket list climbs in two days (and send me a PM, I can give you some percent discount for a fellow WW)

mikehhhhhhh
Posts: 472
Joined: Tue May 16, 2023 3:08 pm
Location: UK

by mikehhhhhhh

I did Mallorca three times last year and off again for two weeks in April.

While I love the novelty of new places, I just find Mallorca perfect for cycling, it's been hard to pick somewhere else.

That said, Girona is one I want to tick off this year.

The big one is the alps and Switzerland, I'd like to tour the classic climbs, but want to drop some weight before I do.

User avatar
Mr.Gib
Posts: 5829
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:12 pm
Location: eh?

by Mr.Gib

I am running out of destinations in Western Europe. I might have to broaden my horizons for bike trips. But before I do, I really want to ride Galicia, but I can't seem to find any serious companies doing supported epic trips there.

I also want to go back to Central Italy (Apennines). Basically the spine of Italy from south of Tuscany to the bottom of Abruzzo. I logged over 2000 km there during 10 days in 2019, but the first 7 were non-stop rain and fog, never saw a thing. The place is empty. It makes the quietest corners of the Pyrenees look like Alpe D'Huez during the Tour. Many spots have an abandoned, forgotten feeling about them - almost spooky. The earthquake zone, Amatrice, etc. is strange and hearbreaking. But same problem - nobody goes there, perhaps for good reason. The riding is the most adventurous I have encountered. The Gran Sasso is a mindbending place (last photo).
Image
Image
Image
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.

pushpush
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2023 5:10 am

by pushpush

Riding all around Maui was a bucket list for me. I ran out of time on that trip and didn't have a chance to climb Haleakala, but I'll do that next trip.

Riding the loop around Lake Tahoe was also a bucket list ride for me.

I would really like to ride through New Zealand but I haven't made it there yet.

SapphireSphinx
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2024 11:51 pm

by SapphireSphinx

South Korea has been on my list of places to visit for some time. This country with its varied scenery, like busy cities and peaceful rural areas, provides excellent chances for biking adventures. Furthermore, the facilities for bike riders are excellent, including special paths for bicycles and beautiful ways to see the sights. I found this website https://gowithguide.com/korea and people have told me positive stories about visiting cities such as Seoul and Busan or seeing Jeju Island's lovely rural areas by bicycle. :thumbup:

fatpinarellorider
Posts: 255
Joined: Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:30 am

by fatpinarellorider

I've always pondered the idea of visiting the South Island of New Zealand as I imagine there is more climbing around there than here in Australia. But onroad not gravel/offroad. Can it be done?🤔

Honestly there does not seem to be that much information for this day and age really. 😕

MichaelK
Posts: 554
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: UK

by MichaelK

fatpinarellorider wrote:
Mon Apr 08, 2024 11:40 am
I've always pondered the idea of visiting the South Island of New Zealand as I imagine there is more climbing around there than here in Australia. But onroad not gravel/offroad. Can it be done?🤔

Honestly there does not seem to be that much information for this day and age really. 😕
Try kamoot.com

Seems like only around Christchurch is documented. You could take the 1 down to Dunedin, but looks like the north shore along the 6 has better scenery.

smartyiak
Posts: 380
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 5:20 pm

by smartyiak

The obvious: Swissland/Dolomites/France.

But I've wanted to this for as long as I can remember:

https://chalo-travels.com/trip/mtb-hima ... ndia-trip/

Partly bc it looks amazing, but also bc almost no one (that I know) has cycled there.

Also acceptable:
https://chalo-travels.com/trip/the-mana ... the-world/

There are just so many:
https://chalo-travels.com/tour-calendar/

Greeners
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:13 am

by Greeners

Jaisen wrote:
Wed Dec 13, 2023 5:46 am
maxim809 wrote:
Tue Dec 12, 2023 6:24 am
What's your bucket list?

For me, I've been really wanting to go to Girona.
I'm just getting started with bike holidays so my bucket list is everything and too long. That said, I'm going to Mallorca in March and the French Alps next August. I haven't planned 2025 yet but likely Italy and Switzerland.

So far I know I need to ride Sa Calobra in Mallorca and Huez, Ventoux, and Galibier for my France trip. If anyone has particular must see routes or climbs to recommend, let me know and I'll plan them into my trip. I'm doing 3 weeks in each location.
Huez you could leave off & find something nicer in that locale. Ventoux (provence) is an utterly stunning area & underrated imo (except the wind). Mallorca is great esp for first time travellers that will appreciate the good roads & ease of getting about the island. Sa Calobra is a great climb when not too busy.

defdefy
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2023 8:18 am

by defdefy

fatpinarellorider wrote:
Mon Apr 08, 2024 11:40 am
I've always pondered the idea of visiting the South Island of New Zealand as I imagine there is more climbing around there than here in Australia. But onroad not gravel/offroad. Can it be done?🤔

Honestly there does not seem to be that much information for this day and age really. 😕
I can give you some info, was there for 3 months earlier this year. I did parts of the east coast around Canterbury including Banks Peninsula. The views are great. The roads are very narrow making riding quite dangerous. Mostly because there aren't a lot of B roads so all traffic is on the same road as you. There is often no shoulder. The drivers aren't very respectful compared to Victoria Australia. They're not the worst but it isn't great. I will go back with gravel tyres as there are lots of good trails such as Lake Dunstan and the Otago Rail Trail that can be done on a road bike. These parts look incredible. But unfortunately from what I've seen, the South Island isn't great for road cycling

HorizonEcho
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Sep 03, 2024 9:22 am

by HorizonEcho

As someone who’s half Chinese but has never been to China, I’m really excited about cycling around the Great Wall. It would be an incredible way to connect with my heritage while taking in some breathtaking scenery. :)

150d8ad0-c74e-4ece-9fb4-6bf4aa4c90a2.jpg
150d8ad0-c74e-4ece-9fb4-6bf4aa4c90a2.jpg (64.14 KiB) Viewed 10417 times
a2b5acba-1d9c-4c10-9c6e-10ccc7d5c15f.jpg
a2b5acba-1d9c-4c10-9c6e-10ccc7d5c15f.jpg (70.98 KiB) Viewed 10417 times
fb3d0796-5ca4-43d1-8713-f45802c92404.jpg
fb3d0796-5ca4-43d1-8713-f45802c92404.jpg (100.57 KiB) Viewed 10417 times
Credit photo: https://gowithguide.com/China

Greeners
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:13 am

by Greeners

Well we spent a couple days in the Pyrenees back in June, plans are already happening about a lengthy stay for next year, maybe a couple of different destinations in one trip. We are thinking early June as our trip was very hot this year which went into July.

octav
Posts: 317
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:40 pm
Location: Bucharest

by octav

For next summer I am thinking of either North Spain ( Asturias/Cantabria/Pais Vasco) or the Pyrenees.
THis winter, hopefully I go for one week in Tenerife ( never been and I have a direct flight from Bucharest )
Also, I really want to go to Corsica.
Longer term plan: New Zeeland , Norway( altough the weather .... )

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



Post Reply