Feature: Top two-wheeled breaks

Wednesday, 16 February 2011 6:35 AM

Pedalling through beautiful countryside, along rural lanes or up a challenging mountain, a cycling holiday gives you as much variety as you could ever want from an active vacation. A two-wheeled break gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose...and you can even design your own route.

No matter how fit you are, there’s a tour waiting just for you. Whether you’re blowing the cobwebs away on a weekend break or going for that once-in-a-lifetime experience in a far-flung destination, we have a few suggestions up our sleeve. We can’t promise you sunshine and blue skies along the way, but we can promise you a unique holiday that lets you experience the world from a new angle.

Many cycling holidays, especially in Europe, are best during the summer because of the weather. So, why not get planning?! The summer is only a few months away!

Tough challenge, Botswana
If you’re looking for a challenge, a cycling holiday to Botswana will give you just that: a challenge! It might not be the first destination you think of when planning a two-wheeled holiday, but Botswana is a top cycling country if you want spectacular scenery, wildlife encounters and a ride out of the ordinary. Here, you can ride highland peaks and forested valleys, bike ancient elephant trails and slumber to sounds of the wild under starlit skies in Botswana’s wilderness. This is cycling on the wild side. The Mount Anderson Reserve boasts some of the best single track riding in South Africa. It is a land of rugged valleys with crystal streams that reflect vulture spotted skies. And single track weaves up to alpine heights, down winding forested valleys, along dramatic quartzite escarpments and over rocky crests. This is exhilarating all mountain riding. Are you up for it?

Summer skiing...or mountain biking, France
In summer the ski slopes of Méribel in the Trois Vallées become the largest mountain bike course in the world, with one hundred kilometres of trails to suit every level. If you’re more into adrenaline than sweating, the gondolas are equipped to carry the bikes so you can enjoy super-long downhills and also link with neighbouring valleys. For hardcore cyclists, Méribel hosts one of the world's toughest mountain bike challenges, the annual VVT. This is also the perfect destination for your summer cycling adventure if you like to look after the penny. Unlike the rest of Europe accommodation prices in the Alps plummet in summer. Good news, right?!

Food for thought, Italy
If you’ve been waiting for an option where you can combine an active cycling holiday with a culinary experience, Italy is the place. The unspoiled region at the foot of the Italian Alps is ideal for exploring by bike. With rolling hills and spectacular scenery, you will be spoiled for choice when planning holiday. Which route to take? Whatever route you decide to take, your Italian cycling adventure is bound to double up as a gastronomic tour, as you cycle through hazelnut groves and vineyards where stopping for tastings and meals is a must. For an adventurous twist, why not spend each night in a new hotel? This allows you to explore something new every day without having to return to the same place every night.

City chic cycling, Copenhagen
It’s amazing how much of a place you can see if you rent a bike for a day or two. So, if you haven’t jumped on the back-to-nature wagon and ready to spend a whole holiday on two wheels, renting a bike during a city break is the perfect alternative. Life in Copenhagen is a two-wheeled affair, no doubt about it. Cycle tracks take you wherever you need to go. For a morning ride, visit the baroque-style Queen Louise bridge that crosses the lakes to the north of the city centre. Here, you can visit one of the city’s greatest sights – the bicycle rush hour! Yes, we said it. More than 35,000 cyclists cross the bridge every day. For a day of sightseeing in the city, just go with the bicycle flow and potter around the historic streets and squares. Exploring the Danish capital on a bike will give you an authentic experience of this historic city. But watch out, you won’t be the only one making your way round town on a bike!

Going the historical route, Rajasthan
Rajasthan has landscapes varying from green rolling hills to barren deserts. The whole state is dotted with dramatic fortresses, reminders of the Rajputs and their warrior past, while away from the desert the countryside is a patchwork of villages and small towns. You can meet all this on your ride through some of Rajasthan’s most spectacular scenery, which offers a unique backdrop to your ride. Cycling is the perfect way to explore, with some motor-driven assistance to cover the longer distances if you want to experience the contrasting elements present in the country. With so many historical and important monuments and attractions to visit it can be difficult to select a route that takes in as much of this magnificent country as possible...but don’t forget to stop by the Taj Mahal!

The alternative route to Machu Picchu, Peru
You don’t have to follow the classic Inca Trail all the way to reach the lost city of Machu Picchu. You can take your bike (or more practical, you can rent a bike when you reach Peru!) and make your way towards the iconic site. Combining a cycling adventure with the classic Inca Trail, allows you to experience something out of the ordinary. Cycling through the Sacred Valley takes you past the Inca ruins of Pisac, the colonial town of Paucartambo and through Amazon rainforest before you embark on the world-famous Trail. After leaving the bike behind, you’ll have to trek over Dead Woman’s Pass and past the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before you reach Machu Picchu. So, if you’re after a combined cycling and walking adventure, this could be the perfect option for you. We’re already planning our next biking adventure!

Mountain biking Thai-style, North Thailand
There’s no doubt that mountain bikes are the perfect way to discover the wild spirit of untamed North Thailand. This is not your average leisurely cycling holiday – far from it! A region of jungle filled valleys, mountain-top temples, meandering rivers and cultural encounters, this is an adventure for fit for adrenaline-seeking riders. Starting in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai the ride takes you through the mountains to the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos. In addition to riding outstanding mountain bike trails, you can also choose to trek some of the distance on elephant back to hill-tribe villages and boat down jungle rivers. This is indeed cycling Thai-style!

Where to go?
If you’re still not sure where your next two-wheeled adventure will take you, why not search the many travel operators specialising in cycling holidays. Headwater, Freewheel Holidays, 2Wheel Treks, Cycle Breaks and Hooked on Cycling are just some of the specialists offering advice and inspiration for anyone looking to holiday on two wheels.