Spin your wheels! 870,000 Americans bike to work on a regular basis. Bicycling is a great way to stay in shape and get around.
It's also a terrific way to see the world. If you want to start traveling around and outside the United States, you should consider going on cycling routes. The key is to do your research and find routes with incredible views.
What are the best American cycling routes? Where should you go if you're new to cycling or want to challenge yourself? What are a few great routes in Europe and Asia?
Answer these questions and you can become a world traveler and expert bicyclist at the same time. Here are 10 beautiful cycling routes.
1. The San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a group of small islands a short ferry ride away from Seattle. You can get beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and you can go through forests and spot exotic wildlife.
Some paths are hilly, so read tips for cycling uphill and find a cycling route you're comfortable riding on. There are a few small stores on the island, so you can shop for supplies before you head out.
2. Going-To-The-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a bike path located within Glacier National Park. It's an extremely popular road, and you should try to find a time like the early morning when the crowds are thinner.
But the road has cliffs that give you panoramic views of forests, meadows, and mountains. Logan Pass is a meadow of wildflowers that is a terrific place for photos and picnics. You can complete the road in less than a day, making it a good route for beginners.
3. The Great Divide
The Great Divide starts in Banff, Canada, snakes through the United States, and ends at the Mexican border. If you want to go cycling around the world and don't know where to start, you should consider the Great Divide.
It is more than 2,800 miles long, so you gather experience in cycling before going to it. But you can see a wide range of natural wonders, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.
4. Cabot Trail
Cabot Trail is located in Nova Scotia. It is 190 miles long, so you may be able to complete it in a week.
The trail is mostly coastal, and you can find amazing views of shores and hills. You can also cycle near small fishing villages with a quaint and rustic aesthetic. If you need supplies, you can find a few shops and barter with the locals.
5. North Sea Cycle Route
The North Sea Cycle Route runs along the shoreline of the North Sea in Northern Europe. It starts in the United Kingdom and goes along the shorelines of Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. You then go through Sweden and Norway.
As you might imagine, you get premium views of the sea, and you can spot boats of all kinds. You can also look at beaches and oceanside forests. If you want to go sightseeing in European cities, you can stop by Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Bergen.
6. Iron Curtain Trail
The Iron Curtain Trail runs along the length of the Iron Curtain in Eastern and Central Europe. The trail begins at the border between Finland and Russia. It goes down the coastline of the Baltic States, travels through Germany, and ends in Bulgaria.
The trail lets you see shorelines, cities, vineyards, and rural villages. Most riders go north to south, traveling in the spring so they avoid extremely hot weather.
But you can go in the opposite direction, especially if you're familiar with Northern Europe already. Study safe summer fitness so you don't overexert yourself in the warm weather.
7. Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path
The Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path is less than one mile long. It is a good destination if you are already in the Netherlands and want to go for a quick bicycle ride.
At night, the path is illuminated with features from Vincent van Gogh's artworks. The lights are green and blue, which creates a ghostly aesthetic. You can take any bike you want on the trail.
8. Capitals Route
After going on the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path, you can travel on the Capitals Route. The route runs between Rotterdam and Berlin, and you can complete it in a few days.
You can see the Netherlands' most famous natural wonders like tulips and meadows. You can stop at many places to get food and drinks, including local wines and beers.
9. Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is a trade route in Japan. It is now open to bicyclists, and you can take the entire route in one day.
The route crosses over six islands and near several small towns. You can see authentic Japanese architecture as well as waterways, beaches, and gardens. If you want to make a stop, you can visit art museums and temples at a few locations.
10. The Pamir Highway
If you want to go off the beaten path, you can cycle the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan. It is one of the world's most remote roads, and not all of the road is paved.
Yet you can visit locations and see natural wonders that few others have seen. You can view snow-covered mountains, crystal blue lakes, and small villages.
The World's Best Cycling Routes
Cycling routes let you see everything the world has to offer. In the United States, you should visit trails on the San Juan Islands and along the Great Divide. Develop experience in going on backroads and up hills before you head out.
The North Sea Cycle Route and the Iron Curtain Trail are great choices if you want to see many wonders. If you want to get away from crowds, you should go to Shinanami Kaido and the Pamir Highway.
Get the equipment you need for bicycling and world travel. BlenderBottle offers, Halex, our premium bicycle water bottles. Browse our store today.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.