If you are looking for that extra ordinary summer vacation and
would love to take your bike, you are in for one of the best holidays
you can imagines. All over the world there are great destinations
to be explored on your bike. Where you go will depend on how much
time you have. We've outlined 6 fabulous places to visit with
your bike.
1. Europe
Cycling is the fastest-growing leisure activity in Europe with
plenty of great places to tour on your bike. The gentle lowland
hills of Nord - Pas-de-Calais are a perfect place for cycling.
The region has a large and expanding network of safe cycle routes.
If you cross the channel, you'll find more safe cycle trails
that lead into the ports and right through the docks to the
ferry at Dover and Calais. Cyclists travel at the foot passenger
rates and the bikes go for free so you can continue your tour
on the other side.
2. Indonesia
Many cyclists who have visited the more remote areas in Indonesia
claim it is the best place on earth to travel. Locations such
as Irian Jaya or Sulawesi are excellent but stay away from overdeveloped
places like Java who have gow so rapidly they quite literally
have outgrown themselves.
3. Japan
Japan has some great places to visit if you are fit and like
mountain scenery. Tohoku, Shikoku, Kyushu and Hokkaido are four
of the best places to be found in Japan. If you are thinking
of touring Japan, the best times to go are spring or fall. Summer
is good to but it is very humid. Japan is expensive so if you
are on a tight budget, you'll need to either camp or stay in
youth hostels. In and around the urban areas of Japan traffic
is horrid and can create some problems. Try to avoid large towns.
When you stay away from the urban bustle the roads are quite
pleasant and there are some great forestry roads to follow.
4. Laos
Laos is a fun destination. From the crack of dawn when locals
sit kneeling by the roadside to pass up alms to the monks to
dark, there are always sights to see. Everyone, apart from the
monks, of course, lives off the land in some form or other.
Their simple but pleasant lives are a joy to watch, and all
this against a backdrop of pristine natural beauty. There are
plenty of natural attractions, and plenty of history about the
Laotian culture and the Laotian beliefs. A very worthwhile and
enjoyable destination.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia's east coast is quite pleasant to cycle. The roads
are in good shape and it's easy to travel far in a short period
of time. If you are not prepared to cycle about 100km or more
in a day, then you may need to bring your tent and enough food
and water for at least two days as it is quite easy to find
yourself in the middle of nowhere.
6. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best places to do an extended cycle tour.
The Vietnamese people are very curious, and will think nothing
of borrowing some of your belongings, including your bicycle,
having a good look at it, and then giving it back to you. The
food is excellent and you will have few problems with the terrain
as Vietnam is flat making for some very easy riding. You have
basically two choices for planning your route; Hanoi to Saigon,
or Saigon to Hanoi, as there are few other choices in such a
thin country. Vietnam is certainly worthy of your attention
as a cycle destination.
7. United States
The US is packed with destination spots for taking a cycling
tour. From flats to mountains there is something available for
every style of rider. The country is friendly and there are
plenty of camping facilities available. You'll need to make
certain you stay off any property that is marked as Secure Government
Property do not enter. They mean what they say and you could
very quickly find yourself approached by armed guards.
8. Canada
Canada is a mix of terrains and many serious cyclists will spend
months crossing the entire country. You can find ocean trails,
mountain trails, follow the main highways, or get off onto extreme
terrain trails. What ever your cycling interests there is an
area to accommodate you. Canada has a wealth of wildlife and
underdeveloped areas to explore making for quite a relaxing
tour. There is plenty of camping available and if you are inbetween
destinations you can usually find a patch of grass somewhere
to throw up your tent for the night with little interference
or concern from the local people.
One of the most interesting ways to visit a country is with your
bike. No other mode of transportation allows you the ability to
cover distance relatively quickly, much faster than hiking, and
yet get close to nature, the people, and the culture. With so
much to see you'll be rightly disappointed when the time has come
to head back home. Happy travels!
