A great way of exploring a new place is to take a guided bike tour. You get to see the sights, feel fresh air on your face and get some exercise. There are many guided bike tours available around the world for all abilities. With so many destinations to choose from, it might be difficult deciding where you want to go, first. So, what places, cities or countries are the best for biking tours? The truth is that there are so many “best” places in the world for biking tours that choosing just one is nearly impossible. Therefore we have put together a list of great places to take one, all of which will not leave you disappointed.
But first, let’s talk about bikes.
Picking The Perfect Bike
A touring bike is an all-purpose vehicle. It can be the bike you use to go from home to work and back or the bike that takes you on guided tours around the world. A good bike will be sturdy and dependable with quality racks and fenders. It should allow you to tote a heavy load and still make your trip in comfort, no matter how far you decide to ride. You will want to do research and maybe even test ride a few before deciding on the perfect bike for you including size, style, make and even colour – as there are so many to choose from. Obviously, the price needs to be considered too – are you going to be using it daily, weekly, monthly or maybe just the once? If you’re like us you won’t want to spend a fortune on something that will live in your shed or garage for the
If you are visiting a different country and/or have no means of transporting your bike, why not hire one? A simple internet search is sure to bring up local bike hire companies in the area you are visiting. If you decide to take an organised bike tour, it may be worthwhile checking if the company who offers the tour also offer bike hire as well. This will cut down on the hassle of finding a separate company and possibly save you some money too.
The Countryside
Highly favoured places for taking a countryside biking tour can be found around the world. Here are some great places you can enjoy the fresh air and see some amazing scenery.
One of these places is Amsterdam. History buffs will enjoy a tour spanning an ancient farmhouse and factory that still makes cheese and clogs. You can bike alongside the Amstel River for much of the tour and marvel over the landscapes you see.
In southeastern Italy, you can see a variety of sights including Roman ruins, caves, olive groves, white villages, and beaches. The roads of Italy’s southeastern peninsula are nearly free of traffic which makes it easy to get around, perfect if you are a nervous cyclist.
Ireland provides a delightful, biking experience in this rough part of West Ireland. Galway is removed from the bustling tourist activity, so you can take your time viewing the area’s lush landscape.
Another option is to take an Alaskan adventure. On this tour, you can journey to areas around Anchorage and see Mount McKinley, the 2,000 foot, tallest mountain in the United States. Other activities include hiking, kayaking and canoeing.
Not All Cities Are Equal
When it comes to biking, not all cities are equal. Some cities provide clearly marked lanes for bikers.
San Francisco, Chicago, Paris and London are considered to be some of the more bike-friendly cities. It’s important to take into account whether it’s safe for cyclists to ride in a certain city and whether you will feel comfortable doing so. Especially if the thought of biking in traffic is something that you are worried about.
City biking obviously requires the biker to be aware of a city’s traffic and its laws. Bicyclists have many of the same responsibilities as drivers.
Biking is a pleasure wherever in the world you decide to tour. Not only can you get exercise, but you can get around a new place and take in the sights. However, wherever you decide to bike, ensure that you have the correct equipment and accessories – helmet, hi-viz, lights etc. Get out there, put the pedal to the metal and enjoy your biking tour!
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