Whether you’re into city breaks or prefer to check out Mother Nature’s offerings, travelling on two wheels is often the best way to explore a new place.

Dreaming about warmer, sunnier rides, we’ve rounded up five cycling trips that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Already booked a cycling trip, or have one in mind? Don’t forget to check out our blog on everything you need for a long bike ride.

Dolomites, Italy

Photo Credit: @sportstravellingveemag on the Sella Ronda

Busy with skiers in the winter, Italy’s northeastern mountain range transforms into a cyclist’s playground once the sunnier months hit. With weaving roads through limestone peaks and vast valleys of rock, it’s no surprise the area has a rich history of cycling. The Giro d’Italia first visited in 1937 and has been back over 40 times. Many cyclists built their reputations in the Dolomites, too - including Bartali, Coppi and Binda.

If you want to really want to soak up the cycling culture here, visit when the Sella Ronda Bike Day and Maratona dles Dolomites cycling events are on to enjoy the buzz of locals and other visiting cyclists! The Sella Ronda in particular is one of the most famous circuits in the area, and takes riders along various iconic passes, including the Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo.

Tours and accommodation: Check out trektravel.com for group, private or custom trips of the Dolomites, and don’t miss this blog post, which provides some epic inspiration for places to stay during the summer.

Girona, Spain

Photo Credit: Eat Sleep Cycle: Girona

This ancient city in northern Catalonia, Spain, is known for its cobbled streets, crumbling architecture and Gothic churches. However, the area has some epic cycling opportunities, too.

The winding roads, narrow lanes and hidden squares and nearby Els Àngels loop make cycling around Girona a memorable experience in itself. However, you can also head 30km east and choose from any of the nearby Costa Brava cycling routes and coastline.

The Les Gaverres mountains are to the south, and the Pyrenean border with France is to the north, so you'll have plenty of choice of incredible landscapes to check out.

Tours and accommodation: Visit gironacycling.com for more information on cycling tours. They even include a stay at the ecological, family-run
Hotel Mas Pelegri, which has over 100 different cycling routes on its doorstep, which range in distance and elevation. Every stay even includes route maps for
biking, hiking and running, making this hotel a no brainer for keen sportspeople.

Famous Ruta 40, Argentina

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The Ruta 40 is widely recognized in the cycling world as one of the world’s most epic rides. At over 5000 kilometres, the Ruta 40 runs alongside the Andes Mountain range and is the longest route in Argentina.

Normally reserved for cyclists with high fitness levels and stamina (or just the brave!), riders will be taken across 236 rivers and see 27 Andean passes. The route crosses 11 provinces and passes through three provincial capitals (Mendoza, San Juan and Río Gallegos). On this route, you'll experience climates ranging from the tropics to cold Patagonian glaciers, navigate hairpin bends and experience endless straight but stunning roads through the Argentinian landscape. Not one to be missed!

Tours and accommodation: SouthAmerica.travel is a great source of information about Ruta 40 and touring options, including places to stay along the way

Pacific Coast, USA

Photo Credit: peteandianhittheroad.co.uk

Often seen in the pages of magazines or on our TV screens, Highway 1 and Highway 101 are among the most iconic roads in the United States. This of course makes it a must-see for adventure-seeking cyclists.

The route is really varied, and riders can check out lots of cool scenery including lighthouses, craggy rock formations, Redwood trees, farmland and beautiful fruit orchards. The highlight for many riders is of course cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, or cruising the famous winding highway to the Big Sur Coast.

Tours and accommodation: Adventurecycling.org takes you along this iconic coastal route, starting from either San Francisco or Bellingham, WA. Unsure where to stay along the way? Check out this article for accommodation from San Francisco to San Diego (and beyond!)

Cape Town, South Africa

Photo Credit: Rook Cycles

Many people don’t realize it, but Cape Town is actually one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. As well as road cycling routes, it has access to lots of scenic mountains for riders actively seeking a bumpier ride!

Table Mountain is a great choice for visiting mountain bikers due to its impressive network of bike trails and tracks. Tokai Forest is also popular for memorable mountain biking experiences on gravel trails through dense areas of forest. Road cyclists are pretty spoiled for choice, too.

Check out Sea Point Promenade, a 7 kilometre long scenic beachfront route. It runs from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point, connecting to Green Point Urban Park. For those seeking a (much) longer ride, the Cape Town Cycle Tour stretches 109 kilometres and takes you through some of the most stunning roads in Cape Town. Beware, it's no ride in the park - so make sure your fitness levels are up to it!

Tours and accommodation: Cyclethecape.com offers some great touring options for exploring the Cape Town area, including Table Mountain. You can also check  outcapecycletours.com for some further afield routes! This blog post is also super useful for ideas and inspiration on hotels and areas to stay, as well as non-cycling activities, for if you need a day off!

Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on product releases and get first dibs on everything. You’ll also receive 10% off your first order when you sign up! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram to share our #TWGAdventures.