Cycling in Cotwolds
Quaint villages named Lower Slaugher, Burton-on-the Water along with famous places such as Oxford make cycling in the Cotswolds a delight. The region located northwest of London can easily be reached by train to Oxford or Moreton-in-Marsh. Limestone houses and pubs dot the landscape as you cycle the narrow lanes.
Base yourself in the center of the Cotswolds.
Stow-on-the Wold is 8 km (5 miles) from the train station and is the highest point in the Coldwolds so you start each day with a downhill cycle. It offers antique shops, a bustling market square, supermarket and many restaurants.
Moreton-in-Marsh meanwhile is right on the railway line, offers many restaurants and the largest market in the Cotswolds every Tuesday. The main street can be busy at times. Both villages are pretty central.
Cycling the Windrush River Valley
For an excellent cycling orientation of the Cotswolds head south to the Windrush River Valley on a 50-60 km (31-37 mile) circuit using quiet country lanes. You will quaint villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water which is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds and receives many day visitors to its many shops. Cycling a short distance brings you to Lower Slaughter which while not overloaded with tourists is very pretty. Continue to nearby Upper Slaughter, which many consider to be the prettiest town in all of England.
Cycling to Oxford and the southeast
This is a long day. Cycling through the Cotswolds towns of Shipton Under Wychwood, Ascott under Wychwood, Charlbury you arrive in Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and a must visit. Blenheim takes about 3 hours to tour the palace, see the exhibit on Churchill and the different gardens.
From Woodstock there is a bicycle path to Oxford to visit some of the famous colleges such as Christchurch where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. It seems everyone in Oxford cycles and there are bike paths going everywhere.
Return home via Burford with its meandering lanes lined with antique shops and famous century pub, The Lamb on Sheep Street.
Cycling to the north and Chipping Campden
Taking country lanes you arrive in Moreton-in-Marsh and take a lovely route toChipping Campden with its 14th century architecture and thatched roofed houses. You will want to walk the full length of High Street, wide enough to accommodate the flocks of sheep and later see the town’s famous 15th century Gothic “wool” church.
Continue north taking Sustrans National Cycle Route 5 into Stratford-upon-Avon where you can visit the theatre, Anne Hathaway’s cottage which is a requires a nice cycle through the city and the birthplace of Shakespeare.
Cycling the Cotswolds Hills
Perhaps the route with the highest hills is to the northwest to Snowhill Manor, known for its gardens and intricate hedgerows. Continue to Broadway with many coaching Inns now B & Bs, pubs, shops. And finally on to Sudley Castle, once home of Catherine Parr, wife of Henry VIII.
After cycling the Cotswolds all day sit down for a pint in the local pub
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Sep 1st, 2010. Comment. 
Dordogne River, France
Bicycle touring in france along the Dordogne and Lot Rivers is popular with Europeans bicycle touring on their way to other regions. For Canadians and Americans the area makes a great two or three week journey. This is a very hilly region and you can expect to use your low gears.
The Lot River Valley
Start in Toulouse and take the train or an easy one day bicycle tour to Cahors. Pick up lunch and see the ancient Pont Valentre before heading to the quiet and very narrow roads in the hills just south of the town. As you bicycle tour along the River Lot you will past through ancient tunnels and fields of sunflowers. An a night or two in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a village built on the side of a hill with cobblestone streets and stone houses and hotels to match. Rick Steve, the PBS TV host states, “beg, borrow or steal a night in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
Continue along the Lot River valley passing houses built right into the stone cliffs under reaching Figeac. Your bicycle tour crosses the Gramat Causse to Rocamadour.
Traveling from the Lot to the Dordogne Rivers
Continue by cycling to Rockamadour. This is a religious center built into the cliffside of a deep ravine. A great village to base yourself for a few days for some hiking, a visit to Gouffre de Parirac caves or a day bicycle tour to medieval Carennac, considered by many to be the prettiest town in France.
Leaving Rocamadour you cycle through the hilly terrain before reaching the Dordogne River. Continue past walnut plantations under reaching the bicycle path into Sarlat. The Saturday market covering several blocks is well worth a visit, as is the cathedral.
A Prehistoric Area
Your Dordogne bicycle touring then takes you north to Montignac, home of some prehistoric caves painting, a popular attraction. Loop south and follow the river to La Roque St. Christophe, ancient cliff dwellings, well worth a visit. A great place to stop your bicycle touring for the night is in Les Eyzies.
Your journey then takes you to Cadouin, where there is a bicycle museum including many exhibits from the early days of the Tour de France.
Castles from the 100 Year War
You are bicycle touring again through stands of walnut trees, some even dropping on the roads as you cycle by on your way to arcaded Monpazier and Belves, built on a hillside. Besides local foie gras and wine, you will find walnuts in salads, desserts and many dishes.
Then its on to Beynac, where part of the movie Chocolat was filmed. High above the town is a French castle with dungeons. A short cycle down the road and away the river you come to the English Castelnaud with an impressive museum of combat from the middle ages, catapults and great views looking back at the French castle. If you look the other way you see the current vineyards covering the slopes.
Nearby, and up an impressive hill, is the town of Domme where you can either continue to Bordeaux or cycle to the nearby town of Souillac to take the train back to Toulouse.
The Dordogne bicycle touring in southern France along quiet roads, with wonderful food and wine is a joy!
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Aug 11th, 2010. Comment.
Cycling tours europe can include a visit to the Salzkammergut (Lakes) region of Austria near Salzburg.
A very scenic series of routes circling the lakes of the Salzkammergut which are framed by high mountains. Much of the movie, The Sound of Music was filmed in this region and it is also a popular recreation area for Austrians all year round.
Start your bicycle touring in Salzburg and head along the Salzkammergut route into the gentle hills to the east. After a few hours you reach Mondsee, your first lake. The church here was the site of the wedding scene in the movie, The Sound of Music. The bike route continues on a quiet road with a climb and downhill before reach St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang.
Continue on the paved bike path along the southern shores of Wolfgangsee. You may choose to stay in St. Wolfgang (bike ferry ride across the lake), Strobl or Bad Ischl and the eastern end.
Do take a day ride to scenic Hallstatt, your third lake and a town now famous on many calandars. This is a pedestrian only town so lock your bike and go exploring.
The Salzkammergut bike route continue north along the Traun River to Gmunden, located on another lake and a great place to stay.
From here cycle along the bike route to the west into Steinbach on the Attersee before heading back to Salzburg along one of several options. Others who are bicycle touring head north and connect with the Danube Bike Route.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jul 31st, 2010. Comment.
Taxi in Varadero, Cuba
One of the favourite bicycle touring destinations for cyclists who live in northern areas is Cuba. There are numerous scheduled and charter flights to Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Holguin other Cuban cities from Canada, Europe and Mexico.
Major advantages of touring Cuba by Bicycle:
• A very inexpensive destination
• The warm climate is pleasant in the winter season; some find it very hot for cycling at times. Best time to visit is November to April
• Friendly people, very safe as crime is almost non-existent
• Largest island in the Caribbean with lots of cycling routes for 7, 14 nights or longer
• Very little traffic on the roads
Guided cycling tours of Cuba are offered by a number of tour operators: Exodus and Explore from the UK, McQueens Travel and GAP Adventures from Canada and others. Another option is to book a stay at one of the resort hotels, particularly in the Santiago area, and go day trips on your bike. A third option is to explore on your own staying at inexpensive pension type accommodation.
If not on a guided tour of Cuba which includes your bicycle then bring your own on the plane. A common practice when bicycle touring is to take an old bike, use it during your stay and leave it behind when you leave. Cuba is a poor country and the local people appreciate your old bike.
Along the way you will see historic colonial cities, lush jungle forests and Cuba has a reputation for some of the greatest beaches in the world. Cuba drivers are accustomed to cyclists as many of the local people use bicycles, although you do need to watch out for potholes. Routes are generally not demanding, there will be some hilly sections particularly in eastern Cuba.
A popular route from Havana is to cycle to the west to visit the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In the center of the island you have Cuba’s most colonial city, Trinidad. Eastern Cuba is more mountainous and forested.
If planning your own tour stay in a Casa (B & B) which are run by Cuban families and are very inexpensive. The food is cheap and plentiful and many consider it better than what is found in some of the 3 star resort hotels.
If you are looking for a warm cycling destination this winter, consider Cuba.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jul 28th, 2010. Comment.
One of the top regions for a New England bicycle tour is Maine. The video above is in the Portland area. The route starts in a park located on a bay on the north end of the city and travels along the coastal bike path before entering the old harbor area. You then cross the river (bike lane on the bridge) to the south shore.
Quiet roads greet the cyclist as you visit various coves piled high with lobster traps and see several lighthouses which are pictured in the video.
This is a great route for families or cyclists wishing a moderate day trip.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jul 24th, 2010. Comment.
San Gimignano, Tuscany
Your Bike tours in Tuscany are on quiet roads as there are no bicycle touring routes in Tuscany to explore. You will fall in love with the scenic landscape covered with red poppies in the spring or sun flowers in the autumn. The roads you cycle are lined by cypress and olive trees, vineyards too, and long winding hilly climbs lead to wonderful stone villages. Italian drivers are fast, yet generally gently around cyclists as there are many on the roads
There are several districts you can bike tour in Tuscany which may be combined to form a longer routes.
Southern Tuscany
Start your Bike tour in Tuscany by cycling in Chiusi with sweeping views of the area, its located on the main train route from Rome. Cycle to Cortona, made famous in many movies and television shows and a great overnight location.
Cycle to Montepulciano, home to great wines and many historic buildings. Easy cycling brings you to Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, both worth a stop to investigate. Your bicycle touring then brings you to Montalcino, after a long 6 km climb. But stop here to explore the castle, and many streets. Then its on to the historic town of Murlo as you bike tour through the Tuscan hills, before arriving in Siena, Chianti.
This is the center of the Tuscany region which lies between Florence and Siena. The main street of Siena within the city walls is a meandering pedestrian walkway flanked by shops which opens up into City Hall and Piazza del Campo. The town at city hall is worth the climb for outstanding views of the region. The weekly market is absolutely huge with everything from shoes to food for sale.
Your bike tour in Tuscany now takes you north to Monteriggioni, an impressive hilltop fortress. Continue through the town of Colle di Val d’Elsa and start climbing the hill to San Gimignano. This medieval town does not permit cars on its streets which receives plenty of daytime visitors. Spend the evening the see the stone building night lit. From San Gimignano make an easy day trip to historic Volterra, site of Roman ruins.
Continue your bike tour in Tuscany by traveling to Radda, a interesting stone village again with no cars permitted along its streets. Great for an overnight stay.
Continue your bike in tour in Tuscany the vine covered Tuscan hills to Greve and on to Florence. You will find that there is lots of traffic in Florence itself. You will want to see the fabulous art galleries and famous Ponte Vecchio.
Northern Tuscany and Florence
Departing Florence on your Tuscany bicycle tour and heading to the west is fairly flat with lots of small towns until you reach Lucca. This is the gem of the region, with walls so wide there is a bicycle route around the 4 kilometers loop (2.5 miles) around the city. Inside a medieval city with shops, restaurants, churches.
It’s a short 29 km (18 miles) cycle lined with cypress trees from Lucca to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower and duomo (cathedral) inside the city walls. Continue your bicycle tour north along the Mediterranean coast to the home of Pinocchio.
Your bike tour in Tuscany will be the envy of your friends.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jul 24th, 2010. Comment.
What is the best route for a bicycle touring beginner?
Join a local club and take a bicycle tour in your home country. However, if you wish to plan your own tour for the first time consider the Danube Bike route from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria. Because the route is paved and signed on both sides of the river; there are frequent posted location maps; hotels are used to cyclists and foreigners; the distance makes an excellent one week tour or for two weeks if you continue to Budapest.
If you are concerned about handling bicycles and accommodation book a self-guided tour on the Danube Bike Route from one of the many travel companies. Guided tours are also available, although not necessary on this route.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jul 19th, 2010. Comment.
Why bike in Italy?
This country has a great bike culture, and while bike touring in Italy you will meet plenty of other cyclists on the roads. While bike trails are few you will find drivers surprisingly courteous. This is one of the most popular destinations for European bicycle touring.
The top 5 bicycle touring routes of Italy:
Tuscany – one of the top bicycle touring destinations in the world. There are no signed bicycle routes in Tuscany although there are many quiet and scenic, yet hilly roads, so expect major climbs. In the southern region most cycling is in the area between Montepolciano and Montalcino. In the central area between Siena and Florence is exceptionally good for bicycle touring as it is the northwest in the Lucca area.
Umbria – located next to Tuscany and it’s easy to include both when bicycle touring in the area. Most people head for Perugia, known for fine chocolates, hilltop Todi and Assisi, a religious center. This is a hilly region so expect many nice climbs.
Puglia – bicycle touring along the rugged Adriatic coastline. The countryside features olive groves, charming white walled villages. The area is known for its excellent seafood.
Veneto – The terrain is mostly flat and there are some bike paths. A lot of history is to be found in Bassano del Grappa with its famous liqueur; Asolo and its elegant homes, Stra with its many villa, Padua with one of the world’s oldest universities. Finally there is Venice, that magical city placed on islands where cycling down the Lido is a real treat.
Piemonte – with rolling terrain in a quiet area known for its fine truffles, cheeses and excellent chocolate. The Alps serve as a backdrop as you visit medieval towns surrounded by vineyards.
When is the best time to bike Italy?
The months of April to June in the spring and September to October in the fall are the best times. Attractions are not as busy, the temperatures are not as hot and accommodation is easier to find.
Language
The official language is Italian. The only issues I sometimes encounter is in restaurants where there is no English menu, which happens frequently. However, dishes such as pizza, lasagna and vino are easy to understand in any language.
Guided trips
Many travel companies offer guided (in English) and self guided tours in Italy. All the regions listed above have guided tours, especially Tuscany along with other regional tours such as Sardinia.
Local laws
Cyclists must have at least two independently operating brakes, a bell, a red tail light, headlight, yellow reflectors on the pedals. Front and rear lights must be turned on at nightfall. There is no helmet law for cyclists but I highly recommend the use of a helmet, especially if you travel on roads shared by other vehicles. Many local cyclists just wear a cap. When bicycle touring you in Italy you may not use the autoroutes.
Where do I stay along the way?
Most hotels along the major bike routes can provide an area to lock your bicycle overnight and are used to and welcome cyclists. I recommend using Tiscover and Logis hotels who represent many small hotels, bed and breakfasts and farm accommodation.
Should I rent or bring my own bike?
Rent, there are many quality locations around Italy. For examples, touring bicycles can be rented from Girolibero in many locations. Their head office is located in Venezia.
How can I transport my bike while in Italy?
Italian trains (except expresses) do carry bicycles. I have found that the trains can be very busy on weekends on some routes so book in advance. You do need to purchase a ticket for your bicycle and load it on the train yourself.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jun 25th, 2010. Comment.
Icefields Highway
Why go easy bicycle touring in Canada?
Bicycle touring in Canada is about the variety you will see from natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, historic Quebec City to the fishing villages of the Maritime Provinces. Except for the province of the Quebec which has an extensive bicycle trail signed network there are only a few long distance cycling routes but many local routes which you can incorporate into your journey.
The top bicycle touring regions in Canada:
Atlantic Canada – Cape Breton National Park in Nova Scotia involves numerous climbs with great ocean views as the route circles the island including the historic fortresses of Louisbourg. Also in Nova Scotia is the coastal route from pretty Peggy’s Cove around the peninsula to Annapolis Royal with its lighthouses, orchards and fishing villages.
On Prince Edward Island the hard packed Confederation Trail runs from one end of the island to the other on a gently rolling route taking about five days. Stop for a seafood dinner, see Anne of Green Gables and the red sand beaches along the way.
Quebec – Velo Quebec has developed La Route Verte with over 4,000 km of signed bikeways crossing the entire province. National Geographic ranks the route first I the top 10 bike routes on the planet, chosen for their beauty, length and excitement. Popular areas include cycling from Montreal to Quebec City and the Eastern Townships region south of the St. Lawrence River.
Ontario – the most populous region of Canada sadly lacks long distance cycling routes. The only major signed route is the wonderful Waterfront Trail from Niagara continuing through downtown Toronto to the Quebec border taking about one week. Many who are bicycle touring combine this with the Seaway Trail in New York State for a circle trip of Lake Ontario.
Western Canada – Two popular routes in the Canadian Rockies include the Icefields Highway from Banff to Jasper along mostly paved shoulders. Also the Golden Triangle which crosses the continental divide from Banff National Park to Golden in British Columbia and back via another road.
The Gulf Islands located between Vancouver and Victoria offer quaint towns and gentl exploring, a favorite with tour operators.
Guided bicycle trips
Major guided bicycle tours include the Icefields Highway (Alberta), Rocky Mountains (Alberta/British Columbia), Gulf Islands (BC), Niagara (Ontario), Nova Scotia and Eastern Townships (Quebec).
Canadian operators include Freewheeling Adventures, Randonnee Tours, Butterfield & Robinson, Active Journeys, Great Explorations and Velo Quebec. American operators offering guided tours include Backroads, Bicycle Adventures and Experience Plus.
Where do I stay along the way?
There are numerous campgrounds, bed & breakfasts (see BBCanada.com) and hotels across the country. Most are not used to people bicycle touring so you will need to ask about storing your bicycle overnight. In the summer university accommodation is also an excellent option.
How can I transport my bike while in Canada?
Both Air Canada and WestJet carry bicycles for a fee. VIA Rail accepts bicycles on only a few trains shipped as cargo and should not be considered a good option. Some of the regional commuter trains such as GO Transit accept bicycles which can be handy to get to Niagara Falls in the summer.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jun 25th, 2010. 1 Comment.
Most people assume that Swiss cycling is about crossing mountains over very hilly terrain. However, where there are mountains there are also valleys so you do have a choice of either type of terrain.
The Rhone Valley is the most popular of Swiss Cycling National Routes over a 320 km (200 mile) distance in both French and German parts of the country.
Bicycle Touring Tips for Swiss cycling trip along the Rhone Valley:
• The entire Swiss cycling National route is signed. Where there is construction or connections with local routes it can get confusing.
• Hotels and camping in the Lausanne and Montreux areas is very popular and it is
The Swiss Rail pass permits easy connections to other Swiss cycling routes and also provides free entrance to most museums, Castle Chillon and discounts on lake ferries
Along the Shores of Lake Geneva
You will be following the Swiss Cycling National Route 1 signs and the shores of Lake Geneva as you depart the international city of Geneva. The Rhone Valley route in this section runs along paved parks, quiet roads, promenades never goes too far from Lake Geneva with its palm trees and flower gardens.
Your first destination is Lausanne and you pass the world headquarters of the Olympic Organizing Committee, and may wish to visit their museum. From the promenade known as Ouchy heading into the heart of the city is uphill but worth the effort. The Musee De L’Art Brut featuring eccentric artists or people from mental asylums offers some very striking art.
Your Swiss cycling continues to Montreux with this section mainly on bike lanes along one side of the road with vineyards stretching up the hillside on the other side. The town of Vevey is the heart of the Swiss wine industry and is also the world headquarters for the Nestle company. You are in the French speaking part of Switzerland and can expect excellent wine and food.
In Montreux stop on the waterfront and admire the statue to the late Freddy Mecury, of Queen, who lived here. Another must see is the medieval Castle Chillon located steps from the Rhone Bike route. Side trips are also available to Gruyere to sample the cheese.
The Rhone River Valley
Leaving Montreux on your Swiss cycling journey you pass the Castle Chillon and soon the Rhone Valley Bike route turns into a paved riverside bike path. A surprise is the World Cycling Centre, a veledrome located right beside the bike path. The valley is mostly fruit farms along the river with steep mountain slopes on both side.
The city of Sion is a trendy wine center and great place to stop for the night. Continue your Swiss cycling along the Rhone Valley to Brig. If you wish to go hiking take the mountain train to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. You are now in the German part of Switzerland with the most significant different found on restaurant menu’s.
If you continue your Swiss cycling the route has a gentle uphill as you head to Andermatt. From here you can take a train a few kilometers through the mountains to reach the beginning of the Rhine Valley route which continues all the way to the Netherlands.
Swiss cycling along the Rhone Valley route offers tremendous variety covering French and German parts of Switzerland, lots of vineyards, castles, museums, lakefront promenades, shopping along a gently rolling route.
Filed under Bicycle Routes by on Jun 24th, 2010. Comment.