With the Tour De France set to begin at the end of this month, prepare to be struck with cycling fever. Epic biking trails and beautiful landscapes aren’t just found in the French, Italian or Monaco countryside – here you can discover destinations worldwide which are perfect for exploring from your saddle.
MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS
Fly down the mountains at the Méribel Bike Park
Visitors to the Méribel Bike Park can enjoy a thrilling mountain biking experience with trails for all skill levels, including downhill, enduro, and cross-country routes. The park features well-maintained paths through rich forests, open meadows, and rugged terrain complete with jumps and technical sections. Bike rentals, guided tours, and skill sessions are also available for those looking to hone their skills or for first time riders. The park’s lift system provides easy access to higher altitudes, offering majestic views and extended downhill rides. meribel.net/en
Explore mountain biking trails in Yosemite Mariposa, California
Yosemite has a number of mountain biking trails surrounding the Mariposa area. Visitors can explore Exchequer Mountain Bike Park for trails built and maintained especially for mountain bikers overlooking the fresh clear waters of Lake McClure. The park hosts 700 acres with 900 feet elevation gain on prime riding terrain dedicated exclusively to mountain biking. The Exchequer Mountain Bike Park welcomes riders of all ages and abilities. yosemite.com
Roll down the mountains in Bellingham, Washington State
Thousands of miles of mountain bike trails in Washington zigzag, switch-back and descend through astounding landscapes from cedar forests carpeted with ancient ferns to alpine ridgelines with 360-degree mountain panoramas to meadows riotous with wildflowers and more. Galbraith Mountain is one of the best places to mountain bike in Washington. This 3,000-acre use area is located southeast of Bellingham hosting 65 miles of singletrack and includes berms, downhill-specific trails and big stunt features, all in a dense forest overlooking the city and Bellingham Bay. stateofwatourism.com
ALL-ABILITY FRIENDLY
Mind the GAP in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A world class path, The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pittsburgh is perfect for any level of cyclist. The 150-mile rail-to-trails conversion winds through valleys, snakes around mountains and plays witness to some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA. Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for launching or concluding a journey along the GAP, with opportunities to explore the walkable city’s Downtown and South Side. visitpittsburgh.com
Hit Deer Valley’s new biking trails, Utah
Put your hiking gear to the test in Utah’s Deer Valley, which has unveiled a new intermediate “Regulator” Trail perfect for bikers. This trail extends the terrain with the resort now offering more than nine miles of beginner flow trails from the top of the beautiful Bald Mountain to the Snow Park base area. The resort is perfect for adventure-hungry families with new kids’ bike clinics for intermediate and advanced riders aged 10-14, available over two days throughout the summer season. deervalley.com
E-bike to the iconic Maroon Bells, Aspen
Aspen and Snowmass Village host a wide variety of trails that are suitable for e-biking with the most popular being a relaxing ride up to the iconic Maroon Bells. Pick up a sandwich in Aspen from Jour de Fête or in Snowmass from JUS and set off on the relaxing ascent up to the bells on quiet roads lined with shimmering Aspen groves. Leave your bikes on the bike rack in the carpark and take the Maroon Lake scenic trail, a leisurely 1.9 mile loop that follows winding rivers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Bikes are available to rent from Aspen Bikes or Snowmass Sports. aspenchamber.org / gosnowmass.com
ISLAND HOPPING
Pedal through Paradise in Raiatea, The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia
Most wouldn’t consider The Islands of Tahiti as a cycling destination, but there is so much more to the destination than relaxing on a beach. Like anywhere in the world, the best way to discover the islands is by bike, especially the ‘Sacred Island’ of Raiatea. Raiatea provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, perfect for a cycling adventure. Riders can traverse scenic coastal roads and charming villages along the way through verdant valleys and ancient marae (sacred sites). Whether a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Raiatea’s diverse terrain and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a cycling holiday. TahitiTourisme.uk
BIKEPACKING
Follow the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango, Colorado
The Colorado Trail is one of the longest, most rewarding bikepacking routes in the US. Travelling through the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains amongst peaks, glacial lakes and an array of ecosystems, this challenging trail starts in the mile high city of Denver and ends in Durango. At over 500 miles in length, this once-in-a-lifetime route flows through eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas, five major river systems, and six National Forests – offering travellers the opportunity to see Colorado like never before. colorado.com
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