4 Places Every Cyclist Should Visit
A lot of people remember learning how to ride their first bikes from a young age. More often, this is a memorable experience, whether just taking off your training wheels for the first time or setting off on a new adventure to discover unexplored places. And for some people, that pleasure follows you throughout life as you grow older.
Cycling allows you to step out of your comfort zone while gaining a lot of benefits for your health and well-being. It helps to boost your immune system. But while cycling around familiar territories can be calming, there is always more that awaits you in other regions of the world.
Top 4 Destinations to Visit for Cyclists Traveling the World
Cycling is also an opportunity to travel across lands that aren’t usually visited by everyday tourists. It’s a great way to see the territory from a different perspective and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. Here are a few places you should add to your cycling bucket list.
1. Land’s End to John O’Groats (the United Kingdom to Ireland)
Abbreviated as LEJOG, this is one of the best-known and most challenging cycling routes in the UK, with a distance of 1,913 km. The route runs from Southern England to the northernmost tip of Scotland. You’ll also come across hidden valleys and unexplored coastal vistas around the country.
While it can be challenging for many cyclists, the tour can last according to your preferred time frame. This period can be anything ranging from seven days to three weeks long.
2. Highway One (Vietnam)
The route begins in Hanoi and goes through the famous Hai Van Pass from the north to south of the country’s east coast. While this path was initially damaged in the Vietnam War, local and international cyclists can now enjoy a well-maintained course where you can come across scenic backdrops and a panoramic sea view.
3. Shimanami Kaido (Japan)
This 70 km-long route takes you through precision-engineered bridges and suspended cycle lanes over the Seto Sea in Imabari, Japan. A few advantages this path has is that it’s separated from normal traffic, so it’s easy to navigate. You can also rent out a bike easily at nearby stations around the route.
4. North Coast 500 (Scotland)
With a route distance of 813 km, the NC500 is considered the British equivalent of the United States’ famous Route 66.
Despite being a rural path, it’s recently getting more attention from cyclists and has become a hot spot during busy times of the year. Most take over a week to finish, with multiple climbs and winding paths testing your endurance.
On the High Road to Cyclist Heaven
Long-distance routes can be intimidating for most people, especially if they’re new to the cycling world. Yet, there are plenty of courses that you can take and plan out as you continue your cycling adventures.
Before you get too ahead of yourself, it is still essential to know the local rules and standards of each place you visit. This will help you avoid any bicycle accidents or other complications along the way.