our top 5 road cycling destinations...options for a holiday with family/non cyclists so, get ready...
TRANSCRIPT
What's your favourite road cycling destination?
We’ve been road cycling abroad for more than 15 years. The question we get asked mostoften is:
“What’s your favourite destination - and why?”
After much serious thought and debate (over a large glass of pinot), we came up with thefollowing requirements for an ultimate road cycling destination:
Awesome routes
Warm weather
Good road conditions
Excellent accommodation
Options for a holiday with family/non cyclists
So, get ready to be inspired. Here are our all time favourite places for road riding.
PS don't forget that this is just a taster of what's to come. You'll nd full (free) destinationand ride guides on our website. You've probably already signed up to our mailing list so wecan tell you when we launch - just in case you haven't, sign up here.
www.epicroadrides.com
The Luberon, Provence, France
Why?
This gorgeous part of southern France is full of lavender elds, perched hilltop villages,stunning vineyards and, of course, Mont Ventoux. While Ventoux is the prime reasonmany cyclists will visit, there is also varied terrain more amiable for the less t. Theabundance of charming swimming pool villas also makes the area a superb choice for afamily holiday.
Top route?
You can’t miss Ventoux. A cycling icon that vies with Alpe d’Huez for pole position incycling’s hall of fame. It's got a choice of three seriously tough ascents, a barren, moonlikesummit and often ferocious winds. But if you make it to the top, you won’t forget it.
When to go?
May to September is your best bet.
www.epicroadrides.com
Girona, Spain
Why?
If you’re looking for a training camp destination, look no further. Girona is home to morepros than any other in Europe - it lives and breathes cycling. You’re surrounded bystunning routes, with the Costa Brava to the east and the foothills of the Pyrenees to thenorth. Girona is also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe: the medieval old town willsteal your heart with its twisting cobbled streets full of top quality restaurants, bars andcoffee shops.
Top route?
If we had to pick just one, it would be the Costa Brava coast road that twists and turns itsway between Lloret de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols. This undulating road takes you pastmedieval old towns and rugged coves with shimmering, clear water. It’s not all just sittingup and enjoying the view though. Turn inland just before Salinoc and you’ll nd a 7kmclimb to conquer before heading for home.
When to go?
You can cycle all year around but peak season is probably April to October (though watchout for the heat in July and August).
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Santa Barbara region, USA
Why?
This area has got it all. A wonderful year round climate, courteous drivers, varied terrain,routes to the sea, up mountains, through vineyards and past horse ranches. It’s also got twoof the most beautiful mountain roads in the USA: Mount Figueroa and Gibraltar Road. Ifyou like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, you’ll also be happy as you’ve got a plethora of worldclass wine tasting rooms on your doorstep.
Top route?
Mount Figueroa (known as “the Fig”) is our stand out ride, though there are severalcontenders vying for position. The approach from Santa Ynez along the appropriatelynamed Happy Canyon is serene, while the views from the back of the mountain are utterlymajestic: green swathed spines and ridges as far as they eye can see. It's one of the toughestclimbs in Southern California and such credentials mean you're likely to enjoy the ride insplendid isolation - traffic and other cyclists are a rarity.
When to go?
The climate is great for cycling throughout the year, though temperatures soar in thesummer months.
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Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Why?
Mallorca is perhaps the most popular spring cycling destination for British and Germancyclists. It’s also the regular haunt of pro teams and Team Sky hold an annual trainingcamp at the Vanity Golf Hotel in Port d'Alcudia. The reason for this popularity is thatMallorca has all the ingredients for a superb cycling holiday. The roads are immaculate andthere’s a variety of hotels, from large cycling focused resorts to more luxurious, intimateestablishments. The variety of routes is also superb with excellent climbing in the Serra deTramuntana and flatter routes further inland.
Top route?
A tough call between the Sa Calobra and Cap de Formentor, but we’d go with the latterfor sheer beauty and accessibility. If you go in the early morning, you’ll see sunrise over thepeninsula, a truly memorable sight.
When to go?
Mallorca markets itself as a year around destination, but winter can be cold with snow onhigher ground. Mallorca comes into its own in Spring (mid March to early June) andAutumn (September and October).
www.epicroadrides.com
Isle of Wight, UK
Why?
The Isle of Wight is the surprise entrant to this list. Yet for those based in the UK, the Isle ofWight is a little known cycling gem. We love the quiet roads that take you through sleepytowns and villages, up surprisingly aggressive gradients, and above the long wild beaches ofthe southwest coast. Base yourself in the right place (we have a soft spot for Ventnor in thesouth) and you’ll also nd great restaurants and lots of seaside amusements to keep the kidshappy.
Top ride?
The round the island route is the classic ride here. You take in some of the most spectacularscenery on offer on largely quiet roads.
When to go?
Cycling is possible throughout the year but you’re most likely to get favourable conditionsin April through to September.
www.epicroadrides.com
Find out more
You'll find full destination and ride guides for everywhere featured here(and many other destinations besides) on our website when we launch:
www.epicroadrides.com
In the meantime...
Make sure you've signed up to our mailing list so we can tell you when wego live. Or come over and find us @EpicRoadRides on:
www.epicroadrides.com