Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of Europe: explore the continent's most thrilling cycling routes

Product Information

It’s possible to plot a route that uses only paved roads, and there are several hundred miles of bicycle paths that allow for a safe and relaxing experience. Although the route might sound daunting, it’s possible to spread it out to no more than 40 miles per day at a fairly leisurely pace. In a nod at how such information would be presented on a web side, each of the fifty routes ends with brief "more like this" section with another three routes covered in a paragraph. Some of these rides were more interesting to me than the ones covered in details - oh well. This is not the sort of book you read from cover to cover, more the sort you graze on from time to time, while reclining on your chaise-longue. As I dipped into it, I realized that I was unlikely to ever do any of the rides myself. Similarly, I’ve read many books about climbing Everest, but know I’ll never rise to that challenge. Still, reading about other people’s adventures is enthralling and frequently awe-inspiring. The race, says the organisation, is “rider against rider, living by their wits alone, without caravan or entourage guided by personal integrity, mutual respect and a collective commitment to equality. At the sharp end, it is a beautifully hard bicycle race, simple in design but complex in execution.”

In previous years, Trek Travel’s tour has included some of the Tour de France’s most legendary climbs and descents, accompanied by a handful of celebrity guests to keep participants motivated along the way. Salzburg to Vienna - Austria This trek starts and ends in two of Europe's most picturesque, pristine locales. This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users. I think you could easily subtitle this book "All the places you're never going to ride your bike in this world."You’ll also have ample opportunity to stop off along the way to sample local wines and other delicacies, arriving in Basel, Switzerland some eight days later.

Namibia has the second lowest population density in the world. Most of its people are in the north, so the south is empty indeed. Not surprisingly, it’s dry and unforgiving land. Towns and amenities are few and far between. Roads are mostly loose gravel. But it’s also unutterably gorgeous. Given the sheer length of the river, you’ll never be short of epic views and dramatically changing scenery as you wind your way between remote, fertile valleys and four of the continent’s most iconic capitals.The Balkan countries of Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina have seen a surge in tourism in recent years — a trend that’s hardly surprising given their mediterranean climate, wallet-friendly prices and remarkable natural scenery. From fjord-like mountains to tranquil bays, unspoiled lakes, vast flats and remote islands, there’s an endless tapestry of sights in the region labelled the West Balkan Triangle. There are few countries in Europe better suited to sightseeing by bike than Italy. Though it’s possible to embark on a trying trip around the Alps or Dolomites, most choose routes that take in the more tranquil aspects of Italian life — the food, drink, historic towns and serene rolling hills between them.

There’s something truly satisfying about journeying between two capitals on your own pedal power, and there are few better to connect by bike than Copenhagen and Berlin. Measuring 34 miles (55km) in length, the road traverses the steep-sided Sierra del Puril, snaking its way precipitously through a landscape of granite cliffs and pine-scented cloud forest before falling, with eerie suddenness, upon the lush tropical paradise of the Atlantic coastline. The good news is that "Epic Bikes of the World" is for the most part a well written travelogue, a series of writers sharing their actual experiences on these trails. At times, you can feel their experience in the writing and you can feel how meaningful that experience had been in their lives. Explore Europe’s most thrilling cycling routes with the latest installment in the Epic series from Lonely Planet. From dreamy getaways on sun-dappled Mediterranean Islands to a Bavarian beer crawl in Germany, bike enthusiasts share stories from the best road, mountain, dirt and trail routes across the spiritual home of cycling.

Malaga to Seville - Spain

There are few better ways to celebrate, or commiserate, a long day in the saddle than with a pint of Guinness. Fortunately, there’s a lot of Guinness to go around in Ireland, particularly on a cycle tour that leads you from Galway all the way to San Leat. Similarly, while I found the "toolkit" to be helpful in a general sense there was never really a differentiation regarding when these were actual "trails" and when these were simply rides along lonely highways that might not be as friendly to walkers, runners or, in my case, wheelers. Getting there Fly or take the train to Valencia or Zaragoza, then catch a regional train (which allow bikes) to Teruel. Sleep under the stars without mosquitos bites—best if you know you’ll be camping with lots of trees around to hang it from.

From Attersee, you’ll skirt the fringes of several more beautiful bodies of water, before cycling through the wine-rich Wachau Valley, a short cycle or train ride away from the capital. You can choose to take the journey from either city, or, if the mood takes you, do it all again in reverse and return to your starting point. Obvious attractions of each capital aside, the cycling between the two cities is remarkable. Most of it takes place on well-maintained cycle paths, and it’s possible to cover the 400-odd miles over 10 relatively stress-free days, including a short ocean crossing.You’ll be exposed to the elements — the fresh smells, the crisp air, the baking sun, chirping of birds, and the odd bleat or bray. You’ll work up a sweat on the uphills, and relish in the downhills. The towns you’ll pass through along the way are all notable destinations, made all the more special by the fact that those traveling in faster modes of transport tend to overlook them. You can also plan your route to cycle to some beautiful natural attractions, including Lake Stechlin, several canals, and both Nossentiner Heide and Mueritz National Parks.