Tours:
Cycle Croatia in shipshape fashion
This is our kind of surf and turf. Electronic bikes are one of cycling’s fastest-growing trends, so it only seems natural for luxury cycle holidays to be championing them. On Freedom Treks new, posh Zadar to Dubrovnik e-bike tour you stay on a yacht that cruises around the beautiful Southern Dalmatia region and head to shore with your bike to leisurely explore the idyllic islands of Dugi Otok, the lavender fields of Hvar, the vineyards of Korčula and the lush forests of Mljet Seven. Seven nights from £1,527 with accommodation, food and bike hire.
Pedalling Across Puglia
Newly launched Pedal and Break promise to be a ‘wee cycle tour company that offers the biggest and best adventures’ and have created a self-guided tour with a focus on la dolce vita.Their tour of Puglia is tailored to take you far away from tourist traps - cycle the coastal route of Santa Maria di Leuca, pedal past views of Albanian and Greek mountains and hop over to beautiful little island peninsula towns like Gallipoli, where you can sample local produce and wine, stay in traditional farmhouses and have yourself a true Italian escape. Bellissimo!
Charity ride to Angkor Wat
You won’t find a better end goal for a point-to-point cycle than the incredible royal temples of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Discover Adventure’s charity ride raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support by cycling from Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam through the beautiful Mekong Delta and into Cambodia.
Over 12 days you’ll ride a mountain bike along the Delta’s waterways and past traditional villages, Buddhist temples and rice paddies with full support and luggage transfers as you go. £1,600 with some fundraising, or free with funraising of £3,650.
Saddles, saunas and sushi in Japan’s lakes
When you first think of Japan does the image of high-tech, fast-paced city life spring to mind? Cycle specialists Saddle Skedaddle have launched a new, guided 12 day cycle tour of this jewel of an island, championing its laid-back, traditional side instead.
A quick tour of Tokyo eases you in, then it’s off to ride around the Fuji Five Lakes and Lake Kawaguchi, with the iconic snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji providing a stunning backdrop to your ride. Then swap bikes for a trip on the bullet train and head for Hikone Castle and the lovely traditional villages surrounding Lake Biwa, with plenty of time for sushi stops and a bathe in onsen hot springs. The route finishes in the 1,200 year-old city of Kyoto, a cultural treat. From £4,295, including accommodation and food.
Winter Fat Biking, Finland
If you go down to the woods in Finland, you’re in for a big surprise. Not bears – they’re all deep in hibernation – but miles and miles of glorious, unspoilt snow-clad wilderness that’s perfect for exploring on a fat bike. The trails are a mixed of maintained tracks you can ride solo and unmarked ones you’ll ride in the tracks of an accompanying snowmobile.
These remote trails hug the Russian border and will take you into Martinselkonen Nature Reserve and around stunning Öllöri Lake, where you can cycle over ice. It’s not all tough riding, though - each evening you can relax in the heat of the sauna and keep an eye out for distant dancing Northern Lights. Whereabouts Holidays offer a week-long trip from £1,069.
Events:
Eroica Britannia, 15-17 June, Peak District, England
Dig out your vintage cycle cap for this one. Dubbed the ‘world’s most handsome bike ride’, Eroica Britannia is a celebration of the good old days of old-school cycling. The weekend culminates with cyclists taking part in the 60 or 100 mile Classic Challenge, where riders dressed in period clothing compete on traditional bikes (built before 1987) and follow a traffic-free route through the glorious Peak District National Park. The pretty, bunting-clad festival site itself is a celebration of all things British, and a great place to rest your legs and quaff a cold gin and tonic post-ride.
Gritfest, 23-24 June, Llandovery, Wales
All about off-roading? Gritfest is a new and exciting event in Mid Wales aimed primarily at gravel and adventure bike riders but also suitable for mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes and even single-speed fat bike tandems.
The weekend is centered around a family-friendly camping festival where bikers can chill out before taking on the 75 miles of challenging trails with six timed stages running through the breath-taking scenery of the Upper Towy Valley. The organisers also host Battle of the Beach and Tide to Tide, and this family-friendly mud fest is a chip off the old block.
Bretagne Classic Ouest, 24-27 August, France
Every summer the small Breton town of Plouay comes alive when it hosts the Bretagne Classic. The vibrant event, run completely by volunteers, brings in big name riders for a four-day celebration that champions different cycling disciplines such as BMX races, track racing and a mass-participation ride.
But the main event is the elite race, which tests the pros’ stamina over a hefty distance of 153 miles. The demanding course is a treat for spectators, including high climbs and technical descents against the lush backdrop of Brittany.
bretagne-classique-ouest-france.bzh
Deloitte Ride Across Britain, 8-16 September, Land’s End
Seekers of an epic cycling challenge, look no further. The iconic Deloitte Ride Across Britain is as exciting as its name suggests - a rip-r0aring 969 mile ride through 23 counties from Land’s End in Cornwall all the way to John O’Groats at the top tip of Scotland.
If you’ve ever fancied taking on LEJOG this a supportive way to ride it with a gaggle of keen riders. Cycle along clifftops, across moorland and past soaring mountains, camping or staying in hotels along the way, and raise money for a host of charities whilst you cycle. An incredibly satisfying, pride-inducing ride.
Hillybilly Huckfest, 26-29 July, Ål ,Norway
As quirky as its name suggests, the Huckfest is all about downhill mountain biking in the day and live music and a festival vibe when night falls. Plus, its setting in a ski resort in the Norwegian mountains lends itself to some rather nuts competitions.
The Klunker Race starts at the top of Mount Svarteberg and ends at the festival site but with a slight twist - entrants have to compete on retro bikes and awards are given for the best fancy dress. There’s also the Beer Pong race, the interestingly named Spank Whip Off, and the mysterious Impossible Bike Challenge…
