Tag: cycling holidays

Cycling in Tenerife

Cycling in Tenerife
Image courtesy of Thomas Cook Airlines

My recent trip to explore Tenerife with Thomas Cook Airlines changed my perception of what this Mediterranean island has to offer. It’s not just sunloungers, cocktails and all inclusive stays. It’s actually a great destination for action and adventure on holiday.

Thomas Cook Airlines kindly invited me and a team of adventure travel bloggers to join them for a four day trip to Playa de Las Americas to see just exactly what Tenerife has to offer in terms of outdoor adventure. Now my knowledge and perception of Playa de Las Americas prior to this trip was limited! I’ll be honest, I had succumbed to the reports that it’s the party capital of Tenerife so I was keen to experience and learn more about the other side of the region. (more…)

A Mini Guide to a Cycling Holiday in the Loire Valley

cycling holiday in Loire

The Loire Valley offers outstanding wines, French splendour, sophisticated cities and fairytale fortresses, ideal for exploring on two wheels. Contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly possible to squeeze an awesome cycling holiday in the Loire into a short stay and Brittany Ferries offer some great options for cycling holidays in Loire. Of course, the more time you’ve got, the better, but this doesn’t mean that even a few days can’t be used for a simply outstanding cycling trip around the Loire. (more…)

End of Summer Update: Disappointment Cycling in the French Alps

summer travelSummer….where did you go?

Erm…where did summer go? I don’t know about you but as the children have returned to school, it feels like summer 2016 was the quickest summer ever. As sometimes happens, I’ve not blogged anywhere nearly as often as I had hoped. Life kind of took over a little, but I think I’m back on track now! Whilst Mother Nature has blessed us with a late surge of warm, hazy summer sun this September, the leaves on the trees are rapidly changing colour, the nights are inevitably drawing in and Autumn is definitely quickly approaching. (more…)

Cycling Lake Constance: a fairytale cycling holiday

Cycling Lake ConstanceTake beautiful landscapes surrounding a magnificent Lake, romantic architecture, vineyards, waterfalls, cuckoos and rainbows and you have the fairytale that is cycling Lake Constance.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. For me, there is no better way to explore a new country than on two wheels. A cycling holiday provides a wonderful adventure, an opportunity to visit new countries and to see aspects of them you wouldn’t ordinarily get to witness by car. There’s a true sense of freedom, of independence, a feeling of travelling like a local and really getting to know somewhere. Lake Constance offers mainly flat cycling with the occasional incline; it’s the perfect option for couples with a non cycling partner, and families with older children. (more…)

Top 5 Destinations for Unforgettable Mountain Biking Holidays

mountain biking holidaysIn 2016 I am hoping to do more mountain biking, and also lots more travel!! We’ve been thinking for a while now, how cool it would be to combine the two; so I’ve been doing a fair bit of reading into cycling holidays, particularly mountain biking holidays and looking at the various destinations available. There are some amazing places out there, waiting for you to adventure to, to conquer their slopes and take in their views!

If you follow me on facebook, you’ll have seen that we’ve just got ourselves sorted for our summer holiday and yes, this year we are heading on our first mountain biking holiday!  I cannot wait to try some downhill mountain biking!

So, why, as road cyclists, have mountain biking holidays tempted us?

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The Cycle Touring Travel Bug

cycle touringI have the cycle touring travel bug! And I’ve got it bad. I didn’t think I would get bitten quite so badly; I’m a road cyclist really; it’s always been my true cycling love – getting out on the open road, challenging myself and feeling some improvement in my fitness levels and abilities. But since my return from Catalunya, I’ve spent some part of nearly every day researching my next cycle touring travel destination, dreaming of cycling in places I’ve never cycled before, surrounded by mountains, seas, vineyards…

Cycle touring can be extreme – some people love it so much they travel across continents – or it can simply be a weekend in the UK or a few weeks holiday in Europe. Exploring your favourite countries by bike adds a whole different dimension to your travel adventures and your cycling experience. Cycle touring is far less competitive than road cycling. There are no strava segments to worry about, no assigned ride speeds, no competitive feelings about who is riding the best bike with the best components, or wearing the best kit. Cycle touring is purely about exploring the country you’re in and enjoying your time on the bike. I like that concept. I like it a lot. (more…)

Two Sleeps Until My First Cycling Holiday #CataluynaExperience

Cycling holiday
Image: CC Brennan Ehrhardt

In two sleeps I’ll be heading off on my first ever cycling holiday to Catalunya. Excited? Yes, you could say that! The smalls have taken the news that mum will be away for a few days very well and I have to say I’m really looking forward to sunshine, beautiful scenery and of course, some two-wheeled fun!

Having never cycled abroad before, I’ve been thinking about the types of things I’m hoping Catalunya will offer and the things other people might look for when cycling abroad and choosing their ideal cycling holiday. (more…)

Travelling Through Europe? Take your Bike and Enjoy a Cycling Holiday!

cycling holiday
Image: Abigail Keenan

August has seen a little blogging break on OCG…summer holidays, sunshine, family cycling and a couple of family trips away. It’s been a really lovely few weeks but with the children heading back to school very soon and temperatures in Europe staying warm for a little bit longer, it’s the perfect opportunity for those who are still hoping to squeeze in a cycling holiday.

A cycling holiday in Europe

For anyone who has the wanderlust bug, travelling across Europe offers so many opportunities. Spanning nearly 4 million square miles, the continent promises adventure and enriching cultural experiences. With amazing European rail links, it’s never been easier to access every corner of this incredible continent. But rather than simply train hopping, why not take your beloved bike with you? (more…)