Tag: cyclotourism

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…)

The Magic of Cycling in Rio 2016

Cycling in RioSometimes life throws amazing opportunities at you. Sometimes, things come along that you never imagined you would get to experience. Cycling in Rio de Janeiro is one of those things and if you ever get the opportunity, grab it with both hands! I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get the opportunity to go cycling in Rio. But April saw us visit Brazil’s carnival city where we had chance to do just that, and here’s why you should go cycling in Rio too! (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…)

Leisure Cycling in Catalunya and Family Friendly Cycle Routes

Family friendly cycle routes in CatalunyaOn your next visit to Spain, go leisure cycling in Catalunya. It is steeped in culture and history with dramatic landscapes alongside crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches, all calling for you to explore during a two wheeled cycling adventure. I’ve fallen completely in love with the area and I challenge you not to do the same.

If you’re looking a for a holiday with a difference, pure leisure cycling as a couple or to take your children on, this may well fit the bill.

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Cycle Southern England

Cycle Southern EnglandI know I’ve done a lot of talking about cycling abroad recently and when you read about the fantastic time I had in Catalunya, you can see why. And whilst I definitely want to do more cycling and exploring in Europe, sometimes it’s easy to forget the beautiful cycling we have right here in England. Cycle Southern England launched this week with a brand new website offering a one-stop shop for those keen to cycle on some of the UK’s quietest, and easily accessible, roads and tracks. (more…)

Catalunya: City Sight-Seeing & Cycling Around Girona

Cycling around Girona
Dusk over the magical city of Girona

A not so secret love affair

I’m in love. My heart has well and truly been struck by Cupid!

If you’ve been following me on Twitter and Instagram (if not, why not!?), it will come as no surprise that the new love in my life is Girona. It stole my heart from the moment my recent Catalunya Experience with the Catalan Tourist Board began and we stepped foot inside the city walls.

Until this trip, the only place I’d visited in Catalunya was Salou in 1990 something-or-other on a girls’ holiday, the adventures of which, are best left undisclosed (it was a rather messy affair unsurprisingly).  I’d heard about Girona – it’s fairly synonymous with cycling – but I’d never visited until now and, well, it has captured my heart. (more…)