Travel 22 Oct. 2021

Plan The Best Summer Bike Ride

Summer Bike Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Long bike rides are a great way to spend warm and beautiful summer days. Cycling is the perfect way to balance a healthy day out with some fun activities along the way.

This article highlights how you can make the most of a day on your bike and some ideas to have some fun along the way.

Your own tour bus

A bike is a great way of sightseeing in big cities. In your own space and away from the crowds on the tour buses, your bike can take you to the places you want to go!

Sundays on your bike in London, UK, are a great example. Using the River Thames to navigate, you can quickly build an 8-10 mile ride. A great route is to head east along the river’s south bank from the Vauxhall area until you reach the O2 Arena further east. Along the way, you will take in the London Eye and Aquarium, Blackfriars Bridge, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. From the O2, take the Emirates Cable Car across the river for some spectacular views.

On your return route on the north side of the river, you will take in the Tower of London, Somerset House, Covent Garden, and finally Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. There are also some great pubs along the way to refuel and some unmissable photo opportunities.

Mountain views

If you live and work in the city and want to escape the urban scene for a short time, mountains are also a great place to bike.

Mont Ventoux in Provence is a cyclist’s dream. Part of the Tour de France takes place on the 1,909-meter high peak each year, and you will see why. Bikers also have the luxury of riding a smooth tarmac road that covers just over 21km to the mountain’s peak.

Approximately halfway up, there is also a ski-lodge-style bistro restaurant that brings a welcome drink or snack and plenty of rest points to view the panorama below or take selfies. When you return from your ride, the pretty village of Bedoin has a variety of traditional cafes and restaurants to unwind from your ride.

Out in the countryside

Bikes are great in the countryside no matter where you are in the world. From the vast national parks of the US and Canada to the beauty spots of Europe and Asia, biking is the perfect way to take in the best nature has to offer.

Settings such as the Isle of Wight off the south coast of the UK are perfect for biking and take in sea views, views over Portsmouth Harbour, and the beauty of natural features such as Shanklin Chine and the spectacular Needles rock features.

Jumping on your bike gives you such a sense of freedom. The satisfaction of sitting back and relaxing after a long ride is invigorating and will have you quickly planning your next trip!