Exploring the lesser-known Bicycle Touring Routes
The classic worldwide bicycle touring and bikepacking routes are popular with experienced and novice cyclists alike. Deciding to try one of these routes can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cycle along some of the most beautiful routes imaginable. You are rarely disappointed.
There are alternatives if you like to do things a little differently. So, how about taking to the roads less travelled by bicycle? Roads that open up new landscapes and rich experiences away from the more tourist-heavy routes. Lesser-known routes can offer peaceful riding on quieter roads, cultural immersion, and unique challenges that create lifelong memories. From rugged coastal routes to ancient tracks winding through small villages, these alternative routes can offer cyclists a different view of the world and can offer a more authentic experience.
Why seek something different?
- Natural Beauty in its Purest Form: These routes can be in areas where tourism infrastructure hasn't altered the wilderness or landscapes.
- Unique Cultural Experiences: Smaller towns and rural areas can offer cultural exchanges often lost in major cities, allowing cyclists to meet local people.
- Quiet, Reflective Riding: Bicycle touring is a great way to counterbalance a busy life – taking to quieter, less popular routes, is on the next level.
- Personal Challenge: Many of these routes are demanding - elevation, distance, and terrain. Completing something challenging provides a powerful sense of accomplishment.
Preparation
Taking on lesser-known cycling routes can require more preparation than typical tourist routes. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience:
- Research: Since remote routes can be along poor terrain and lack facilities, research road conditions, available amenities, and necessary permits. Study maps and read up on the experiences of past travellers to understand the route’s demands. And make sure your bicycle is up to the task!
- Pack Smart and Light: Bring your essentials and some luxuries (I cannot live without fresh coffee myself!). Prioritise key items like tools, water filters, first-aid kits, and repair gear. A GPS device or offline maps app is essential in regions with limited cell/phone service.
- Consider Cultural Sensitivity: Many routes pass through rural communities. Learning basic phrases in the local language and understanding customs can make interactions more respectful and enriching.
- Build Physical and Mental Endurance: If you know the route will be challenging, do think about training specifically for elevation, weight-carrying, and technical terrain.
Let's check out examples to feed some ideas!
Europe’s Hidden Cycling Gems
Europe may be famous for popular trails like the Rhine and Danube routes, but some alternative paths offer equally stunning landscapes without the crowds.
Via Claudia Augusta, Germany and Italy
Originally a Roman military road, the Via Claudia Augusta winds through charming villages, alpine landscapes, and down into Italy’s sunny valleys, making it a journey through history and beauty.
This route’s unique features include:
- Historical Landmarks: Cyclists can pause at Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, and ancient churches. Points of interest include Füssen’s Hohes Schloss in Germany and Italy’s Lake Garda.
- Natural and Culinary Experiences: From German beer gardens to Italian trattorias, the journey invites riders to savour regional flavours. Italy’s wine country offers tasting stops, while Germany’s alpine trails offer pristine natural scenery.
- Terrain and Accessibility: Mostly paved, this 500-kilometre route is accessible to most cyclists, though the alpine sections can be demanding. Shuttles are available for those who need a boost over steeper passes, allowing all fitness levels to enjoy the path.
- Local Lodging: Small inns and bed-and-breakfasts along the way offer warm hospitality, so be prepared to experience German gemütlichkeit (friendliness) and Italian family-run hospitality.
Alentejo Wine Route, Portugal
Winding through the Alentejo region, this route brings riders through Portugal’s unspoiled countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and white-washed villages.
- Wine and Olive Oil Tastings: The Alentejo region produces some of Portugal's best wines, with tastings along the way allowing riders to savour varietals like Aragonez and Trincadeira. Small wineries often welcome cyclists to explore the vineyards and enjoy locally produced olive oils.
- Historical and Cultural Stops: Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, and bustling markets where travellers can sample regional cheeses and cured meats.
- Terrain Details: This route is characterised by rolling hills and some steeper inclines. While mostly paved, some rural segments require sturdy bike tyres, and routes between villages can feel remote, so carrying sufficient water and food is essential.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide ideal weather for cycling, with fall harvest festivals adding cultural flavour.
Asia’s Hidden Paths for Adventurous Cyclists
Asia’s vast and diverse landscapes offer cycling paths from tropical jungles to soaring mountain trails, with many of these routes off the radar for most tourists.
Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
Northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop, stretching around 600 km, provides breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and an exhilarating physical challenge.
- Breathtaking Mountain Views: The loop’s terrain includes dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and endless vistas, with 1,864 curves that make for a thrilling ride. The Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, is a major highlight.
- Encounters with Communities: The route passes through Karen, Lisu, and Hmong villages. Many local communities offer homestays where cyclists can learn about hill tribe customs and crafts, including intricate weaving and silversmithing.
- Route Difficulty: This path is best for experienced riders. Mountain bikes are a must, as the elevation changes are significant, with sections reaching high altitudes. Bike rental shops in Chiang Mai are equipped to handle this route’s specific needs.
- When to Visit: November to February is the dry season, offering cooler temperatures and clearer views, ideal for a comfortable ride through mountainous terrain.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
While traditionally a trekking destination, the Annapurna Circuit is becoming a sought-after route for mountain bikers and bikepackers looking to explore Nepal’s majestic Himalayan landscapes.
- Mountain Majesty: Cyclists on this 230 km loop will navigate valleys, suspension bridges, and glacial rivers. The high point of Thorong La Pass, at over 5,400 meters, offers panoramic views of snow-covered peaks.
- Cultural Highlights: Passing through ancient villages, riders can visit Buddhist temples and meet people from the Gurung and Thakali communities. Local teahouses serve regional specialities like dal bhat, providing a warm respite along the journey.
- Physical Demands and Preparation: Due to extreme elevation, only advanced riders with proper training should consider this route. Permits are required, and hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
- Season and Weather: The best time to ride is between October and November, or in March, when temperatures are moderate and skies are clearer. Bring appropriate gear for cold nights, as mountain temperatures can drop drastically.
Africa’s Lesser-Known Routes for Cyclists
While Africa has fewer formal cycling routes than other continents, its untouched natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage make it a rewarding destination for adventurous cyclists.
The Wild Coast, South Africa
This rugged, 280 km stretch along the Eastern Cape offers untouched beaches, vibrant Xhosa communities, and stunning coastal views.
- Natural Wonders: Explore secluded beaches, tidal pools, and towering sea cliffs, with sites like the Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation providing memorable photo stops.
- Community Connections: Xhosa villages dot the route, allowing cyclists to learn about Xhosa customs and enjoy regional dishes. Homestay options allow for authentic local experiences.
- Technical Challenges: With limited markers and rough paths, GPS navigation or a local guide is recommended for safety. Some sections require strong legs for climbing.
- Ideal Time to Go: Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather. Cyclists should prepare for quick weather changes along the coast, where high winds can be challenging
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains stretch over 1,000 km across Morocco, presenting challenging climbs, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion.
- Incredible High-Altitude Scenery: Riders navigate through rugged valleys and terraced fields with views that include desert oases and snowy peaks.
- Berber Hospitality: The route winds through Berber villages, where traditional food and cultural practices remain integral to daily life. Sample Moroccan dishes like tagine and learn about traditional crafts such as carpet weaving.
- Terrain Conditions: Advanced mountain bikers and bikepackers will relish this route’s rocky paths, which can be especially difficult in winter due to snow. Spring is ideal, with moderate temperatures.
- Preparation Essentials: Riders should be self-sufficient, carrying food, water, and repair tools. High-altitude gear and a reliable map or GPS are necessary, as the path is remote.
Summary
Choosing a lesser-known route isn’t just about avoiding crowds; it’s about encountering unique sights, deep cultural exchanges, and the thrill of riding in places few others have explored. By preparing thoroughly and embracing the challenges of these routes, you can uncover some of the world’s best-kept secrets - whether it’s a sunset over South Africa’s rugged coastline, the warmth of a family meal in a Berber village, or the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. Adventure awaits those who dare to pedal beyond the familiar.
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