Cycling Paradises: 100 Bike Tours of the World's Most Breathtaking Places to Pedal by Claude Droussent, Universe Publishing. 2018
Imagine exploring the world on two wheels - slow down, relax and really experience the countryside, moving no faster than your legs can pedal. Just think about the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and nothing in front of you except open road. What do you prefer? Perhaps it's scenic mountain views or a sweeping expanse of ocean. Maybe you'd like the hustle and bustle of city riding or would rather meander along a country road, miles away from another human being. Whatever your preference, they have it covered in Cycling Paradises: 100 Bike Tours of the World's Most Breathtaking Places to Pedal.
The book consists of 208 Pages with 100 color photographs and is broken down into four chapters...
- Road
- Mountain
- City
- Touring
Each chapter features 25 different locations around the globe, taking you to spots in the United States, China, Italy, Iceland, Turkey, Russia, Japan, Australia and France, just to name a few.
The Grand Canyon would be high on my personal list. The White Rim Road is 70 miles in length and the suggested time frame is 3-4 days....
Cycling Paradises features maps of each location, as well as the time frame suggested for each trip, distances, gradients, the trip difficulty, sites to visit along the way, and recommended pit stops - you know, where to brake for a good meal and a well deserved glass of wine or beer.
Feel like checking out a picturesque windmill village? Then visit the Windmills of Zaanse Schans in Amsterdam where children are taught how to ride at an early age and there are nearly as many bicycles as there are inhabitants.
Argentina will thrill you with its alpine altitudes. Take the "Road of the Seven Lakes" for endurance riding and touring while you enjoy green rivers, tumbling cascades and awesome viewpoints!
Cycle between sea and hills and then swoon at the gorgeous waters of Dubrovnik, Croatia. You will enjoy 5 ferry rides during your week long journey. Part of your trip will also consist of a 4900 ft. climb thru 27 hairpin turns that will lead you to a rocky wall overlooking the town. Are your legs ready?
Visit temples and paddy fields in Indonesia, ride beside pineapple and grapefruit plantations in Polynesia, or coffee and banana plantations in Jamaica. If cold weather cycling is more your style then head to Anchorage, Alaska with a fatbike and your winter gear. Luxuriant vegetation and the Tijuca Forest await you in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil....
No matter what type of bicycle or terrain you prefer, there is a path for you. A whole world of options exists and more are opening every day as bicycling becomes more and more popular. Go for a day, a week, a month or a year. There are bike trails waiting for every level of experience. So grab a bike and hit the road. As for me, I think I'll head out to San Francisco and pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge. I'll throw you a wave from Marin County!
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(I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Photo images are the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced without consent.)
