Cycling away from the crowds
Finding cycling locations for adventure
Recent news articles have shown that those previously welcoming Spanish islands are no longer welcoming – in fact, that’s an understatement. Protests are now frequent, and the local transport services are frankly fed up with cyclists all over the road, blocking local traffic from free passage. Ultimately, they have a valid point. There are too many visitors on two wheels,all seeking fase fame. Rather than finding peace and tranquility in the mountains, it can be like cycling around Trafalgar Square in London – and that is no fun at all.
With this in the background to any cycling holiday you plan, the question then arises: where should I go? It can be difficut to decide, but fear not. Our riders search out amazing locations so that you don’t have to. They also live in amazing places, and get to ride some epic routes whenever they like. For instance, I’m lucky enough to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and a short ride from the North Yorks Moors National Park, or the Howardian Hills – each as spectacular as anywhere abroad, and all challenging. There are some 2 hour rides I can take when I see only a handful of cars as I pass through picture-postcard villages that look like film sets. And, if I plan correctly, I can ride all day and see very fewcars or people, weaving along winding country roads, and descending ribboned roads that fall magically across the sublime landscape.
Cafe stops for cyclists who love cake
One of the great things about riding here in North Yorkshire are the cafe stops. The baking is unrivalled, and the choice of teas and coffees is also superb. They’ve been catering for tourists for a long time, and they know exactly haow to refill and replenish those carbs.
Whether you choose the famed ‘Cafe in the Square’ at rural Masham, or the Leadout Cycling Clubhouse cafe at Bedale, you can guarentee that the refreshments will be worth a future visit. Fundamentally too, cycling should be about taking the time to relax with friends over coffee and cake, and shre those epic riding moments. Creating memories is far more important than collecting Strava kudos.
When I’m overseas, I also have favourite cafe stops. Lumos in Sibiu, Transylvania is amazing, nestled in the centre of this historic World Heritage Site city centre – a living musuem that burns into your heart and soul. Their toasted snacks and salads are to die for – following which you can cycle out to Paltinis with the Carpathian Mountains rising beside you. Or alternatively, ride out to one of the nearby villages, with Saxon history all around you – fortified churches, cottages and cobbles. And, if you visit Sibiu in July, you also get to see their world famous FITS Arts Festival – second globally to the famed Edinburgh Festival – but for me, Sibiu FITS is far better. There’s also the chance to cycle up the famed Transfagarasan Road in a closed road sportive event.
Jeremy Clarkson rightly called this ‘the best road in the world’, and having cycledit twice, I have to agree.
Cafe on the Square, Masham & Cafe Lumos, Sibiu
Cycling some of the best roads & trails in Europe
If Sibiu and Transylvania isn’t yet on your radar, then give your head a shake. As well as being home to writers here at Pedalnorth, Alex and Teodora, and previously to Larisa who wrote for us for 7 years, Sibiu and the surrounding Fagaras Mountains are home to some of the best road cycling routes in Europe. The UCI and UEC have also noticed the quality of the trails, with nearby mountan resorts hosting world class mountain biking championships.
There’s the epic TRIADA Mountain Bike race series throughout the year, with routes planned by former Olympian , Tudor Oprea. Whether you ride enduro, trail bike, cross country mtb or even gravel, the forested mountains will provide you with seemingly endless trails, and superb apre cycling in nearby Sibiu.
Alex and Teo run their own guiding company locally, and they’ve already hosted several overseas travellers in search of isolated adventures in epic mountain locations. The mountains of Transylvania are rightly regarded as Europe’s last great wilderness. When the crowds are packing the trails elsewhere, Paltinis can offer that escapism, along with some of the best road and mountain biking in Europe – with unequalled history and culture alongside.
Where are the best places to ride – be surprised
It’s an interesting question: where are the best places for a cycling holiday? I’m not convinced that its where it used to be – those crowded roads and crwded towns are not as welcoming as they once were. Thankfully though, both North Yorkshire and Transylvania share several key ingrediants for the best cycling trip in Europe:
- Epic road cycling routes
- Amazing landscapes
- Great cafe stops
- A wealth of accommodation choices at all price points
- Brilliant bike shops
- Easy access for transport
- Tranquility
With international flights to either Leeds, Newcastle, or Manchester, North Yorkshire is as easy as stepping on a flight. For 2027, Max will also be offering his gravel and road cycling tours here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with stays at the beautiful Swinton Castle hotel near Masham.
Likewise, Sibiu has an international airport, with direct flights from London, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Vienna and Rome, it’s even more accessible. Once here, you can stay in 4 star quality hotels, such as my own favourite, The Art Hotel in Sibiu’s old town, walking distance from everything, and with a pedestrianised city centre allowing you soak up the myriad of historic buildings. You can then plan your cycling or take on a guide, such as Alex for: road,mtb or gravel.
Yes, there are epic alternatives to the Spanish Islands for 2027, and hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to take further. Why not search our online routes database and put together your own unique cycling adventures. Don’t ever follow the crowd to the crowded venues and locations.
Join the cycling revolution and find adventure in epic places you hadn’t considered. After all, don’t we all seek that perfect ride, that spiritual cycling experience? It is still possible – you just need to know where to look!
