European Cycle Tourism

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Home to the 3 road cycling grand tours, the majority of the World Cup MTB locations, Europe is a paradise for cycling holidays, either on a guided tour or self-sufficient. With an increasing number of ebike cycle tours too, a whole world of adventure is now accessible for all.

From epic road climbs in the Italian Alps, to the whipping down seemingly endless descents on alpine trails, or touring Europe’s largest freshwater lake at Lake Balaton in Hungary, there really is something for everyone. Transylvania is a hidden gem within Europe, filled with beautiful mountains to explore on trail or tarmac, including the epic Transgarafasen road  and a wealth of history for apré ride activities too.

Let us help you to discover the possibilities of a Bikecation adventure in Europe, with our expert guides on  where to ride and places to stay. Just sit back and enjoy the journey with us.

Take a look below at the awesome routes and Bikecation suggestions below. Each of these has been visited, ridden and enjoyed by our team here at Pedalnorth, so that you can rely on our truly independent advice.

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    Col de Petit St Bernard Cycling Route

    One of the classics of the alps and steeped in history, it is believed the Carthaginian general Hannibal used this very route. The road connects Bourg st Maurice on the edge of the Isere in France with the Aosta Valley in Italy via the french resorts of La rosiere and La thuile on the Italian side.
    June 26, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Ditchling Beacon

    It is possible to find country lane road cycling routes in Sussex and London. The classic Ditchling Beacon road cycling climb is an example, cycling from Balcombe to Brighton.
    June 19, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Colle dell Agnello Cycling Route

    The Colle dell'Agnello links Italy and France, and at 2,744 m (9,003 ft), it is the third highest paved road pass of the Alps. This route takes in a hard ascent, with a break in the mountains before the return. Maybe consider an overnight 😉
    June 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Romania 5 Top Cycling Climbs

    There are places in the world that are not only still relatively undiscovered, but that also have road cycling climbs that rank alongside any cycling climbs in the world - welcome to Romania cycling, or to be precise - it's time to be transfixed by Transylvania!
    June 7, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Col de la Lombarde Cycle Route

    Crossing between France and Italy, Col de la Lombarde (or Colle della Lombarda) is a high mountain pass cycle route, above the French ski resort Isola, and above the Italian mountain resort of Vinadio, famous for its historic Forte.
    June 5, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Tre Cime di Lavaredo Cycle Route

    The Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a short but beautiful Italian road cycling route and is ideal for a cycling holiday in Italy
    May 27, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Colle del Nivolet Cycle Route

    The Colle del Nivolet is a great Italian road cycling route and is ideal for a cycling holiday in Italy, with lots of great places to stay, and a great selection of Italian road cycling routes into the mountains to chose from nearby.
    May 14, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Great St Bernard Pass Cycle Route

    The Great St Bernard Pass, known in Italy as the Colle del Gran San Bernardo is a cycling route that looks a every inch a classic cycling route, linking Italy with Switzerland
    May 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Italian Road Cycling and Mountain Biking Routes

    Take a look at our selection of road cycling and mountain biking routes in Italy, including the cycling routes across the great Italian mountain passes, all with a selection of accommodation to choose from nearby

    Italy Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Italy has a passion for road cycling and tough mountain based cycling routes such as the Italian passes. It’s also a world class venue for mountain biking routes, with awesome trails to test the best. Take a look at our special selection of routes, and choose accommodation for the ideal bike holiday in Italy

    Timmelsjoch Cycle Route

    The Timmelsjoch (Passo del Rombo) is an iconic road cycling route in Italy, and one of the most beautiful of Italian cycling routes. The road twists its way to the summit
    May 10, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Livigno Pass Cycle Route

    The Livigno Pass is one of the highest paved roads in Europe and it connects the Bernina Pass in Switzerland with Livigno in Italy.
    May 7, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Colle Della Fauniera Cycle Route

    The Colle Fauniera is a mountain pass in the Cottian Alps, Piedmont, northern Italy, located at 2,480+ m elevation. It's one of the roughest of road surfaces, but still one of the greatest of Italian road cycling climbs
    May 6, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Avrig and Fagaras Mountains MTB Route

    This is a short but testing forestry mountain bike trail near Sibiu, with some great technical sections and lots of descending, after the steep inital climbing 😉 It's a useful spring and summer mtb route for a morning or afternoon ride, before relaxing in this unique area of a Europe - transfixing Transylvania
    May 2, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Rucar Bran Pass Cycling Route

    Castle Bran is famous for the legend of Vlad and this route is a legendary road cycling climb in Transylvania, taking you through amazingly beautiful scenery
    May 1, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Trans Bucegi Highway Cycling Route

    Heading out from historic Peles Castle near Brasov, this short road cycling route in Transylvania is a real classic. It takes the road up to the mountain plateau above Sinaia and Busteni, and is a cul de sac road, meaning that the only purpose is to simply climb the road for the views and experience
    May 1, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Busteni Forests MTB Route

    Busteni is a great mountain sports resort in Transylvania. This short mountain bike route into the forest close to the Transylvania mountain resort town, has some testing technical trails and is perfect for a spring or summer spin
    April 30, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website
    Bikepacking in the Alps

    Tour du Mont Blanc Cycle Route

    This is the Tour du Mont Blanc, so what more needs to be said - it's tough, beautiful and extremely rewarding. Just read the route article below and follow the GPX file, and have an amazing ride!
    April 30, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Brasov to Rasnov Cycle Route

    A short but steep climbers route, deep in the Transylvania hills, from historic Brasov to Rasnov, with time for a coffee and cake, before returning over the tree lined highway
    April 29, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website
    Transylvania mountain bike

    Paltinis Forest MTB Trails

    Deep in the Transylvania mountains, Paltinis is an area that every mountain biker would want to explore. Take a trip and stay at nearby historic Sibiu as you ride the wilderness forests of Romania
    April 29, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website
    Ladies long sleeve cycling jersey by Cycology

    Brasov South West Hills Short MTB

    Larisa lives riding the forested hills around Brasov in Transylvania, and this route takes you along some awesome local trails, with epic views and technical riding
    April 28, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Brasov Hills Short MTB

    A short but testing ride into the forests around historic Brasov in Transylvania. This is a superb short mountain ride to get you familiar with the local trails
    April 28, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Busteni and Omu Peak MTB

    Busteni is a great mountain resort, with awesome mountain biking trails all around in the forests. The trails are steep and technical, and the Transylvania hospitality is superb
    April 27, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Magura and Carpathians MTB

    Magura is a good mountain resort for facilities, and nearby Brasov is excellent for all of your needs, and you can book a great place to stay and enjoy the superb trails nearby. It’s a tough mountain route, so please take sufficient drink and snacks with you, although villages on the edges will have options, they are limited.

    The adventurous can also book at stay in the mountains at Cabana Curmătura, which is along the start of this route
    April 26, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Busteni Rolling Hills MTB

    This area is wild and beautiful, with natural rugged forest single track trails in the forests around Fetifoiu ridge, steep and tough climbs and awesome descents. It's a real lung busting ride, but with the type of trails that will leave you smiling, with the long singletrack descent alongside the river to Busteni
    April 26, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Busteni Forests and Hills

    This area is wild and beautiful, with natural rugged forest single track trails in the forests around Fetifoiu ridge, steep and tough climbs and awesome descents. It's a real lung busting ride, but with the type of trails that will leave you smiling, with the long singletrack descent to Busteni

    Sibiu to Paltinis Cycle Route

    The road to Paltinis is a regular ride on the Tour of Sibiu race. It’s one of the finest road cycling climbs in Transylvania, to the highest resort in Romania, Paltinis is also a favourite area for our own Larisa 🙂
    April 21, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Sighișoara to Făgăraș Cycle Route

    This is two routes really, that make up one amazing bike trip between two of the most beautifil cities in Transylvania. The first day is long and filled with climbs, while day two allows you more time to explore and has lots of descending For extra smiles
    April 20, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Sibiu to Medias Cycle Route

    Sibiu is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, with history everywhere. The historic centre has superb hotels and AirBNB choices to suit all budgets. Medias is a wonderful historic town in the hills, with excellent accommodation choices for all budgets
    April 18, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

    Lugano 66 Bike Route

    One of the most attractive trails in the Ticino area, winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the imposing Monte Tamaro to the hilly forest of Malcantone.
    March 1, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website
    Tailfin pannier

    Heart of France

    If you’re looking for a spectacular cycling tour in northern France, then this is for you. A route from Mont St Michel to the heart of France and back.
    Larisa Chinces riding Bianchi at Brimham Rock Road

    Cycling Nidderdale

    Ssh…don’t tell anyone about this place. It’s a real gem and a secret cycling centre of excellence – Nidderdale. With the long and winding ascent – or descent – of Greenhow Hill, coupled with Lofthouse Bank, it has climbs to match anywhere
    December 13, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website
    Garvia Pass Cycling Route

    Gavia Pass and Mortirolo Pass

    Both the Gavia and the Mortirolo Passes are full of history and pain, being well known within the Giro. Yes, this is a tough ride, but it will reward you with epic views
    November 25, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website
    Stelvio Pass cycling Route

    Stelvio Pass Cycle Route

    There are some road cycling routes that are simply iconic. You only need to see an image of this amazing road to understand why the Stelvio Pass is one such Italian road cycling legend.
    November 23, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website
    Laura Celdran Picos de Europe mountain bike

    Return to Picos De Europe

    Here's an awesome trip in an area that we know well, taken by our friend in Spain, Laura 🙂 If you like adventure, you'll love this trip and want to ride in this beautiful mountain area yourself.
    November 21, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Italian Passes Cycling Routes

    With some of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world, we think that it's time to visit Italy and to cycle some Of the best road cycling routes in Italy, cycling the Italian passes. Cycling in the Italian mountains, especially cycling in the Dolomites, is a fantastic experience
    L’Ardechoise

    L’Ardechoise 2019

    The Ardéche is well known amongst those seeking to explore it's spectacular gorges and relax by or explore its meandering rivers. Many are unaware that the region consists of high mountains too, further south, reaching over 1750m
    November 2, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Forests and Mountains

    For me, Whinlatter was like a playground. I had so much fun on the muddy and rocky trails and riding straight into puddles. The Orange Four bike made it easier for me to enjoy the trails.
    October 17, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Sibiu and its Parks

    This is a superb evening or morning ride around the outskirts of the historic city of Sibiu, home to Larisa, taking in the beautiful city park.
    April 16, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Touring Lake Balaton Part 3

    So it is our last day cycling, and I was both excited and sad at the same time. We had all become great friends during our tour, led by Tamas, with Peter and Laszlo keeping us supplied with water, coke and lots and lots of humour.
    March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Touring Lake Balaton Part 2

    Setting off from our hotel with a larger peloton, today was to be a day of twisting roads, climbing and history, as we took a long flat road towards the rising countryside of Hungary and the magnificent Balaton area, filled with culture
    March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Touring Lake Balaton Part 1

    Arriving at the airport, the first thing I saw was a large sign saying #helloHungary. Speaking to Tamas, this is a drive by Hungary to promote tourism, of which cycling is a key part.
    March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Romania Bikecation Trips

    Described as being Europe's last great wilderness, Romania is a truly amazing and beautiful country, with the magnificent Carpathian Mountains standing sentinel above towns and cities such as Sibiu, filled with medieval history and a wealth of culture. It's a cycling country that should be on every riders bucket list.

    Romania Mountain Biking Routes

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    Romania Road Cycling Routes

    A land of myth and legend, of beautiful countryside, enchanting villages, and historic castles - Romania is all of this and more. Cycling in Transylvania is transfixing, with epic mountain roads and scenic Saxon villages, cycling in Transylvania has so much to offer riders seeking a unique and magical cycling tour

    Lake District Road Cycling Routes

    The English Lake District is home to legendary road cycling climbs and passes, such as Honister Pass, The Struggle near Ambleside, and Whinlatter Pass. The cycling routes here are varied and hard, providing amazing views across the beautiful landscape

    Yorkshire Dales Road Cycling Routes

    The Tour de France helped to show the world how great cycling in Yorkshire really is. With the Tour de Yorkshire now being a regular event on the UCI continental tour calendar, cycling in Yorkshire continues to grow, and members of our team live and ride in the heart of it, bring you the best cycling routes in Yorkshire

    Cevennes Gorges France

    We have Phil Deeker of Rapha Cent Cols fame to thank for this, after we spotted some amazing photos on social media a couple of years ago, and also having watched Ray Meares' " Wild France" programme on TV. The region was described as being tranquil with a spectacular landscape; mountains, gorges and limestone plateaus.
    February 20, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Mont Ventoux and Gorge de la Nesque

    Cycle one the legendary and best road cycling routes in France. Mont Ventoux is a classic road cycling route and one of the very best in the world.
    February 20, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Lago del Naret Switzerland

    So the climb up to Lago del Narèt is a real insider tip for those, who are looking for quiet routes, breathtaking landscapes and who are not shying away from a long and hard climb
    February 20, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Italian Dolomites – Corvara

    A classic ride out on this sportive based route. The official route starts in Corvara, taking on Passos Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena, returning to Corvara, a second ascent of the Campolongo, on to Passo Giau.
    February 20, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

    Sibiu and Transgarafasan Highway

    I've cycled this route now several times, raced up it and sped down it. I've spent time in these mountains and they hold my heart, with their beauty. I know that you'll love this road too - so lets go and climb it!
    February 19, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website
    Peak District mtb

    Peak District Mountain Bike Routes

    The Peak District is the favourite National Park in the U.K.. The mountain buike trails vary, from the rugged and wild Dark Peak, to the limestone valleys of the White Peak, but all provide a superb day mountain biking in the Peak District National Park

    Lake District Mountain Bike Routes

    With two great forest centres too, at Grizedale and Whinlatter, the Lake District should be on every mountain bikers list. The area is also filled with accommodation options and great places to eat, including the legendary Wilf's Cafe at Staveley - so get along to the Lakes and ride in some of the most beautiful and technically testing areas of the UK.

    Yorkshire Dales Mountain Bike Routes

    We've listed a selection of the best mtb routes in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Many of the routes can be linked quite easily to take you further and increase the challenge. They are designed in the main as bite size chunks that will provide excellent rides for most abilities.

    Mountain Bike C2C

    This is a tough 7 day outing at best. We liaised with the Lakes and Moors National Parks in particular, to ensure that our route was full of remote riding awesomeness. Now, it’s time for you to try out the best MTB C2C in the U.K. - in partnership with Orbea (U.K.)
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