As any cycling enthusiast knows, the world is full of incredible bike routes, each offering its unique blend of breathtaking scenery, cultural treasures, and heart-pounding challenges. But some paths rise above the rest, promising experiences so surreal, you have to see them to believe they exist! Here, we’ll explore the top 10 unbelievable cycling routes that are a must for every cyclist’s bucket list.
- Death Road, Bolivia: Officially known as the North Yungas Road, Death Road is not for the faint-hearted. This 40-mile stretch cuts through the Bolivian Andes and is notorious for its precarious drops. But for thrill-seekers, it offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
- Ring Road, Iceland: Encircling this Nordic island, Iceland’s Ring Road presents cyclists with a medley of natural wonders—from cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains to enormous glaciers and geothermal hot springs.
- Tasmanian Trail, Australia: This 480-km long off-road Tasmanian Trail traverses through some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia, including ancient forests, wild rivers, and beautiful farmlands.
- The Shimanami Kaido, Japan: Connecting Japan’s main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, the Shimanami Kaido offers riders spectacular coastal views as they cross a series of small islands via towering suspension bridges.
- Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA/Canada: Stretching over 2,700 miles from Canada to Mexico, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world, traversing through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
- The Carretera Austral, Chile: This remote 770-mile Carretera Austral winds through the untamed beauty of Chilean Patagonia, past turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and lush temperate rainforests.
- Munda Biddi Trail, Australia: Meaning ‘path through the forest’ in the Noongar Aboriginal language, the Munda Biddi Trail is a 1,000 km long trail through the unspoiled eucalyptus forests and bushland of Western Australia.
- Route du Comte Jean, Belgium/France: The Route du Comte Jean is a historical cycling trail tracing the journey of Count John I of Holland, who traveled from France to the Netherlands in 1297.
- Danube Cycle Path, Europe: The Danube Cycle Path is one of the most popular in Europe. It runs along the Danube River for nearly 1800 miles, passing through ten countries from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea.
- Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, Norway: The Sognefjellet route offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Prepare to be awed by towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, and the mesmerizing turquoise waters of fjords.
FAQs
Q: What is the most challenging bike route in the world? A: Considered by many as the most challenging, the North Yungas Road, or Death Road, in Bolivia is known for its extreme danger due to steep cliffs, narrow path, and lack of guardrails.
Q: Which country has the most bike routes? A: The Netherlands is often considered the most bike-friendly country in the world, with an extensive network of cycling paths.
Q: What is the longest bike route in the world? A: The longest bike route in the world is the Yungas Road, or ‘Death Road,’ in Bolivia, which is about 69 kilometers long.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! From the vertigo-inducing heights of Bolivia’s Death Road to the breathtaking vistas of Norway’s Sognefjellet Route, these bike paths provide not just a route, but an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a history buff, there’s an unbelievable cycling route waiting for you to discover.
