Are you considering a holiday that has more than just the beach, pool and the sunshine, why not consider a cycling holiday?

Bike tours give holidaymakers a change to learn new things about the people, heritage, culture and traditions of the places they visit.

Cycling holidays are fun for singles, couples and families. Many bike tours are available to choose from, depending on where you want to ride and how advanced you are. Different types of trips are created to include a variety of interests. They can last a few hours to a few days to a few months.

You can plan your trip from scratch or pay a fee to ride with a guide. Some services will carry your belongings in a vehicle so you don’t have to haul them the entire trip on your bike.

The Benefits of a Cycling Holiday

There are many reasons to choose a bike tour for your next holiday. Exercise is an obvious benefit. It is a great alternative to the typical holidays that revolve around sandy beaches and relaxation. Some people prefer to be active while on holiday and be able to see and do more during their time off. A cycling trip allows you to see more countryside, more scenery and out of the way places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.

Bike tours are less expensive than the typical holiday trip. Furthermore, you’ll avoid traffic issues, enjoy nature, relieve stress and find peace and tranquility. More adventurous holidaymakers can combine their cycling trip with kayaking, hiking, swimming and camping for a well-rounded holiday.

Why Choose a Cycling Holiday?

The idea of travelling across the country on a bike, inflicting pain on oneself probably seems like an absurd idea to some. Experienced riders, however, enjoy the challenge of the ride. Some are inspired to get in shape by committing to this level of exercise, giving their fitness a purpose. Others like to meet new people and see more from a slower paced trip. Another reason to plan a cycling holiday is to get away from everyday activities. 

A Safe and Comfortable Cycling Holiday

Your safety and comfort on the road is very important. Even an experienced cyclist can experience trouble on the road. Being prepared is essential:

o Do a thorough bike check before your cycling trip. Check the entire bike during the trip too.

o Wear a high quality bike helmet.

o Do a quick study on current road rules for bikers. Heavy traffic and poor weather conditions things are could cause problems with your holiday.

o Pack padded cycling shorts, clothes made with wicking material, protective rain gear, training shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Of course, you also need a supply of water and energy bars.

A Cycling Holiday in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria makes a great spot for cycling because of its mild temperatures year round - the weather in Gran Canaria is excellent for cycling holidays most of the year. The mountainous terrain provides a wonderful backdrop and challenging roads for the bike ride. The roads are fairly quiet, and the views are beautiful. It’s also a good place to train in the winter. For those who would want just a couple of hours cycling locally their are bike hire shops and sometimes they are available via the reception desk at some of the Gran Canaria hotels.

North American Cycling Tours

Cycling holidays in Canada and the U.S. are diverse and plentiful. Not all locations are good for biking year round, but some states (such as Florida and California) do have suitable weather year round. You can choose anything from a 2 day tour to a cross country adventure. Some trips are planned around a theme or a visit to a national park. Alaskan cycling holidays are popular because you can see the glaciers, wildlife and the mountains.

Most cycling holidays are customisable to include food, boarding, hotels and extra activities. They also allow you to ride at your own pace for a great holiday anytime of the year.

Tags: Alaska, bicycle, biking, California, cycling, Florida, Gran Canaria, holidays, Spain, travel, vacations

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm and is filed under Gran Canaria, Spain, canary islands, holidays, vacations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.