Top 10 Road Cycling Trips

There's nothing quite like cycling an unknown road, to scenic vistas, by the sweat of your own brow and

under yourown power. Whether you're new to biking or have been at it for years, regardless of whether

you consider yourself a beginner or a professional, it can be tough to select the course that's right for you.

Here's a quick sampling of the best opportunities for road (not mountain) cycling tours and adventures

available today!

1. Cycling the San Juan Islands

Washington State's San Juan Islands are a

perfect vacation for the avid biker. After a short

ferry ride from Seattle, riders are treated to some

of the most soothing countryside in North

America: black-tailed deer, great blue herons,

flocks of sheep and fields of tulips. While you ride

to the top of Mt. Constitution, you'll surely enjoy

the fantastic scenery- perhaps you'll want to stop

to pick some wild berries, too. If you're looking

for a laid-back, intermediate-skill level week of

road cycling fun, this is the trip for you.

2. Rocky Mountain High Altitude Cycling

Colorado's Rockies contain an incredible wealth

of cycling opportunities that have gone unnoticed

by most even in the biking world. On this tour,

you'll experience these beautifully untouched

paths: Taylor Canyon, Taylor Park, Poncha Pass,

Slumgullion Pass, Lake City. For the discerning

cyclist, no place other than the Rockies can offer

such a challenging, unique experience. You'll

treasure each moment- even on the uphill!

3. Royal Vermont Cycling

Vermont's scenic vistas are yet another hidden

gem for road bikers, right here in the USA.

Between Burke Hollow, Westmore and Black

River, your cycling expectations are sure to be

met. While you're there, don't hesitate to jump on

the opportunity to kayak down the White

Mountain Stream or hike up to the summit of Mt.

Pisgah. As they say, variety's the spice of life!

4. Alps Pro Bike Tour

If you're looking for a challenge, this Alps tour

de force is right up your alley; or, if I may,

mountain. There's nothing quite like following in

the pedal-strokes of Armstrong and Hinault, on

these courses tailor-made for the experienced

biker.When you summit the Queen's Path, King's

Way and the peak of the Alpe d'Huez, nothing

before will prepare you for the sense of

accomplishment and pride you'll feel upon

touching your foot to solid ground once again.

5. Cycling The Oregon Coast

This week-long, 360-mile trek from Stevens State

Park down to Florence, OR is nothing to be trifled

with. However, while you'll occasionally ride 60

miles in a day, there's plenty of fun to be had on

the way: you'll see Rockaway Beach as your ride

by Tillamook's famous cheese factory, and have

the opportunity to go on a hike to Hart's Cove and

get plenty of surfing done in Pacific City. It's the

perfect blend of relaxation and serious road

cycling.

6. Biking Prince Edward Island

On the other side of the continent, Canada's

Prince Edward Island offers just as much coastal

riding adventure. From the glassy calm of

Malpeque Bay to the quiet tranquility of

Confederation Trail, this 6-Day journey into some

of Canada's most magnificent examples of

natural beauty offers an opportunity for a

splendid retreat for people of all stripes, into the

bliss of a true cycling odyssey.

7. Mystical Bhutan Cycling Adventure

Now for the exotic! This cycling trip in Asia is

more than a mere chance to stretch your legs. On

your journey, you'll see the monasteries of

Dodina and walk through the National Institute

of Zorig Chusum, ascend to the spiritually-

energized Dochula Pass and pass through deep,

meditative forests. This two-week venture into

such a wild and ancient land is sure to be

genuinely unforgettable.

8.Northern Californian Bike Tour

There are few places that can compare to Santa

Rosa and the rest of San Francisco's northern

neighbors as far as spectacular nature is

concerned. And, as far as cyclists are concerned,

it takes the cake! On this trip you'll have the

chance to feel the wind in your hair as you climb

the oak-thick hills of the Coast Range, smell the

salt of the sea air by Point Arena Lighthouse, not

to mention taste the wines of Sonoma County and

have the opportunity go hiking near the city of

Mendocino.

9. Costa Rican Bicycle Tour

On this trip, you'll arrive in San Jose- and quickly

get out of the city, adventuring into the San

Carlos plains. If you're up for it, the mountainous

villages of Monterrey await on high-altitude

trails, where you'll have a spectacular view of

Arenal Volcano. Here, you'll find the best of

Central America on a wonderful week-long

adventure.

10. Glacier Park/Waterton Lakes Cycling Adventure

And last, but certainly not least, another Canadian adventure! Waterton Lakes is a

beautiful mountain locale, situated just above Montana's Glacier Park, and is just

waiting for you to cycle in its fresh, pure mountain air. On this tour, you'll pedal through

Logan Pass, the Triple Divide and even have time to go on some option hikes near Crypt

Lake and Carthew Alderson. This trip is not for the faint of heart; you'll be traveling 60+

miles a day, not including any additional hiking. Regardless, it's certainly the journey of

a lifetime.