27 Apr Some of My Favourite Place to Ride

Having raced Ironman as a professional, I have travelled to some incredible places to race and train. With the easing of travel restrictions coinciding with the start of the race season, I thought it’d be fun to share some inspiring cycling destinations with you! There’s lots more to come but here are three definite winners:

1. Lanzarote.  Lanzarote is the home of “the toughest Ironman in the world.”  This volcanic island with its unique terrain and intense heat and wind ensures that the riding is both intense and breathtaking. This island is magical to me – I love the vast lava fields that make you feel like you are riding on the moon. Despite the arid landscape, the island is known for its gorgeous vineyards and, of course, the ocean views are spectacular.
2. Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Travelling to Kona during Ironman is exciting with so much intensity surrounding the world championship. However, travelling to Kona during other times of the year is even better. Another volcanic island, the Big Island has so much to offer, including fabulous riding. Doing the Ironman course is a must, but riding off the course is even more spectacular. Riding down and through the tropical Hawaiian foliage with breathtaking views to admire Captain Cook Bay is one of my favourite rides. The heat and wind can also be intense on this island and battling these elements make me feel so alive!
3. Abu Dhabi.  I had the opportunity to race in Abu Dhabi and this was by far the most dynamic trip to date. Part of the bike course was on the Formula One track which was so different from anything else I’d raced. But I also took the opportunity to explore some amazing mosque architecture as well as neighbouring countries of Turkey and Oman while there.

Photo from Triathlete Magazine Canada.