05 May The Places My Bike Takes Me: Cycling Destinations Continued

As promised, here are three more of my favourite riding destinations (one that is close, one that is a far away, and one that is somewhere in-between):

Haliburton, Ontario:  If you like the challenge and the adventure of mountain biking, Haliburton Forest has over 300kms of incredible trails to choose from. There are also many great gravel roads in the area if being off the beaten path, away from busy traffic appeals to you! If riding many kilometers on smooth, tree-lined paved roads, past beautiful lakes is your think then the road-riding in the Haliburton Highlands is fantastic.  T Train rider, Belinda, organizes a fabulous ride for friends that starts from Toronto and ends in the heart of the Highlands, along with a glass of wine and a jump in the cool Lipsy Lake water.

 

North and South Carolina, USA: There are both flat and hilly options for rides in the Carolinas, but admittedly I am inspired by and love the challenge of the climbing routes.  The spectacular scenery of Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell, or Ceasar’s Head National Park will make you forget how hard the climbs are!  Hiking in Table Rock or a visit to Hotel Domestique (established by legendary cyclist George Hincapie) make South Carolina a serious cycling hub. I need to go back and ride up Sassafraz Mountain which is the highest point in the State of South Carolina.  Anyone want to join me?

 

Mallorca, Spain (Spain’s second largest island): Cycling in Mallorca is a dream. The mountain riding in the north is spectacular. The views of the Balearic sea are breath-taking and the mountain switchbacks can feel endless. With flatter options to ride along the coastline, Mallorca is by far one of my most favourite cycling destinations. The famous road to Sa Calobra, designed by Italian-Spanish engineer Antonio Parietti has a one of the most intense switchbacks I’ve ever ridden, and the ride out to Cap de Formentor is mind-blowing. My athlete Anja, just traveled to Mallorca to tackle the “Mallorca 312” which is a gruelling 312km ride all over the island with over 5000m of ascent. She rocked it!