Top 3 Cycling Destinations You Will Absolutely Love

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by Sophie She

Top 3 Cycling Destinations You Will Absolutely Love

21 May 2024

Cycling is not only a beautiful way to meditate and stay fit, but also is a great excuse to travel as much as you can. In fact, the cycling community came up with the term (stealing it from we know where) “destination cycling”, which implies that a group of people travels somewhere to cycle. Simple. This can be done in a “cycling camp” format, where you have the organiser and attendees. But also you could go on a trip with your group of friends and just enjoy the great tracks across the world.

Now, enough chit-chat; here is a list of the best cycling destinations we composed together with Huzaifi (but he has allowed us to call him Fi), a Pedal.cc Chief of Social, and a great representative of Dubai’s vibrant cycling community.

Also, don’t forget to check out our article about the best cup of coffee you can find in a Pedal.cc.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Fi: “I've never been there yet, but I always have it in my mind, when someone asks me about the best destination for cycling. Mallorca. Great landscapes, great food, great cycling tracks, great everything.” We recommend packing your bike gear for this one. Located in the Balearic archipelago of Spain, with great weather year-round, this place serves every cyclist's taste, offering smooth coastal roads, challenging mountain climbs, and tranquil countryside lanes. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, the island is a catch for you, boasting a network of well-maintained routes that wind through picturesque villages, olive groves, and citrus orchards. From the iconic ascent of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to leisurely rides along the coastline, Mallorca's cycling offerings are as varied as its breathtaking landscapes.

Photo: Daniel Agudelo

Where to ride? (look for Google map pins inside)

— Port de Pollensa to Cap de Formentor

This cycling route on Mallorca's longest peninsula is famous for its stunning scenery (just look at the pictures, it is absolutely gorgeous). Covering 37 km, it starts with steep bends to Es Colomer lookout, then winds through pine forests and peaks to Formentor lighthouse, offering beautiful sea views. But! Beginners should be careful, and taking a quick break at Formentor beach is a great idea.

— Port de Soller to Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra epitomises cycling in Mallorca, boasting one of the island's most challenging climbs. Beginning at lovely Port de Soller, this 38 km route takes about three hours, passing by the majestic Puig Major, Mallorca's tallest peak. Be cautious of narrow roads and busy traffic in peak season on the higher parts, so starting early is wise.

— Valldemossa to Soller

The highlight of this well-loved route is the Col de Soller, a stunning ascent and descent featuring over 50 hairpin turns, elevating you nearly 500 m through picturesque mountain scenery. Covering 30 km, it can be finished in less than two hours. Alternatively, you can return via the coastal path passing through the charming mountain village of Deia, extending the trip to a memorable four-hour round journey, sure to be a topic of conversation for months to come.

— Felanitx to Puig de San Salvador

This one stands out as one of Mallorca's finest. Begin your journey by heading east from the picturesque village of Felanitx. Within moments, you'll find yourself tackling a challenging 5 km incline, navigating sharp bends along the way. The scenery is impressive, so prepare your jaw to have a whole day of “woah”.

This is a wrap of our favourite routes, but here are the rest of the tracks you may enjoy:

— Andratx to Pollensa

— Alaró-Bunyola-Orient-Alaró

— Palma to Arenal

— Arenal to Llucmajor to Arenal

— Manacor to Arta

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fi: “Chiang Mai is my home, and it is definitely a spot I’d recommend. It is like all adventures in one steep mountain forest due to its unexpected weather. You start the climb with the hot climate, and then you're descending with the rain.” To give you some context, Chiang Mai, located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, stands out as an enchanting cycling destination blending cultural richness with natural beauty. Cyclists can explore a myriad of routes ranging from leisurely rides through verdant rice fields to exhilarating mountain ascents into the surrounding hills. We recommend going there during the dry season from November to February, as it will be ideal conditions for cycling adventures.

Photo: Bharath Mohan

Where to ride?

After this beautiful introduction, here is a great source on all the beautiful routes this place offers.

According to the source, here is the list of favourites: (map links inside)

— Ban Khun Chang Khian to Huay Tueng Thao

Great route with a twist — the ascent to Doi Pui peak in the upper segment cyclists recommend taking a left at the Thai Sala, as it will be followed by a stunning yet challenging single-track path tracing the northern ridge of Doi Pui down to the village. Expect it to be steep terrain in certain areas.

— Doi Suthep to Doi Pui

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is a beautiful National Park in the area, situated near the mountain we are interested in.

The road ascending this mountain leads to two distinct peaks. The first is Doi Suthep, situated approximately 1,000 m above sea level. It is adorned with Buddhist temples and golden pagodas and offers stunning vistas of Chiang Mai city. Further along the same route lies Doi Pui Summit, the road's highest point, reaching nearly 1,600 m in elevation.

Here you can find a local cycling club that you are welcome to join to enrich this challenge with some new faces and experienced ride leaders.

— San Kamphaeng (the hot springs heaven) to Ban Pang Ma No

Still showing off the beautiful routes from Cycling Chiang Mai.

Mae Kampong, a lovely village located over 1,100 m high, lies snugly within a valley near the steep Mae On district, 60 km to the east of Chiang Mai.

The journey includes Instagram-worth roads through paddy fields; challenging hairpin bends with gradients exceeding 20%, and quaint Thai farmsteads in mango groves, tea plantations, and coffee farms. Chef’s kiss — travellers encounter picturesque waterfalls, babbling creeks, and ornate Buddhist temples along the way.

To be fair, Chiang Mai has way more to offer, so don’t forget to check in with the local cycling communities!

Malaysia

Fi: “In Malaysia, I've done a cycling camp with my close friend. But not in the high altitude, more like foundation cycling training. So mostly light ride, coffee ride, but longer distance.” Malaysia has a mix of everything — city streets, countryside paths, and even mountain trails. The weather is usually nice, not too hot or rainy. People love cycling around places like Penang Island, where you can see beaches and temples. In Cameron Highlands, there are lots of tea fields and hills to ride through. If you are up for a challenge, try climbing up Genting Highlands for some amazing views. And in Sabah, near Mount Kinabalu, you can pedal through lush forests and see beautiful waterfalls. Malaysia is a great spot for all kinds of cyclists to explore and enjoy the scenery!

Photo: Ahmad Azwan Azman

Where to ride?

As noted, Malaysia offers a fascinating blend of landscapes, cultures, and climates. Here are some of the most popular cycling routes, we tipped above:

— Penang Island Loop

Charming streets and scenic coastline of Penang Island are on stage in this picturesque route. Starting from George Town, cyclists can cruise along the island's northern coast, passing through traditional fishing villages, lush hillsides, and historic landmarks such as the Kek Lok Si Temple.

— Cameron Highlands Circuit

A challenging journey through the breathtaking highlands of Pahang. This route takes cyclists through tea plantations, strawberry farms, and mist-covered mountains. The cooler temperatures provide a refreshing escape from Malaysia's tropical climate.

— Genting Highlands Climb

Test your climbing skills on this iconic route to the summit of Genting Highlands, one of Malaysia's most famous hill resorts. Starting from Kuala Lumpur, cyclists face a challenging ascent with steep gradients and hairpin bends. Still, the panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and distant city skyline make it all worthwhile.

— Kinabalu Park Route

For adventurous cyclists, the Kinabalu Park in Sabah offers an unforgettable ride through the rugged terrain surrounding Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak! The route takes you through dense rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside crystal-clear rivers.

by Sophie She