Few of us have spent a lifetime pedaling the world in search of the perfect path to ride. Ron van Dijk, European cycling director for the active travel company Austin-Lehman Adventures, is an exception. Ron has personally logged well over 10,000 miles on the seat of a bike and offers up his top ten favorite day rides.
1. Salzach Valley from Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg, Austria (115 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
This is by far, the most scenic of all the routes I’ve ridden. With the snowcapped Grossglockner and many other mountains by your side, enjoy lots of downhill and flat meadows (and a few ups) as you descend from Gerlos Pass (1628m = 5340 ft) to Salzburg (443m = 1450 ft).
2. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA (50 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is perhaps the most exhilarating and challenging way to see one of the United States’ most precious gems. Winding around curves and pumping your legs as you crawl up the Continental Divide at Logan Pass will give you a new found appreciation of the only road that runs through the heart of Glacier. When you reach “the summit”, stare for miles around at the jaw-dropping views in all directions, take pride in knowing you conquered the pass, and smile when you know an epic downhill is waiting for you on the other side!
3. Tulip fields near Keukenhof, Netherlands (20 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
April is THE time to go. The colors and the scents of the flowers (tulips, narcissus, hyacinth) get you high…, in a natural way! And the North-Sea is nearby, just across the dunes.
4. Danube Valley from Linz or Enns to Krems, Austria (80 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
Easy cycling along the wide river makes this an unforgettable experience. Especially the stretch through the wine region of Wachau between Melk and Dürnstein (23 miles) is some of the most pleasant cycling you’ll encounter anywhere in Europe. And be sure to visit the Baroque abbey of Melk, it’s a masterpiece!
5. Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz, Germany (132 miles):
ALA/Euro-Bike tour along Germany's Mosel River (Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
You’ll need four days to do this stretch. Every couple of miles you’ll pass another quaint wine village, each tempting you with its delicious white Riesling wine. Throughout the trip you will always be surrounded by the steep hills covered with vineyards, as you follow cycle paths along the river. Essentially, it can be considered as a downhill trip (very, very gently) and you are even making use of the prevailing winds. There are numerous Roman buildings to be discovered in Trier, and a hilltop castle or ruin around every bend of the river.
6. Rioja Vineyards between Logroño and Haro, Spain (35 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
This is best done in the fall (October), when the leaves are turning. The colors are incredible no matter in which direction you look. And you’ve got the roads virtually to yourself. Villages and towns to include are La Puebla de la Barca, Laguardia, Navaridas, Elciego, Baños de Ebro, San Vicente, Rivas de Tereso, and of course Haro. Prepare yourself for some hills. And be sure to visit some of the tapas bars in Haro for an unforgettable and fun meal while mingling with the locals.
7. The Mickelson Trail, South Dakota, USA (110 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
The Mickelson Trail, South Dakota’s first rails to trails project, follows the abandoned Burlington Northern line that took trains from Edgemont, South Dakota up north to the Black Hills and gold mines of the Deadwood area. You’ll see a lot of different country ranging from unique granite rock formations to hay bale-dotted farmland. A few highlights are riding through blasted hard-rock tunnels and over 100 converted railroad bridges. Careful of the wild turkeys crossing the path!
8. South-Tyrol from Reschen Pass to Merano, Italy (50 miles):
Reschensee mit Kirche - Reschensee with church 18 (Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
Starting at the top of the pass, it’s all pretty much all downhill for about 50 miles on specially marked bike paths, and you’re always surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa town of Merano.
9. Dordogne Valley between Argentat and Beynac, France (110 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
One of my favorite regions of France, for its authenticity, the solitude, the great food, the old Romanesque churches, the castles and the history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England).Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.
10. The San Juan Islands, Washington, USA (20 miles):
(Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures)
San Juan Island offers a great loop following the coastline with a variety of places to stop along the way. San Juan routes are challenging but the views, history and wide open space make it so worth the effort! The famous Pig War “Crisis” of 1859-1872 was on the island. Both the English Camp and American Camp are a must see for history buffs. Lime Kiln Point State Park, a.k.a. Whale Watch Park, is a great spot to look for orcas in the open waters and learn about the history of the lime kilns and the nearby lighthouse. Lastly, a ride around the island wouldn't be complete without a stop off at Pelindaba Lavender Farm where you will find some calming views (and wonderful scents) of rows of lavender.
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