The Top 10 bike rides every cyclist should experience at least once
How long is your ‘bike it’ list? If you’re a keen cyclist, you’ll know that there are some bike routes that you just HAVE to experience at least once.
To help you put together your own list, the CB team have compiled a rundown of the places they’ve enjoyed riding the most.
Here’s our Top 10 bike rides (not ranked - we couldn’t work out which was the best as we love them all!) alongside the name of the cyclist who recommended it:
The Swiss Alps - Ed Clancy OBE
Whilst France and Italy are perhaps more well known for famous cycling climbs, some believe that Switzerland is cycling’s best kept secret.
Ed says ‘we spent a lot of time based in Livigno before the Rio Olympics. I’m not usually a fan of climbing - the roads are tough - but there are some amazing routes and scenery’.
Check out this list of the Top 10 Swiss Alpine Climbs
Lake District - Graham Briggs
The English Lake District is home to amazing road cycling climbs and passes, such as Honister Pass, The Struggle near Ambleside, and Whinlatter Pass. The cycling routes are varied and hard but they are so worth it for the views and beautiful landscape.
Les Gets/Morzine in France - Ali Slater
Some of the world’s most prestigious climbs are just a stone’s throw away from Morzine and Les Gets making it an ideal place for roadies to come to train or simply ride in the footsteps of their heroes.
The Tour de France often makes an appearance in Morzine which is testament to the incredible landscape and road cycling terrain we have.
The local mountain passes or “cols” made famous by the Tour De France include the Col De Joux Plane, Col De La Ramaz and Col De Joux Verte.
Clumber park, Nottinghamshire UK - Graham Briggs
With over 20 miles of cycle routes, Clumber Park is an ideal and popular destination for families. Routes take you on traffic-free gravel trails and estate roads which while light on traffic do get busier in the summer months and on weekends.
Dartmoor - Ali Slater
With miles of moorland, Dartmoor National Park is perfect to explore on a bike. The North Bovey Loop at 25 miles with a peak elevation of 1,583ft at mile 15 was labelled ‘killer’ by Mountain Bike Rider
Majorca, Sa Colabra - Ed Clancy OBE
It’s a cycling classic. Almost every pro rider will have spent months in Majorca.
There’s a one way road to Sa Collabra and it's one of the best around.
Fort William in Scotland - Ali Slater
There’s lots of great routes for all abilities in Fort William. Between Lochy Bridge junction on the A82 and A830 to Mallaig, there is a brilliant, safe, tarmac cycle path
Any Indoor Velodrome - Ed Clancy OBE
No Clancy Briggs list would be complete without this - obviously an Ed Clancy favourite!
Ed says: “Any indoor 250m track will be a new experience to any road or mountain bike rider”.
Alsace, France - Ali Slater
Alsace has over 2500 km of safe, signposted short and long-distance cycle paths suited for every level from beginners to experts, so it’s really family friendly! You can cycle along canals, renovated train lines, through vineyards and along old Roman roads.
National Cycle Network (647) - Graham Briggs
This 7.9-mile route follows the former Lancashire, Derbyshire and East Coat railway line. You'll pass along the impressive Fledborough Viaduct over the River Trent - one not to be missed.
