Cycling trips are a separate type of travel, where the road itself becomes the main part of the route. Many cyclists are not interested in “where to go” but “which route to take,” tailoring the route to their pace and abilities. Some are attracted to multi-day trips along flat embankments, while others prefer mountain serpentines with dozens of kilometres of climbs.
When choosing a destination, it is worth considering everything from the climate and altitude differences to the road surface and the availability of service points. Websites such as bikes-n-stuff.com help you calculate the difficulty of the track in advance, estimate the altitude and find places where you can stop safely.
Routes for Different Levels of Preparation
The choice of bike route depends on your physical condition, riding skills and the purpose of the trip. The same distance can be an easy ride or a real challenge – it all depends on the elevation changes, the type of surface and the terrain.
Easy Trails for Beginners
Suitable for first rides and leisurely rides. These are paved paths without significant climbs, 5-20 km long, with access to rest areas and water. Examples include the embankments of Amsterdam and the bike paths along Lake Geneva. Easy routes help you get used to riding, adjust your bike to suit you and avoid putting too much strain on your joints.
Medium Difficulty
Suitable for those who are already confident in their technique and ready for a challenge. Medium difficulty tracks include sections with moderate climbs (200-400 m elevation gain), changing surfaces from asphalt to gravel, and lengths of 30-60 km. A good example is the route along the Costa Brava in Spain, which alternates between flat sections and short climbs. Here, it is important to be able to change gears according to the terrain and control your speed on descents.
Extreme Tracks
Routes with serious elevation changes, steep switchbacks, difficult surfaces and lengths of 80 km or more attract professionals. The elevation gain can exceed 1,500 m, and the weather can change every half hour. Examples include the climb to Alpe d’Huez in France and the circular route through the Stelvio Pass in Italy. Difficult routes require endurance and bike preparation: reliable brakes, a proven drivetrain and suitable tyres.
Landmark Destinations in Europe
European routes are amazingly diverse, ranging from flat river valleys to steep mountain passes. When choosing a route, consider the mileage, elevation changes and type of surface.
Loire Valley, France
Around 800 km of paved and compacted gravel paths pass through historic towns, vineyards and castles. The elevation gain is minimal – no more than 200 metres per section, which is manageable even for beginners. The infrastructure is well developed: there are bike parking, pump stations, and hotels with bike storage.
Alps, France – Switzerland – Italy
This is serious terrain. The route includes passes with an elevation gain of 1,500-2,000 metres and hairpin bends with gradients of up to 10%. The surface is mainly asphalt, but there are sections with rough gravel. The infrastructure is designed for athletes: workshops, food outlets with high-calorie menus, rest areas on the passes.
Costa Brava coast, Spain
The route, which is about 200 km long along the Mediterranean Sea, is a combination of flat embankments and short but steep climbs of up to 300 metres. The road surface is good, but there may be an influx of tourists during the summer season. Along the way, there are small seaside towns where you can stop for the night and enjoy fresh seafood.
Lake Garda, Italy
A circular route of approximately 140 km with an elevation difference of up to 600 m. The asphalt is interspersed with gravel sections on the western side. There are many viewing points and campsites, as well as bike shops and workshops for minor repairs.
Rhine Cycle Route, Germany – Switzerland – Netherlands
Approximately 1,200 km of route along the Rhine with different sections: from the mountain sources in Switzerland to the plains in Holland. The elevation changes are significant only at the beginning of the route, the rest is suitable for a leisurely pace. The infrastructure is excellent: from free repair stations to equipped rest areas every 15-20 km.
How to Choose the Right Route for You?
Even the most picturesque route will be disappointing if it does not suit your abilities and travel conditions. Before planning, consider several factors to avoid unpleasant surprises:
- Assess your physical fitness and experience. Beginners are better off starting with routes of up to 30-40 km per day and an elevation gain of no more than 200-300 m. Experienced riders can choose tracks that are 70+ km long with elevation gains of 800-1000 m. If you have never ridden in the mountains, it is better to postpone multi-kilometre serpentines, as they require specific endurance and gear shifting skills.
- Study the climate and seasonality. For example, the Alps in May are covered with snow on the passes, and the Spanish coast in August is scorching hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C. Check the forecasts, precipitation levels, wind strength and daylight hours. Weather archives for the last 5-10 years are a good reference point.
- Check the tourist infrastructure. On popular routes such as the Loire à Vélo, there are repair stations, e-bike charging points and overnight accommodation every 10-15 km. On remote tracks, such as in the Pyrenees, shops and accommodation are only available every 50-60 km, so plan your food and water supplies accordingly.
- Choose equipment suitable for the terrain and duration. A road bike with 25-28 mm tyres is suitable for asphalt, while gravel and MTB bikes with a width of 38 mm and tread are better for gravel and dirt. For multi-day trips, it is better to use luggage racks, and for one-day trips, stick to a light backpack.
Choosing the right route and equipment increases comfort and affects safety on the road. Understanding the conditions ahead allows you to prepare your bike, select the right gears, spare inner tubes and tools. This is important on remote tracks without bike repair stations, where independent repairs and proper distribution of energy are key to a successful finish.
