Three weeks of the world’s greatest cycling event has come to an end with Chris Froome achieving his third Tour de France victory in Paris on Sunday. Have you been inspired by the Tour de France and want to challenge yourself with a cycling adventure? From heli-biking in Kazakhstan to off-road cycling in the Andes, World Expeditions can make it happen. Here’s eight of their best cycling adventures around the globe:
1. Peru – Cycle the Andes
The stunning snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountain range provide a dramatic backdrop for this thrilling cycling adventure. Starting in Cusco, the trip offers plenty of downhill cycling opportunities, both on-road and off-road, through classical Andean scenery. The journey culminates at the world famous wonder of Machu Picchu, where you also have the option of revisiting the site the next morning for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise!
2. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by Bike
Are you looking for an exhilarating mountain biking adventure with a twist? On this trip you will enjoy two days of heli-biking as you cycle across the grasslands of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, once part of the Silk Road, dotted with nomads and yurts. The helicopter will drop you off at altitudes of 3,500m for an unforgettable yet daunting descent (1,300m!) on switchback trails and forest dirt roads back to your base at the remote Karkara Valley, complete with a traditional sauna and a bar.
3. Indian Himalaya: Cycle Leh to Manali
A Trans-Himalayan expedition that traverses the backbone of West Himalaya. Across a vast wilderness on the borderlands of Tibet, you will cycle high passes that link Ladakh to the Kullu Valley and go freewheeling from the Kardung La (5,602m), the world’s highest motorable road, as you make your way to the hill station of Manali. A challenging expedition, this trip is designed to appeal to highly motivated cyclists keen to get their first experience in the Himalaya.
4. Morocco – Cycle the High Atlas
Morocco’s blend of culture, natural beauty and infrastructure make it an ideal place to explore by bike and the opportunities are both physically exhilarating and culturally infused. From Marrakesh head to North Africa’s highest mountain range to tackle its rugged, flat-topped peaks (still used by nomadic Berbers), ascend winding roads that twist through palm trees and fresh water ravines before crossing a narrow gorge to the idyllic Paradise Valley.
5. New Zealand: Alps to Ocean Cycle
Travel downhill from the mighty Southern Alps towards the Pacific Ocean and encounter the majesty of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the amazing turquoise blue lakes at Tekapo. Soak in hot pools, talk with conservation staff about the Black Stilt Recovery Programme, watch the nightly parade of the Blue Penguins (the world’s smallest!) – all this as you view ancient Maori rock art and dramatic limestone landscapes along the way.
6. Borneo Cycle Adventure
Dense jungles, wild animals and exotic flora will be your introduction to Borneo on this cycling holiday followed by rivers, mountains and beaches as you bike across the north of the island. Explore active mud volcanoes, spend an afternoon sighting proboscis monkeys, visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu and relax with a stay at the luxurious Rasa Ria Spa Resort at the end of the trip.
7. Cycle Myanmar
Explore Myanmar by bicycle, starting at Mandalay, the country’s last royal capital. Continue through timeless villages and observe traditional lifestyles en route to Bagan, home to one of Southeast Asia’s finest collection of ancient pagodas and temples of a bygone era with intricate carvings, murals and astonishing architecture. For stunning panoramic views, climb the 700 steps from the golden temple at the summit of sacred Mount Popa.
8. Annapurna Mountain Bike
The Annapurna Circuit for many years has been considered one of the finest and most complete treks in the world and now the recent development of single lane roads has opened up access to some of Nepal’s distant communities. New and exciting routes await adventure cyclists and few trails on earth can compare with the grandeur of the deepest gorge in the world, set between the two 8,000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
More information at www.worldexpeditions.com or 1300 720 000