cycling in Europe

Old Nov 7th, 2014, 03:35 PM
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cycling in Europe

I'd like to do a 5-7 day bike ride in Europe next summer. I like hills and usually ride 50-60 miles a day. I plan to be riding with at least one companion. I usually prefer self-guided rides and rent equipement from a local shop. Any suggestions for a destination? Your advice about road conditions, traffic, scenic routes and weather would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Nov 7th, 2014, 06:20 PM
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The Pyrenees are always a challenge, Spanish or French side. For equipment you can check Bike Spain (www.bikespain.com).
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Old Nov 7th, 2014, 06:26 PM
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Biking in France:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntr...inner#20796466
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 01:43 AM
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Mallorca is a perfect cycling destination.

Many of the professional teams use it as training base. There are many support shops on the island, so unlike many rural areas of Europe you will have back up should you need it. The roads are in good condition and the local drivers mainly have a very good regard for cyclists unlike some regions of Europe.

The island's climate is regulated by the sea due to it's size, rarely in summer you you experience temperatures above 32oc, again unlike Southern Inland areas of Europe where 40oC isn't unusual.

Finally, the island's size is tailor made for the touring and length of days you are looking for a as you will find villages evenly spread and the sea never too far away. The variety of routes are totally complete, you will find some of the most demanding climbs in Europe, miles of flat routes and all sorts in between.

The island is very well served by low cost airline operators.
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 01:48 AM
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It probably isn't worth taking your own bike as there are many hire companies offer all levels and forms of bikes, generally they don't charge much more than the costs which the airlines levy for carrying your bike.

Another great destination is Stockholm where again the climate, drivers and road conditions are all in your favour. It is easy to use the extensive ferry network to explore the islands of the Archipelago, although your touring days of 50plus miles will be much more disjointed.
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 02:49 AM
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Not very good on bike rides on hills, mybikeguide.co.uk aims for the flat and with the chance of train based support. If you want hills then you need to look around the Alps, the Pennines, the Appenines etc
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 03:20 AM
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Sorry I missed the fact that you wanted hills. Forget Sweden but Mallorca is still a good choice.

Clearly the Alpes has sme of the best climbs in the world but NOT for the faint hearted. Many climbs have all sorts of on the road cafes, monuments and timing systems which are linked to the Tour de France. For the climp of Alpe D'Huez you can have a card stamped at the base and summit to compare with the Tour times. Don't try to compete with the likes of Pantani , there isn't a hospital close enough!
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 05:26 AM
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From his description I'm guessing 2OnRway is not looking for a mountain like AD. Could be wrong though.

FrenchMT knows every pebble in France. He tends to drop one post in and then scamper way. Shame.
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 05:34 AM
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Thanks, Robert, Bilbo and Dickie-x3,

Your commentary is great and very much appreciated. I'll definitely look into Mallorca. I'd consider the Alps or Pyrenees but I'm not sure all the riders that may accompany me will be up for it. Any experience in Sicily, southern Italy or Greece?
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 05:47 AM
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Sicily is pretty hilly and there are good safish roads, again my area of interest is Puglia which has great cycling but no hills.
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 06:14 AM
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The Danube is well set up for cycling trips of this nature. Check www.crazyguyonabike.com for good info.
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 08:31 AM
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If you are into great wine and food, then why not do the Rioja and Navarra? Both areas offer excellent terrain for bike ridiing with a mix of rolling hills and some flat ground, great wines and outstanding cuisine. There is a good selection of rural hotels and country homes where you can spend the night.

www.turismo.navarra.es/eng/home/
www.alavaturismo.com/es/index.php

http://noblesdelreyno.com
www.hotelesruralesnavarra.es
www.casasruralesdenavarra.net
www.nekatur.net
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Old Nov 8th, 2014, 08:38 AM
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If you're going midsummer look carefully at the weather. Much of Spain is often 100 degrees and in the south 120 is not unknown. Also much of mid and southern Italy is also very hot and humid - upper 90s and up.

That time of year I would stay either in the Italian Alps or farther north for more moderate weather good for strenuous exercise.
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