1st adventure on an active volcano - Sicily
General information:
- Best time: May to October
- Type: Mountain bike
- Highlights: Lava fields, Ionian Sea, volcanic landscapes
Cycling on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, is certainly a breathtaking experience. An unforgettable ride through volcanic craters, ancient lava fields and rugged terrain with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. The challenging climbs and technical descents make it ideal for adventure seekers and experienced cyclists. Guided tours are a popular way to experience the volcano and offer expert insights into its geological history, eruptions and unique ecosystems.
A unique opportunity to cycle through the remains of volcanic eruptions - past craters, fumaroles and jagged lava formations.
2. cycling under the northern lights - Finland
General information:
- Best time: September until the beginning of April
- Type: Fatbike
- Highlights: Aurora Borealis, Arctic Wilderness, Frozen Paths
Here you can experience the magic of the Arctic Circle up close while cycling under the dazzling Northern Lights. Finland's unspoilt wilderness provides an incredible backdrop for this unique adventure, where participants can ride fatbikes on frozen trails and explore snow-covered forests. Local guided tours ensure that you are perfectly equipped for the cold and offer expert advice on aurora spotting.
Cycling through the tranquil, snow-white landscapes, coupled with the bright colours of the Northern Lights, is certainly a formative experience.
3rd tour through the Sahara - Africa
General information:
- Best time: November to February
- Type: Fatbike or mountain bike
- Highlights: Endless sand dunes, vast horizons, nomadic culture
A unique adventure through the largest desert in the world, where the golden dunes of the Sahara stretch as far as the eye can see. This unique experience combines the thrill of cycling with the challenge of navigating through shifting sands and arid terrain. Guided tours are the norm. You get support with equipment, navigation and cultural immersion and pass nomadic villages and ancient oases during the tour.
As you cycle through the surreal dunes under the glistening sun or a starry sky, you will feel like a true desert explorer and sense the unique aura of the desert.
4th L'Étape du Tour - France
General information:
- Best time: July
- Type: Racing bike
- Highlights: Official Tour de France route, iconic climbs, competitive atmosphere
At L'Étape du Tour, amateur cyclists can ride a real stage of the Tour de France. Ridden on closed roads, just weeks before the professionals ride the same route - a dream come true for cycling enthusiasts! With legendary climbs, dramatic descents and breathtaking Alpine or Pyrenean scenery, it is both a test of endurance and a celebration of cycling.
The glory of Tour de France legends is in the air here, iconic climbs such as Alpe d'Huez or Mont Ventoux can be conquered - cheered on by crowds of fellow riders and fans.
5th Midnight Sun Ride - Island
General information:
- Best time: End of May to end of July
- Type: Gravel bike or mountain bike
- Highlights: Northern Lights, Dramatic Icelandic scenery, Unique polar phenomenon
Cycling under the midnight sun in Iceland offers a calming experience where time seems to stand still. Bathed in golden light, riders traverse Iceland's surreal landscapes from volcanic fields to glacial rivers and rugged coastlines. The endless daylight provides a rare opportunity for a long uninterrupted journey in an atmosphere that seems incredibly calming.
6. travelling on the road of death - Bolivia
General information:
- Best time: May to October
- Type: Mountain bike
- Highlights: Steep cliffs, cloud forests, adrenaline rush
The Yungas Road, notorious as the "Road of Death", offers a truly nerve-wracking cycling experience. This narrow, 69-kilometre route winds along steep cliffs with drops of up to 600 metres and passes through lush cloud forests and misty landscapes. Despite its ominous moniker, it's a must for adventure seekers, especially when led by experienced guides who provide top-notch safety equipment and support.
The transition from misty mountain passes to tropical valleys is just as breathtaking as the ride itself - a perfect challenge for anyone looking for adventure with a touch of thrill or even danger.
7th Winter Wonderland Fat Biking - Alaska, USA
General information:
- Best time: December
- Type: Fatbike
- Highlights: Snow-covered paths, frozen lakes, northern lights
Explore the snowy Alaskan wilderness on a fatbike and ride across frozen tundras, snow-covered trails and icy lakes. Fatbikes are designed for just such adventures, allowing you to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska's backcountry, from quiet forests to wide open spaces. Guided tours often include stops to admire the scenery and, if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
8th active cruise cycle tour - Croatia
General information:
- Best time: April to October
- Type: Racing bike
- Highlights: Island hopping, coastal cruises, breathtaking Adriatic views
Can it be the sea? The cycle tour along Croatia's Adriatic coast combines luxury and adventure. Each day begins with a picturesque cycle tour through charming island villages, olive groves and rugged coastal paths. After exploring on two wheels, cyclists return to their yacht or cruise ship to relax, savour local cuisine and watch the sun set over turquoise waters. Guided tours provide a balance between cycling and leisure with expert recommendations for routes and cultural highlights.
This active cruise seamlessly combines cycling with the charm of island hopping, allowing you to discover hidden treasures while enjoying the tranquillity of life at sea.
9th Bicycle Safari - Africa
General information:
- Best time: June to October
- Type: Mountain bike
- Highlights: Encounters with wild animals, savannah trails, unique safari experience
Travelling through the African wilderness on two wheels. Cycling safaris in Africa take you off the beaten track and offer intimate encounters with wildlife as you cycle through diverse landscapes such as savannah, acacia woodland and bushveld. Experienced guides ensure safety and enrich the journey with fascinating insights into the ecosystem and the animals you may encounter, including giraffes, zebras and even elephants from a safe distance.
This unique adventure combines the excitement of wildlife watching with the captivating charm of a cycle tour.
10th Triathlon Hotel Retreat - Mallorca, Spain
General information:
- Best time: March to June, September to November
- Type: Racing bike or triathlon bike
- Highlights: World-class training facilities, coastal roads, picturesque climbs
Mallorca is a triathlete's paradise and its dedicated triathlon hotels are designed to fulfil all the needs of cycling, swimming and running enthusiasts. These retreats offer luxurious accommodation along with bespoke training programmes, guided rides along Mallorca's iconic routes and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as swimming lanes, recovery spas and gyms.
From expertly guided tours through picturesque villages to post-ride recovery in spa facilities, a triathlon retreat in Mallorca combines professional training with the laid-back charm of island life. Perfect for athletes looking for a focused yet indulgent holiday.
Gravel events: adventure on any terrain
Fancy a cycling adventure in the coming year? So grab your gear, plan your next trip and explore the world on two wheels. But we have even more: these gravel events make adventurers' hearts beat faster:
Maik Schröder
Editor
