If you are seeking an active holiday, Austria is the perfect destination. Austria has a huge range of fun activities for all interests and fitness levels, as well as stunning natural beauty, rich culture, friendly locals, and much more. Keep reading for advice on planning an active holiday here to make the most of your trip and have an authentic Austrian experience.
As I sit here at home on a Sunday evening contemplating the return to work in the morning (albeit with a potential ‘snow day’ to look forward to on Tuesday…) waiting for the gas engineer to arrive to service the boiler (yes, he works on Sundays!), this film from Markus Stitz has, for ten minutes, transported me to summer on the opposite side of the Atlantic; Canada to be precise. Quebec to be even more precise and a 1,350 km cycle from Matane to Gaspé… Perfect Sunday evening watching. More details from Markus below the film.
The 41st Vuelta al Ecuador will delight cycling enthusiasts from November 11th to November 17th, 2024. It will have stages representing the different features of Ecuador’s topography and a strong immersion in rich culture through its challenging course. The Vuelta al Ecuador gives the dedicated fan an avenue for making bets. Team strategies, individual performances, and the profile of stages offer useful insights that could make informed wagers.
The perfect Christmas gift for any enthusiastic cyclist, lover of travel or ‘Labour leftie”… More details at CyclingEurope.org/Books
Whether you’re a leisurely rider or a serious cyclist, exploring a city by bike provides a uniquely immersive way to connect with local life and culture. Many European cities offer extensive paths, bike-friendly infrastructure and even guided routes to showcase their highlights. If you’re intending to explore Europe on two wheels, the four cities we’ve shared below should be on your shortlist.
In the early autumn of 2023, at the start of a year-long sabbatical from work, Johnny Murtagh cycled from his home in southern England to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. “But the real story isn’t just the journey itself – it’s the incredible group of people I met along the way. A motley crew from all corners of the world, each with their own unique reasons for being there, and together we shared unforgettable moments.” He spoke to The Cycling Europe Podcast about his memorable experiences as a cycling peregrino and his new group of fellow-minded friends.
In the early autumn of 2023, at the start of a year-long sabbatical from work, Johnny Murtagh cycled from his home in southern England to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. “But the real story isn’t just the journey itself – it’s the incredible group of people I met along the way. A motley crew from all corners of the world, each with their own unique reasons for being there, and together we shared unforgettable moments.” He spoke to The Cycling Europe Podcast about his memorable experiences as a cycling peregrino and his new group of fellow-minded friends.
Since this website was created back in 2008 – over 16 years ago (scary!) – I’ve been contacted by hundreds of people asking questions, offering advice and giving their opinions. One of the first people to contact me was Chris Hammersley. In 2009 he was planning to travel along a similar route to my own in 2010 from the UK to the south of Italy. From memory, I think he ended up travelling a few weeks behind me. In fact he did! I’ve just been trawling through the CyclingEurope.org archive and he set off on August 9th 2010. And I’m delighted to see that the website that he set up 15 years ago is still going strong!
The original plan was to cycle the length of Japan in the summer of 2020. It never happened. It didn’t hapen in 2021 and by the time summer of 2022 had arrived I had made other plans: Le Grand Tour was the result. 2023 and 2024 were dedicated to writing the book and it’s only now, in the autumn of 2024, that my mind occasionally wanders back to thoughts of cycling in the land of the rising sun. My large paper map of Japan was probably relegated to the ‘Japan’ section of my bookshelf at some point in late 2021 when it became increasingly apparent that COVID-induced travel restrictions were still lingering in the Far East. A few minutes ago, I took down the map of Europe and reinstated the map of Japan. A small, but significant step towards reviving my plans to cycle the length of Japan. Kind of… There’s a problem.
“A cycling book with great insight, humor and self-irony! In conclusion, it must be pointed out that the book naturally requires a certain amount of English skills to get the full benefit, not least on the humorous level… Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda is a classy exponent of a cycling story that can get other than just hardcore adventure cyclists on the steel horse!”
Europe offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and coastal paths to mountainous terrain and urban settings, which makes it the ideal choice for a holiday on two wheels. With its well-developed cycling infrastructure and rich cultural heritage to explore on-route, Europe is a dream destination for cyclists of all abilities.
I see that Cycling UK have just launched another of their routes. This one straddles the English-Welsh border and has been named the Marcher Castles Way. The route – there are now eight of them in total – appear to be aimed more at the bikepacker than the traditional cycle tourist. I wonder how feasible it is to ride them with a pannier set-up on a touring bike rather than a mountain bike and ‘packs’. Looking carefully at the videos and the photos, the surfaces seem to be OK. They remind me of cycling along the Yorkshire coast a few years back from Scarborough to Whitby. Any thoughts?
With his partner, Maudi, Dutch cyclist Eric has cycled the World. He was initially inspired to set off on two wheels by Peter Gostelow and his ‘Big Africa Cycle’. Via their popular Wheels to Wander YouTube Channel, Eric and Maudi now inspire others with their engaging filmed travelogues and practical advice videos. Eric joined the podcast to reflect on his years in the saddle…
With his partner, Maudi, Dutch cyclist Eric has cycled the World. He was initially inspired to set off on two wheels by Peter Gostelow and his ‘Big Africa Cycle’. Via their popular Wheels to Wander YouTube Channel, Eric and Maudi now inspire others with their engaging filmed travelogues and practical advice videos. Eric joined the podcast to reflect on his years in the saddle…
Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda – Amazon.co.uk
“This is a very enjoyable record of Andrew Sykes’s latest adventure, and it presented me with opportunity to meet his new bike, Wanda – the successor to Reggie. I found Andrew’s everyday accounts of interactions with people the most compelling elements of the book, as I do with any good piece of travel writing.”
Cycling has been a highly popular sport in Europe for many decades; the sport is followed by several millions of fans, especially huge events such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. Nowadays, the enthusiasm goes beyond observing races to placing bets on cycling. Online sportsbooks- similar to those utilized in the online casino world new ways of betting on cycling have made the sport a growing part of the sports betting world in Europe.
After a week on Shetland (listen to part 1 of this two-part podcast), The Cycling Europe Podcast takes the late-night ferry south to Kirkwall on the islands of Orkney. Following a day spent exploring the capital, Andrew Sykes cycles west for three nights of camping in the historic town of Stromness. From here he heads first to Hoy, home to the spectacular beach and cliffs at Rackwick and the Scapa Flow Museum where he discovers more about the wartime importance of the deep water harbour. After spending a day off the bike investigating the delights of Stromness itself, Andrew cycles off on a journey around the mainland taking in prehistoric Skara Brae and the bucolic Brough of Birsay before a return to Kirkwall and his ferry home via Aberdeen.
After a week on Shetland (listen to part 1 of this two-part podcast), The Cycling Europe Podcast takes the late-night ferry south to Kirkwall on the islands of Orkney. Following a day spent exploring the capital, Andrew Sykes cycles west for three nights of camping in the historic town of Stromness. From here he heads first to Hoy, home to the spectacular beach and cliffs at Rackwick and the Scapa Flow Museum where he discovers more about the wartime importance of the deep water harbour. After spending a day off the bike investigating the delights of Stromness itself, Andrew cycles off on a journey around the mainland taking in prehistoric Skara Brae and the bucolic Brough of Birsay before a return to Kirkwall and his ferry home via Aberdeen.
Depressingly good video. Ian Walker – alumni of The Cycling Europe Podcast – is the principle contributor. Essential watching. But probably not for you…
To find the best cycling routes in Île de Ré, you must consider the difficulty level and the opportunities for sightseeing offered by each option. Continue reading this post for further details.
It’s September 1st, 2024, marking the start of autumn and “la rentrée” in France. I reflect on upcoming challenges at work and school, along with cycling plans, potentially riding the length of the Japanese archipelago in 2025. Contemplating alternatives closer to home, a European cycling route, EuroVelo 10 and EuroVelo 7, emerges as a potential rival.
The Cycling Europe Podcast travels to the most northerly islands of Britain for a week of camping, hostelling and cycling. Renowned for its wild beauty, but also its capricious weather, Andrew Sykes sets off on a ride that will stretch the entire length of the archipelago from Unst in the north to Sumburgh in the south taking time to explore the attractions, meet the locals and compare notes with fellow travellers as he cycles.
The Cycling Europe Podcast travels to the most northerly islands of Britain for a week of camping, hostelling and cycling. Renowned for its wild beauty, but also its capricious weather, Andrew Sykes sets off on a ride that will stretch the entire length of the archipelago from Unst in the north to Sumburgh in the south taking time to explore the attractions, meet the locals and compare notes with fellow travellers as he cycles.
The final day on Orkney and a journey around the west, north and east coast of the western wing of the mainland. Skara Brae was impressive – very well presented – but the Brough of Birsay was the highlight. A great place to sit and watch the world go by in front of a magnificent backdrop. Once back in Kirkwall, I bumped into other cycle tourists I had come to know a little in recent weeks for a drink and then meal. As I stand here in Aberdeen station, we have all gone our separate ways, homeward bound. Where next?
No cycling today. Just a slow wander along the flagged Main Street of Stromness and back again, via the Khyber Pass… Tomorrow is my final day, but it will be a long one as the ferry taking back to Aberdeen doesn’t leave Kirkwall until 23:45. I’m booked in to visit Skara Brae (11 km) at 11:30 and the Orkney Brewery is close by (4 km) leaving either a direct return to Kirkwall (30 km) or a cycle around the northern side of the mainland (50 km). I have plenty of time and will decide once I see how I feel leaving the brewery and / or the weather.
A bit windy tonight…
There was a strange – but welcome – calm outside the hostel this morning. Barely a whisper of wind. Alas this encouraged the midges to start hovering around me as I was preparing to leave. Then the wind picked up. The wind does have advantages… The plan was to cycle straight to Stromness. As ever, the plan changed as I took a quieter road from the southern coastline of the ‘mainland’ to cut across in the direction of the Ring of Brodgar. It was a lucky decision as it happened to be open to the public. It’s often closed to limit numbers but they decide on conditions on the day itself. Weather is a factor. So is the presence of a cruise ship that might bring too many people on the grass paths. Impressive stone circle. From memory, far more impressive than Stonehenge or Callanish on the Outer Hebrides. Then onwards to Stromness, over a low hill and with the lump that is Hoy now dominating the view, a trundle through Stromness. What’s not to like? Beautiful little coastal town that – minus the cars on the narrow flagged street that runs almost as far as the campsite – could host a period film crew within minutes. Look forward to exploring more over the weekend. Is the museum worth £7.50? I’d be interested to know. Campsite location is fabulous, but exposed. It’s a busy place so choice of pitches was limited. I’m bang in the middle with limited (well, no…) shelter. If the wind picks up I could be in trouble. At least the view’s nice. As for the sign about the ‘walking and cycling friendly road’, surely it would be a lot more friendly if they changed the 40 for a 30 or even a 20… Tomorrow I might venture up the Khyber Pass (watch the video).
I had low expectations for Kirkwall but actually it’s an interesting place. Certainly enough to keep me busy for a day. The cathedral was particularly impressive, as were the views looking down from the crumbling Bishop’s Palace. Tomorrow: cycle to Stromness.
Glorious start to day 7, my final morning on Shetland and the weather held to take in a visit to St Ninian’s Isle on the west coast of the Sumburgh peninsula. (Slightly marred by the collection of junk – including caravans and campervans – on the mainland side of the tombolo…) A relatively short (28 km) wind-assisted ride north brought me back to my starting point, Lerwick. A ‘small’ cruise ship (just 1,000 people rather than the 6,000 people that some ships can bring) was in town and Wanda’s belt drive provoked the usual spike of interest from passing ship-bound tourists. I met for coffee with Cycling UK’s newly appointed project coordinator on Shetland. An interesting chat! Then the very bumpy ferry to Kirkwall on Orkney. A late-night 4 km dash in the rain brought me (and several others) to the SYHA hostel. A former military base no less. My main preoccupation today is to find the local laundrette. I need some clean clothes… Tomorrow I will cycle west to Stromness for a final three nights of camping.
A very different day from the previous two. Although quite misty and damp when leaving Scalloway, the rain all but held off. Just a few short showers in the morning and gradually the sun started shining. Never quite wall-to-wall blue sky but on occasions you could actually believe it was August. The road south in the direction of Sumburgh was another busy A road and there was a very close pass but that aside the traffic didn’t detract too much from the increasingly interesting scenery. Much nicer down here than up on bleak Yell. I paused at the campsite to erect the tent and continued sans panniers to the head. Crossing an airport runway was a novelty (although I have done this before when entering Gibraltar) and the road to the head itself – and the lighthouse – were delightful. Spectacular even once the lighthouse had been reached. A fabulous room framed the views perfectly. Superfluous on a day like today but often, no doubt, essential. Tomorrow I return to Lerwick and the ferry to Orkney. Before I leave Shetland, I’m hoping to visit nearby St Ninian’s ‘Isle’.
It rained. The wind blew. I got very wet.
Definitely type 2 fun today. Glad the cycling is over. The island of Yell is a bleak, unforgiving place. Very few traditional ‘attractions’ other than the vast expanse of remote moor. I spent much of the day cycling across it. Perhaps in normal times, an enjoyable slog. Today was not normal although probably more normal than I give it credit for. A relentless headwind. I’ve been anticipating it for days but when confronted, it’s only ‘fun’ when reflecting upon the experience in the local fish and chip shop – Frankie’s no less (it is, apparently, famous) – replenishing the body with calories. It has given returning to the mainland of Shetland extra meaning. I feel as though I have found civilisation again… There is, however, more wind to come tomorrow as I make my way south to Levenwick in the south where I will stay for two nights on the campsite.
I cycled to the northerly point on the National Cycle Network today. It’s beside a beautiful beach called Wick of Saw (see map below). It’s actually no longer on the National Cycle Network as Sustrans removed the designation of route 1 from the cycle route than runs up the spine of Shetland (as it’s an A road) but there you go… The sign marking the point is still there. Weather better today: just a few short heavy rain sheets encouraged by the wind. Talking of which, it was a battle after turning around and heading south back to the hostel…
A long – at times very wet – day in the saddle. The original plan was only to cycle to the southern side of Yell but I arrived at the ferry to Yell by late morning so it made sense to continue. More rain fell as I cycled towards the second ferry to Unst… but what a place to stay!
An early arrival in Lerwick after an on-off night of ‘sleep’ on the ferry. Four seasons (well, at least three) in one day but predominantly dry. Visited the main attractions of Lerwick which included a large short ride around the impressive headland at Knab Point. The museum was interesting; the deep fried halloumi in the café upstairs delicious. Now back at the ‘best hostel in the world’ (2011/12) to plan tomorrow’s ride north.
Arrived in Lerwick this morning after a night on the ferry. Day 1 is half-way over but here’s a look back at Day 0: the journey from Yorkshire to Aberdeen and the ferry to Shetland…
Earlier this morning it was nice to see that Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda was topping the Amazon ‘cycling books’ chart, for a few hours at least. Readers continue to get in touch to pass on positive comments about what they have read, often via social media and often with a picture of the book (often, curiously, beside an alcoholic drink but I’ll try not to read too much into that). Miha Pavšič is in Slovenia and he chose to email me with some feedback and it was a delight to start the day by reading what he had to say:
Then I’ll begin… Doing a bit of Internet wandering, I stumble upon the YouTube channel of the Dutch cycling phenomenon that is Wheels to Wander, a young couple who are widely travelled across the globe. Indeed they have been recommended by many people as potential guests for The Cycling Europe Podcast. (Watch this space…) Unlike this website – which rarely recommends anything to anyone – the Wheels to Wander couple do write reviews and produce videos extolling the virtues (or lack thereof) of various bits of kit.
Scrolling through social media last night – currently a very sobering activity – I noticed a tweet from the environmental journalist and activist George Monbiot. It made reference to the weather here in the UK at the start of next week and included a picture (from the excellent Windy app). You can see the tweet below. George is ‘astonished’ and ‘concerned’. The screenshot shows a weather system over the sea to the west of Wales. I’m travelling to Shetland at the other end of the UK the following day. Should I be concerned myself?
“The Trans Dinarica is the first and only cycle route to connect all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The route — which links Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia — makes a priority of visiting national parks, UNESCO sites, often-overlooked villages, and diverse points of interest. In other words, the Trans Dinarica takes travelers deep into one of the most interesting and under-valued European regions, where adventure and culture are always connected.”
Joanna Chmara is a cycle tourist from Poland. She runs the popular cycling website WobblyRide.com and has wide experience of travelling with her bike in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, usually as a solo cyclist. In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, she explains what first motivated her to set off on two wheels and why the hardest part of many cycling journeys is not the mountains nor the seemingly endless hours in the saddle, but the simple act of pushing your bike over the threshold of your front door. She also offers invaluable advice to those who are feeling apprehensive about their first long ride as well as revealing her top three European destinations (as well as one that you need to avoid, at least on a bicycle…)
Joanna Chmara is a cycle tourist from Poland. She runs the popular cycling website WobblyRide.com and has wide experience of travelling with her bike in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, usually as a solo cyclist. In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, she explains what first motivated her to set off on two wheels and why the hardest part of many cycling journeys is not the mountains nor the seemingly endless hours in the saddle, but the simple act of pushing your bike over the threshold of your front door. She also offers invaluable advice to those who are feeling apprehensive about their first long ride as well as revealing her top three European destinations (as well as one that you need to avoid, at least on a bicycle…)
Those of you who are members of Cycling UK will soon be receiving your copy of the bi-monthly magazine Cycle. It’s a cracking read and it comes as no surprise to discover that it is Britain’s most widely read cycling magazine. (If you don’t receive a copy, sign up to Cycling UK – it will cost you just £4 a month – and six times a year you’ll get your own copy delivered for free!) Back to the new edition of the magazine – August / September 2024 – that I have just been browsing online. It contains the usual eclectic mix of cycling-themed news, rides… and reviews.
Shetland and Orkney it is… Earlier this week I carefully pieced together five train journeys and three ferry journeys, the combination of which will see me travel to Aberdeen, then Lerwick on Shetland, then Kirkwall on Orkney and back to Aberdeen nearly two week later. Whilst on Shetland – 6 nights – and on Orkney – 5 nights – I will head out across the small Scottish archipelagos, camping when I can, to seek out the wild attractions of Britain’s most northerly outposts. Including the two nights on the overnight ferries to and from Aberdeen, it will 13 nights – 14 days – of adventure.
Renowned for an extensive portfolio of diverse historic and wine regions, the European continent is synonymous with winery culture and expertise. For a winery adventure that’s also active, consider combining the beloved European tradition of wine-sipping, with an active cycling retreat. Cascading greenery to roll down on two wheels, whilst learning the significance of wine production and culture. Blend the fun of culinary delights and movement magic, with a cycling tour amidst a wine region in Europe. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about this vacation, pre-departure.
Ahmedabad, the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Ahmedabad, the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. As one traverses through its bustling streets, it becomes apparent that Ahmedabad is a city where history and modernity coexist in a harmonious dance. This historic city, with its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, awaits to be explored by travelers seeking a unique experience. For those planning their visit, finding convenient flights to Ahmedabad is the first step to embarking on this enriching journey.
Not having renewed my passport since it ran out in May, the answer will have to be ‘somewhere in the UK’. I return to work (school) six weeks tomorrow so I have a good amount of time to make any decision and execute a plan. I’m still toying with the idea of a trip to Shetland / Orkney but with the weather gods yet to make their minds up as to whether summer has indeed arrived, I’m reluctant to commit to a trip to the far north. The weather on the Outer Hebrides in August 2021 was reasonable to good. The weather along the north and west coast of Scotland in August 2014 was biblically dreadful. It’s always a lottery north of the border.
There are many great places to cycle in Europe. It depends on what you prefer, but it varies depending on the landscape and route. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or simply enjoy cycling as a recreational activity, there are many great places in Europe. In this article, you will find the best cycling routes in Europe that will surely give you the most unforgettable memories.
I woke up at the ridiculously early hour of 5am this morning (it’s the time I generally wake up during the week…), switched on the radio but rapidly switched it off again after listening to the news bulletin. Instead, I came to sit at the computer and typed ‘cycling’ into the seach function on BBC Sounds. Of the many suggestions in the list (some of which had nothing to do with cycling – recycling etc…), one stuck out. It was also the first one on the list as it had only been published on June 20th:
Where the familiarity of cycling’s past meets the innovation of the present, REDTED sets itself apart by introducing a unique collection of cycling jerseys that not only captures the essence of quality, but also tells a deep and moving story. This exclusive line of retro cycling jerseys pays homage to the cycling heroes of the past, bringing the spirit of historic cycling triumphs to today’s cyclists.
Scrolling through the archive of CyclingEurope.org (no mean feat as there are now getting on for 4,000 posts on here), I discover that I first attended Bespoked: The Handmade Bicycle Show back in 2013 when it was taking place in Bristol. Over a decade later, the show continues to take place but has been on its travels: to London and Germany and in 2024 to the Victoria Baths in Manchester. This morning, along with a cycling friend, I headed over the Pennines (in my friend’s Volvo rather than on our bikes…) to visit the show. Here are a few notes.
Shetland is the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, 170 km from mainland Scotland and only 220 km from the Norwegian coast. Of its 100 islands, only 15 are inhabited (by a population of just over 20,000) but according to the local tourist board, the remote archipelago “…has everything a cyclist could hope for”. Tim Sanders, Anne Lawther and Jayne Moore have all visited Shetland in recent months and the writer Martyn Howe has been a regular visitor over the years both on foot and by bike. The Cycling Europe Podcast asked all four travellers to recount their cycling experiences. Does Shetland really live up to the tourist hype? Anne, Jayne and Martyn also reflect upon their visits to nearby Orkney. How does it compare to its near-Nordic northern neighbour?
Shetland is the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, 170 km from mainland Scotland and only 220 km from the Norwegian coast. Of its 100 islands, only 15 are inhabited (by a population of just over 20,000) but according to the local tourist board, the remote archipelago “…has everything a cyclist could hope for”. Tim Sanders, Anne Lawther and Jayne Moore have all visited Shetland in recent months and the writer Martyn Howe has been a regular visitor over the years both on foot and by bike. The Cycling Europe Podcast asked all four travellers to recount their cycling experiences. Does Shetland really live up to the tourist hype? Anne, Jayne and Martyn also reflect upon their visits to nearby Orkney. How does it compare to its near-Nordic northern neighbour?
There is good news as well as bad. The bad news is that the word ‘cycling’ does not appear in either the Labour Party manifesto for the 2024 General Election nor the Conservative Party manifesto. It does appear twice in the Liberal Democrat manifesto and three times in the Green Party manifesto. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t appear at all in the Reform Party manifesto. The SNP have yet to publish their manifesto. So compared to the last election in 2019, the two main parties – the ones that have a realistic prospect of forming the next government – have, it would seem, abandoned us altogether!
Writer Rob Ainsley has cycled from Barmouth to Yarmouth because they rhyme. He’s cycled from Britain’s smallest church in Rhos to its largest church in Liverpool. He’s cycled the London Monopoly board. And he continues to amass a long list of ‘end-to-end’ country cycles. So for Rob, cycling from Morecambe to Bridlington along the Way of the Roses cycle route may at first glance appear to be a little, err… pedestrian. But think again. He decided to cycle the route 1970s style. In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast we chat to Rob Ainsley in York where he reveals all. Was the naffest decade of the 20th century as good a time as any to be on two wheels? Or better forgotten…
Writer Rob Ainsley has cycled from Barmouth to Yarmouth because they rhyme. He’s cycled from Britain’s smallest church in Rhos to its largest church in Liverpool. He’s cycled the London Monopoly board. And he continues to amass a long list of ‘end-to-end’ country cycles. So for Rob, cycling from Morecambe to Bridlington along the Way of the Roses cycle route may at first glance appear to be a little, err… pedestrian. But think again. He decided to cycle the route 1970s style. In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast we chat to Rob Ainsley in York where he reveals all. Was the naffest decade of the 20th century as good a time as any to be on two wheels? Or better forgotten…
It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I started reading ‘Will Cycle’s’ review of Le Grand on a Bike Called Wanda. He had written kind words about my previous books. He might even be in the category of a ‘fan’. Yet his tweeted link to the review that he had written suggested that he had fallen out of favour with my take on cycle touring. Somewhat hesitantly, I followed the link…
Cycling during the summer months is a beloved activity for many, offering the perfect combination of enjoyable weather and extended daylight hours. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that come with summer cycling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
You may have noticed…. it’s election time here in the UK. For the previous two elections, I examined the manifestos of the main parties to discover how many times they mentioned the word ‘cycling’. I have posted the results of my research at the foot of this email but to summarise, in 2017, the Green Party made mention of cycling twice, Labour and the Liberal Democrats once and the others not at all. In 2019, things had improved, a little. The Greens were still top of the list with 6 mentions of ‘cycling’ with the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives equal second with 4. Labour mentioned the word twice and the other parties not at all.
The 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné is shaping up to be a formidable challenge, attracting some of the strongest climbers in the cycling world. Notably, top contenders like Primož Roglič, Remco Evenepoel, and Sepp Kuss are expected to dominate the event.
Most episodes of The Cycling Europe Podcast know where they are going from the outset. This episode is slightly different. We start in the English Lake District to take in the sounds of the recent Cycle Touring Festival in its new home of Coniston. We then head to India to hear from long-distance cyclist James Thomas. He lives in a coastal town in Goa on the shore of the Arabian Sea but often ventures into the mountains on foot and on his bike. He reflects upon his current experiences in India as well as past experiences cycling through Europe, especially Albania. We stay in Albania for an extract from Along The Med on a Bike Called Reggie, Andrew P. Sykes’ travelogue about cycling the EuroVelo 8 from Greece to Portugal in 2013. To explain if things have changed in the past decade, the podcast speaks to Dritan Kolgjini, a tour guide for Explore Travel’s Albanian cycling trips. Does the country really live up to its reputation of being the ‘new Croatia’?
Most episodes of The Cycling Europe Podcast know where they are going from the outset. This episode is slightly different. We start in the English Lake District to take in the sounds of the recent Cycle Touring Festival in its new home of Coniston. We then head to India to hear from long-distance cyclist James Thomas. He lives in a coastal town in Goa on the shore of the Arabian Sea but often ventures into the mountains on foot and on his bike. He reflects upon his current experiences in India as well as past experiences cycling through Europe, especially Albania. We stay in Albania for an extract from Along The Med on a Bike Called Reggie, Andrew P. Sykes’ travelogue about cycling the EuroVelo 8 from Greece to Portugal in 2013. To explain if things have changed in the past decade, the podcast speaks to Dritan Kolgjini, a tour guide for Explore Travel’s Albanian cycling trips. Does the country really live up to its reputation of being the ‘new Croatia’?
In publishing Le Grand Tour at the start of the month, I was required to get to grips with producing a properly formatted ePUB document. Nothing to do with drinking in your local; everything to do with eBooks. It’s the format that is required by the online distributors. Earlier today I spent a bit of time going back over my first book – Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie – and reformatting it as an ePUB document. It means that it is easier to navigate. I took the opportunity of re-reading the prologue to that book. It was interesting reading what I wrote at the time, especially my comments regarding the development of the Italian section of the EuroVelo 5 back in 2008 (when I was beginning to plan the trip).
You might think that once you’ve written a book and it’s been published that you’d be able to sit back and relax. It never seems to be like that, for good reason. Lot’s of people have been getting in touch directly with kind comments about Le Grand Tour – I always take time to respond – and the marketing is an ongoing process. However, there is one thing that I started doing yesterday that I haven’t done before. I spent a serious amount of time thinking about and researching the options available to make an audio book of Le Grand Tour. I even had a go at recording.
The words of Richard Peploe in his review of Le Grand Tour… which has just been published on the Seven Day Cyclist website. But it gets better. A couple of years ago you may remember that I headed off down to London to meet up with one of the greats of cycle-touring literature, Mr Tim Moore. His publisher is a master of coming up with a catchy title for a book: French Revolutions, Gironimo, Vuelta Skelter to name but three. I wonder if a title such as ‘Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda’ would have ever got further than the trash can; I was once told by an important person in the publishing world that the title ‘Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie’ was one of the worst titles he had every seen! Anyway, I digress…
If you happened to listen to the interview that I did with Talk Radio Europe on Friday (see previous post), I mentioned in passing future long-distance cycling trips. Should I revisit the aborted plan to cycle the length of Japan? Perhaps in 2025? And this year? I noted that I had a couple of friends who are (separately) cycling in Shetland. They have been posting some fantastic pictures online and I hope that Anne and Tim don’t mind me reposting a few of their pictures here on CyclingEurope.org.
Does it ever worry you that you forget things that, really, you should remember? I’ve just had one of those moments. I searched CyclingEurope.org to see if I posted anything about an interview that did with Talk Radio Europe shortly before setting off on the 2015 cycle from Tarifa to Nordkapp. I was in southern Spain at the time and I went down to the studios of the radio station in Estepona for a chat about the upcoming trip. It’s not something that I seem to have recorded here on the webiste, not even in passing. Strange but there you go. My search did, however, reveal that back in late September 2011 I appeared on Talk Radio Europe to chat about my 2010 cycle to southern Italy. I have no recollection whatsoever of having done so but the proof is there. I did. You can listen to that interview from 13 years ago at the foot of this post.
It’s now almost a decade since Laura and Tim Moss organised the first Cycle Touring Festival. The ‘in-person’ event ran each year from 2015 until the arrival of COVID. After a number of online festivals running alongside some ‘gatherings’ in Clitheroe in Lancashire, 2024 saw a return of the festival to its pre-COVID slot on the calendar – May – but to a new location: Coniston in the Lake District. I’ve had the privilege of attending each of the festivals apart from that first event in 2015 (I was cycling from Tarifa to Nordkapp at the time) and at many of the events I have given a talk.
It is fair to say that writing a book takes up a lot of time. It’s also equally fair to say that once the writing has finished, marketing a book also takes up a lot of time. This is my excuse for not having posted to the website or produced many episodes of the podcast in recent weeks and months. However, it’s now over a week since Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda was unleashed from my protective shackles and I’m hoping to begin to return to the life of a blogging, podcasting cyclist. As for the book, it is now at the mercy of those who choose to read it and, perhaps, review it. So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and I am very grateful to everyone who has posted on social media or messaged me or indeed written a formal online review. To all those who have done so, thank-you.
As you may have noticed, Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda will be published on May 1st. It’s always a slightly worrying moment as your baby is let loose into the at-times-unforgiving world of literary criticism. I can only hope there are more reviews similar to the one that has just been published on Brian Palmer’s Washing Machine Post website. Brian’s full review can be read by following link below. Here is an extract.
Europe is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the most popular destinations to visit amongst American tourists. There’s little arguing with this fact, given the rich culture and wide variety of activities to indulge in on the continent across the pond. The more adventurous amongst us might be looking for a hands-on way to enjoy Europe, though – and if you’re the biking type, you needn’t look much further. The following are some of the best places to visit in Europe by bike.
It is only now a matter of days until three become four and the new book – Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda – is published. The date is May 1st although you can already pre-order the eBook from Amazon if you want to start reading at midnight on the 1st! The paperback isn’t available to pre-order but rest assured that will also be available from May 1st. Initially you’ll have to go via Amazon to get hold of the book but Apple Books will also have the book available on iTunes, hopefully from May 1st. And if you’d like a signed copy, keep reading as these should be dispatched this very weekend, several days before the official publication!
In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, guest presenter Andrew Edwards chats to Andrew P. Sykes about his 2022 cycle around Europe and his new book – Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda – that is published on May 1st 2024.
“Secondary school teacher and inveterate would-be adventurer Andrew P. Sykes is back in the saddle. This time, however, it doesn’t belong to his long-term sidekick Reggie. There’s a fresh-faced kid on the block and she’s a bike called Wanda. (Nothing fishy about that!) The new double act set off on a grand tour of Europe to explore some of the continent’s most iconic cycling routes and locations: the Vélomaritime, the Avenue Verte to Paris, the Véloscénie to Mont-Saint-Michel, the Vélodyssée, the Canal de la Garonne, the Canal du Midi, the ViaRhôna, the Furka Pass and the Rhine are all on the itinerary of this light-hearted loop from the Hook of Holland… to the Hook of Holland. Join Andrew and Wanda as they put their best foot and only front wheel forward in a hot, dusty but at times very damp quest to delve into the lives, landscapes, history and culture of some of our nearest continental cousins and the countries they call home.”
In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, guest presenter Andrew Edwards chats to Andrew P. Sykes about his 2022 cycle around Europe and his new book – Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda – that is published on May 1st 2024.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the best bicycle routes that Poland has to offer. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, Poland has something for everyone. Get ready to explore scenic routes, pedal along historic trails, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country.
Adventure sports are a fantastic way to get outdoors and see more of the world – and have been growing in popularity in recent years. As more people take up biking and hiking, more people have started to discover the wonders of Britain’s natural landscapes. As someone hunting for their slice of nature, what are some of the best places to go adventuring?
Are you preparing to take part in your first Tough Mudder event? Firstly, congratulations on your bravery! Secondly, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. Known as one of the most extreme obstacle event series in the world, Tough Mudder tests your strength, endurance, and mental grit. It also forces you to get down and dirty in the mud! Already feeling nervous about the big day? Don’t worry, there is still time for you to get physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead of you. Find out how to handle your first Tough Mudder like a pro right here.
Generating and storing electricity while cycling is a perennial issue for anyone who had embarked upon a long cycle. On my current touring bike Wanda, the Koga WorldTraveller, I have a front wheel Son hub which dribbles a current into my phone when cycling via a USB socket clipped to the handlebars. I use the word ‘dribble’ purposefully. I’ve never been convinced that it is very effective at topping up the battery on my phone. That said, the hub dynamo does do an excellent job of powering the lights on the bicycle so it is definitely worth having. I have previously toyed with solar power but have come to the conclusion that when it comes to cycling and electricity the best thing to do is to find a socket that is attached to a power station. But have I been too hasty to dismiss the solar power option?
A while ago – back in November 2023 – I published an episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast (number 076) that consisted of an interview with a friend of mine, Tim Sanders. I know him through the Cycle Touring Festival and the podcast was actually recorded at last year’s event. (This year’s event is at the start of May by the way – see the recent post here on CyclingEurope.org.) Tim talked about cycling from Venice to Munich via Innsbruck in Austria on a route called, err… münchen venezia. It needs a better name than that but there you go. When I received an email a few days ago from ‘freewheeling’ David I thought he was writing about the route that Tim had discussed in the podcast. But he wasn’t…
Secondary school teacher and inveterate would-be adventurer Andrew P. Sykes is back in the saddle. This time, however, it’s not the one belonging to his long-term sidekick Reggie. There’s a fresh-faced kid on the block and she’s a bike called Wanda. (Nothing fishy about that!) The new double act set off on a grand tour of Europe to explore some of the continent’s most iconic cycling routes and locations: the Vélomaritime, the Avenue Verte to Paris, the Véloscénie to Mont-Saint-Michel, the Vélodyssée, the Canal de la Garonne, the Canal du Midi, the ViaRhôna, the Furka Pass and the Rhine are all on the itinerary of this light-hearted loop from the Hook of Holland… to the Hook of Holland. Join Andrew and Wanda as they put their best foot and only front wheel forward in a hot, dusty but at times very damp quest to delve into the lives, landscapes, history and culture of some of our nearest continental cousins and the countries they call home. [Warning: This adventure also contains trains.]
Friday 3 May – Sunday 5 May 2024
John Ruskin School, Coniston
This year’s Cycle Touring Festival is an in-person event, at John Ruskin School in Coniston, Cumbria.
Cycling is fun, freeing and environmentally friendly, and it’s a popular mode of transport in the UK with over 7.6 million people choosing it to get around. Cycling can take place just about anywhere in the world, allowing you to explore new places at your own speed.
In recent years, video games aren’t just video games any more. They aren’t just there to have a bit of fun. They can come with all sorts of advantages and serve a variety of purposes in our lives – from winning money online at sites such as casinos.com to training tools.
The Warmshowers website has always been the weak link in the organisation. It never seems to have moved with the times and has been somewhat ‘clunky’ to use. Well, news arrives of an updated website. It looks as though they have started again from scratch rather than tweaking the old website (which is presumably why the site will be unavailable for 24 hours immediately before the new one being launched). Tuesday 5th March is the launch date. Not sure if the app is also changing.
The Cycling Europe Podcast is back and for this first episode of 2024 we have a triple-whammy of cycling-themed chats and stories. The EuroVelo network is now 26 years old but it’s not resting on its laurels. Agathe Daudibon of the European Cyclists’ Federation is the person responsible for looking after the network and developing it further. She talked to the podcast about her background in cycle touring, her role at the ECF and how she sees the future of the pan-European network. Svetlana and Quentin, from Oxford, talk about their experiences of cycling along the coast in Croatia. And Seth provides something that he feels the podcast is missing; how bike tours can “turn into complete disasters”. His certainly have!
The Cycling Europe Podcast is back and for this first episode of 2024 we have a triple-whammy of cycling-themed chats and stories. The EuroVelo network is now 26 years old but it’s not resting on its laurels. Agathe Daudibon of the European Cyclists’ Federation is the person responsible for looking after the network and developing it further. She talked to the podcast about her background in cycle touring, her role at the ECF and how she sees the future of the pan-European network. Svetlana and Quentin, from Oxford, talk about their experiences of cycling along the coast in Croatia. And Seth provides something that he feels the podcast is missing; how bike tours can “turn into complete disasters”. His certainly have!
Cycling is a sport that is all about tradition and endurance. With races such as the Tour De France pushing competitors to their limits, it has witnessed some incredible moments – and incredible champions. However, like many other sports, it has not been immune to controversy. The world of professional cycling has seen many moments that have sparked debates, raised eyebrows, and certainly left a bit of a stain on the sport. Here, we are going to delve into some of the most controversial moments in the world of cycling – look at the impact they had on the cycling community and the impact it has had on the sport.
There was a crazy news item this week – reported by Road.cc – about Ashford Council having reservations about a new factory for Brompton bikes because of lack of, err… parking. Are we ever going to be freed from the shackles of the car with such small-minded thinking? It seems unlikely. Highways England are bleating about the impact that such a factory could have on the local road network. A bicycle factory. A factory making bicycles.
Markus Stitz has been featured several times on this website and here he is again. And when I write ‘here’, I really mean ‘here’. He’s been to Yorkshire with Mark Beaumont and Heather Graham to cycle the length of the Yorkshire coastline. The route the trio followed has been rebranded and relaunched as ‘Route YC’ (Yorkshire coast) and Markus has made another beautiful film to add to his growing collection of stunning cycling films.
June, it seems, is the month for bike shows, certainly in 2024. In the weekly email from Cycling UK there’s mention of the National Cycle Show in Birmingham from the 15th-16th of June. It will be the place to see all the big names of the cycling world (at least that haven’t recently stopped trading…). In contrast, I received an email reminding me of an alternative cycle show last week. It will also be taking place in June over the weekend of the 28th to the 30th and this year is taking place in Manchester. It is Bespoked.
I’ve recently received a few emails regarding The Cycling Europe Podcast. The sentiment of those getting in touch is summarised in one question: where has it gone? The answer is… nowhere. It’s still there, all 76 episodes of the podcast remain available to stream or download from your podcast purveyor of choice. However, no new episodes have been published since October 2023. I have a few excuses. Firstly I’ve not been well. I have been suffering from a winter cold that has been dragging on for quite some time. One thing that has been seriously affected is my voice and it has dissuaded me from recording any new episodes. My other main excuse is the new book about 2022’s cycle around Europe. Recording, editing and then publishing a podcast episode usually takes a full day and, with a teaching job to hold down, most of my weekends during the winter have been spent writing rather than editing.
As e-bikes continue to surge in popularity, blending the convenience of traditional bicycles with the added power of electric motors, understanding the nuances of their design becomes increasingly important. Among these, the suspension system stands out as a critical component that significantly impacts both the bike’s performance and the comfort of the rider. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of a city or tackling rugged off-road trails, the type of suspension your e-bike is equipped with can make a substantial difference in your riding experience.
Every so often I get an email from someone who has been cycling somewhere interesting and would like to share their story. I’m always happy to oblige. One such email arrived this week, from Canadian cyclist Jennifer. She’s currently in Spain with her husband, bravely cycling through the Spanish winter. I remember being in Andalusia in the run-up to Easter back in 2015 and although we had some lovely warm days on the coast, once I started cycling north and into the mountains, it could get chilly. I would imagine that’s certainly the case in January and February. Jennifer asks a question about cycling from Seville to Cordoba. If you have any information to help her I’m sure she would be delighted to hear from you via her website. Anyway, keep reading. Here’s her story…
The world of cycling promises a wealth of opportunities for those heading towards retirement. It’s not too late to try something new, either! In 2021, people aged 50-59 cycled more than any other age group.
If you’re an avid cyclist or just have a love for the great outdoors, going on a cycling holiday is a great idea. There are so many exciting cycling routes in the UK but transporting your bikes might become a problem if you don’t have a bike carrier. But which one do you go for? Rear or roof mounted? This guide will help you decide which option is right for you.
Some good news this week from Laura Moss at The Cycle Touring Festival. There was some doubt about the future of the festival last year as the location of all the in-person festivals to date – Waddow Hall in Clitheroe – is in the process of being sold by the Girl Guide Association. Would it return to Clitheroe in 2024? Would a new venue be found? Would, indeed, the festival return at all? These were the questions in many attendees’s minds as they headed home from the October gathering a few months ago, shivering from their two or three nights in a tent.
Last weekend I completed the first draft of my fourth book, provisionally called Le Grand Tour. 159,600 words from the first – ‘It was breezy…’ – to the last – ‘…the T-shirt’. It tells the tale of my 2022 circular cycle from the Hook of Holland to the Hook of Holland. As to when it gets published, I’m not able to say with great accuracy. It will most likely be self-published (as were the first two books) and if that is indeed the case, I suspect that publication around Easter would be a reasonable guess. I have made some efforts to approach publishers and if it does get picked up by a publisher (Summersdale who published book 3 no longer publish many travelogues), the publication date would probably be pushed further into the year.
Another post of the francophones, although there are subtitles. A beautiful documentary about a very spritely chap. Originally from Italy, he has a wonderful accent which reflects the fact that he now lives in the south-west of France. I’m sure that even if you don’t understand his words, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of what he is saying. Very touching when he talks about his siblings, all of whom are still living. We can only hope that the rest of us are still on the bike when we are in our 90s…
In London’s dynamic and ever-evolving cityscape, the advent of Airbnb has revolutionized the concept of vacation rentals. This bustling capital of the United Kingdom now emerges as a fertile ground for property owners keen on diving into the Airbnb market. More than merely providing accommodation, investing in an Airbnb property in London is about crafting unique and unforgettable experiences for a global array of travelers, enriching their visit to this storied city. It’s an opportunity to immerse guests in the very heart of London’s vibrant culture and history while also securing a profitable return on investment.
