Best Bicycle Riding in the World

Cape Breton, NS

Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, Canada, is home to some truly breath-taking scenery. The ocean breeze should cool you down as you charge into the mountains. Tons of wildlife, not a lot of people, and a relaxed, isolated, quaint feel give added depth to this once in a lifetime ride. Easy to get to from New England, as well. Enjoy the deeply Scottish roots of the place, mixed with French and the can-do Canadian spirit. The highlands and the Cabot Trail are real highlights, but the whole thing is magical. A fantastic ride. Go fast though: a promising young singer-songwriter was recently killed by a coyote while hiking in the more wild portions. Stay on the bike, people.

San Juan Islands, Roche Harbor, WA 98250

The San Juan Islands (3 of them - San Juan, Orcas, & Lopez) are a popular weekend playground for denizens of Seattle and other areas of Washington. The place is spectacularly beautiful, and if anything, should be touristed more. Most tourists hop on the kayak bandwagon in hopes of seeing the occasional, rare orca. It has a lot to offer besides the abundant marine life, however: eagles, deer, awesome hidden coves, very little traffic, and great views of the coast. It is a cyclist's paradise, and a great place to take an extended bike ride if you live in the Pacific Northwest.

Dunedin - Otago Peninsula

Oh, New Zealand. How I love you so.

Although I spent quite a bit of time hear, it seems that Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula are usually overlooked by most visitors the NZ. I personally love the wry charm of the area, the colder weather, and of course, the absolutely gorgeous views and rolling volcanic mountains. This is steep hill country, and you're also likely to run into albatrosses and penguins along the way. Twists and turns galore, and then you can finish it all with a pint at Captain Cook's (Dunedin is a university town, they like to drink, beware.)

Dunedin is also home to the steepest street in the world - Baldwin Street. I've personally walked up it. I haven't biked down it though... although I do remember once seeing a World's Wildest Police Video of a cyclist doing 70mph down it. He got a whopping speeding ticket.

Hai Van Pass

I first saw this on TV, when a bunch of idiots made the trek on motor scooters. Miraculous views. I did some research and it turns out the entire highway (National Highway 1, running north to south for the entire country) is an extraordinarily popular cycling route. Haven't been, but the views of the South China Sea are supposed to change your world. Definitely on my list of places to go.

Cradle Mountain TAS

The rugged, wild, untamed west coast of Tasmania makes for a cycling paradise, but also an incredibly challenging trek. Waterfalls and lakes abound....... as does imposing Cradle Mountain. Some amazing scenery and hard workouts in a land that feels miles away from the rest of the world.