Cycling is both a healthy and green way to enjoy new surroundings, and in recent years has picked up to become popular beyond sports enthusiasts. Remi Clermont, founder of Café du Cycliste, tells us his favourite places in the world to bike ride.
Bali, Indonesia
“An early morning surf session followed by a ride through rice fields and super steep volcano climb on road bike is my perfect day in Bali. There’s no need to plan super long rides here as it’s all about mixing things up. You can ride up 20% Mont Agung slopes and stop in little villages for ice cream before attacking another stupidly steep climb.”
Sutton Region, Quebec
“This is gravel riding paradise. No big climbs here, just rolling hills and very nice gravel roads to be enjoyed with wide tires. I am sure it’s good all year long but riding there in early October at the peak of fall foliage was very special for me. The peaceful atmosphere and intensity of the leaves colours make it a unique experience.”
Col d'Eze, France
“Col d'Eze is right above Nice City and my daily ride. At lunch, when I can escape the office for an hour, I ride it on my way to Col de la Madone or on my way to a longer ride. It’s warm in the winter as its facing south and still I can never get enough of the sea view with that special morning and evening light and the pure French Riviera feeling.”
Road 307, Morocco
“From Ouazazate to Demnat – its 140 km of pure Atlas Mountain beauty. I rode it for the first time with my dad in 2014. Some sections of the road can be in bad condition (especially after a rainy day) but the scenery and landscapes are some of the best you can find in the Atlas Mountains on a road bike.”
Norikura Pass, Japan
“The Norikura climb from Azusa Lake is almost 30k long and takes you to 2700m elevation. I rode it in the summer and halfway up a storm covered the mountain. It made no sense to keep going but I came all the way from Nagoya just for that climb so just could not give up. I rode a good number of amazing small mountain roads in Japan. This one is larger and less winding but the elevation makes it very special.”
Seven essentials for a cycling trip
- Bring a double-walled water bottle that keeps drinks ice cold for 24 hours.
- Pack a light, alcohol-based water-resistant sunscreen.
- Pack slow releasing energy in the form of protein-based snacks.
- Put that phone away! Wear a clear, white dial wrist-watch.
- Choose a comfy lightweight design activewear sunglasses.
- You’ll need a strong backpack to keep your valuables in, such as a Gaston Luga.
- Cycling mitts or gym gloves for handle grip.
