Best Cycling Routes on Earth

Spring is in the air, warm winds are kissing our faces, and the sun is embracing us, so what is it that fills our heads?  Well, riding outside of course!  The Cycling Centre has a variety of riders in it's program, triathletes who will be racing Lake Placid and Wisconsin Ironmen this year, World long course and short course triathlons, road races, centurions, newbies to the racing scene, and adventurers.

Before race season though, many athletes are away in warm climates to get in some outdoor milage and it has gotten me thinking about the best cycling routes in the World.  A quick google search pulls up exotic locales such as Isle of Wight in England, Tasmania, La Farola in Cuba, and of course the epic climbs we see on TV in the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta.  Although I've ridden in many places across North America, this year will be the first time my bike travels across an ocean; however, I have done some spectacular rides on this continent and thought I would share my top 5.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

Riding may not be the first thing you think of when you hear Las Vegas, but the riding around the city is spectacular.  Lake Mead National Park takes you either up or down and there is a smoothly paved bike path that meanders through the park offering breathtaking views.  Mount Charlestown, on the other side of the city offers completely different vegetation and temperatures as you ride up to a ski hill where the smell at the top reminds you that you have moved from the dessert to the forest.

4. Waterfront Trail, Ontario

The Waterfront Trail is a signed recreational route from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border that is 730 km long and travels through 41 communities.  It is the communities that put this route on the list for me.  The variety of views, rural and urban amenities, and maybe that you don't have to go much more than 25 km before coming across a delicious coffee shop or pub that make it an enjoyable ride.  Best way to travel the whole route is to register for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.

3. Silver City, New Mexico

At 6000 feet in elevation and with climbs that are 10 km at 12%, I've always thought this is the perfect place to go for training - if only they didn't get winter!  Riding the forests around Silver City has always kicked my butt, which is probably why it's on the list, I find it challenging.  Mount Mogollon and the ride up to the Cliff Dwellings are musts if you go.  If you like being around other cyclists and have the chance to see some of North Americas best pro road racers, then travel at the end of April and early May to see the Tour of the Gila.

2. Redwood Forest, California

Every been told to close your eyes, take a deep breath and go to your "happy place"?  Redwood Forest happens to be mine.  I didn't find the riding to be all that challenging, and the scenery doesn't change like the other rides mentioned; however, there is something cool about riding at the base of these massive trees, very neat.

1. Bow Valley Parkway, Alberta

I've ridden all over Canada and the States and done some amazing rides; however, this one is still my favourite.  Maybe it's because it was in my backyard and I have many different memories of this route; maybe it's because I've done it in snow, sleet, rain, and sun and survived; maybe it's because I've seen a Bear almost every time I've ridden it, along with Elk, Moose, sheep, and other wildlife; but whatever the reason, this ride is spectacular and everyone should plan a trip to ride in the Canadian Rockies.  This year Calgary will have a Granfondo, though routes aren't posted yet, I'm sure they will go through the rockies and fingers crossed they include the Bow Valley Parkway.