Some of the most memorable cycling trips happen well beyond the traditional European circuit. The “rest of the world” is where riding becomes a deeper travel experience, because the landscapes, altitude, culture, food, and even the rhythm of the roads feel completely different. You might be climbing high above Medellín on roads that twist into cloud forest, rolling across Japan’s island link bridges with the sea beneath you, or riding volcanic routes in Ecuador and Costa Rica where the air changes as you gain height. In places like Rwanda, Taiwan, and Vietnam, the bike is often the most direct way to understand the terrain, because it forces you to move at human speed through environments that are rich in detail.
This hub is designed to help you plan safely and efficiently. Many of these destinations require more attention to altitude, heat, local driving culture, and logistics than a standard European trip. Start by choosing a base that suits your ride goals, then build your week around a small number of standout routes and climbs, leaving space for rest and exploration. The reward is a cycling holiday that feels genuinely distinctive.
Where to base yourself
- Colombia: Medellín and Antioquia climbs
A high-energy base with serious climbing and a deep cycling culture. Great for riders who want altitude and long days. - Colombia: Bogotá and the surrounding high plateau
Big altitude from the start and steady, high-elevation riding. Best if you want a training-style trip and can manage thinner air. - Costa Rica: Central Valley and volcano routes
A compact base with varied terrain, from steady climbs to lush rolling roads. Ideal for a cycling trip that blends riding with nature. - Ecuador: Quito and Andes volcano routes
One of the most dramatic altitude destinations on the list, with long climbs and big views. Ideal for riders who want unique high mountain terrain. - Japan: Shimanami Kaido (Honshu to Shikoku route)
A famous ride corridor with island-hopping bridges and coastal scenery. Excellent for a travel-led cycling experience. - Japan: Kyoto and Kansai hills
A cultural base with rolling climbs nearby, ideal for mixing shorter rides with serious sightseeing. - Japan: Tokyo with Chichibu and Okutama mountains
A surprisingly strong riding base once you leave the city, with proper climbing and long day routes within reach. - Mexico: Oaxaca region
A distinctive base with varied terrain and quieter roads once you are outside the city. Great for riders who want culture and climbing in one trip. - Morocco: High Atlas (Marrakech base)
Desert light, big mountain roads, and a completely different ride atmosphere. Best for confident riders who can handle heat and varied road conditions. - Oman: Jebel Akhdar and the Hajar Mountains
A climbing-focused destination with dramatic mountain roads and reliable dry weather. Ideal for winter sun and big elevation days. - Portugal (Azores): São Miguel
A compact island base with rolling terrain and volcanic landscapes. Great for shorter, scenic rides with a relaxed travel feel. - Rwanda: Congo Nile Trail
A true adventure ride option, best suited to riders who want a multi-day journey and a deeper travel experience. - South Africa: Cape Town and the Winelands
A famous base with coastal riding, climbs, and excellent route variety. Great for mixing hard riding with outstanding food and scenery. - South Africa: Garden Route
A travel-led option with coastal scenery and varied terrain, ideal for a point-to-point style trip. - South Korea: Four Rivers Bike Path
A well-known long-distance route option that suits multi-day riding with simpler navigation and logistics. - Taiwan: Taroko Gorge and the Taiwan KOM route
A headline climbing destination with a famous long ascent and spectacular scenery. Best for riders who want a major challenge. - Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake and central ranges
A flexible base with scenic riding and access to longer climbs, ideal for building a varied week. - Thailand: Chiang Mai and northern hills
A strong base for steady climbing and warm-weather riding, with plenty of route options once you get beyond the city. - UAE: Dubai desert loops and Jebel Jais
A winter training favourite with fast, flat endurance riding and one standout long climb for structure. - Vietnam: Da Lat highlands
Cooler highland riding with steady climbs and a distinctive landscape feel, ideal for riders who prefer hills over extreme heat.
Best rides and climbs
Altitude and big climbing days
- Antioquia climbs from Medellín: long, steady efforts with a strong local cycling culture.
- Bogotá high plateau routes: high elevation riding that rewards pacing and careful acclimatisation.
- Quito volcano routes: dramatic altitude riding and long climbs with big scenery.
- Taiwan KOM-style climbing: a long, sustained ascent that suits riders who enjoy measured pacing challenges.
- Jebel Akhdar and Hajar Mountain roads in Oman: major climbing with desert and mountain contrasts.
- Jebel Jais in the UAE: a long climb that works perfectly as a structured training day.
Travel-led routes and iconic corridors
- Shimanami Kaido in Japan: island bridges, coastal views, and a ride that feels like a moving postcard.
- Four Rivers Bike Path in South Korea: a multi-day route where logistics and navigation are comparatively straightforward.
- Congo Nile Trail in Rwanda: a journey-style ride where the experience is as important as the daily distance.
- Azores on São Miguel: compact loops with constant scenery changes and a relaxed pace.
- Garden Route in South Africa: coastal travel with varied terrain, ideal for a point-to-point itinerary.
Coastal riding and mixed terrain exploration
- Cape Town and the Winelands: coastal loops, climbs, and big scenery with excellent food stops.
- Oaxaca region: varied terrain and cultural depth, ideal for riders who want something beyond the headline cycling hotspots.
- Kyoto and Kansai hills: rolling climbs and shorter ride options that fit around sightseeing.
- Tokyo with Chichibu and Okutama: proper climbing within reach of the city for longer day rides.
- Chiang Mai: steady hill riding and warm-weather mileage once you are into the quieter northern roads.
- Da Lat: cooler highlands and steady gradients, a strong contrast to Vietnam’s lower, hotter regions.
When to go
- Dry season planning: many of these destinations are best timed around dry weather windows. Research seasonal rainfall and humidity before booking.
- Altitude destinations: Colombia and Ecuador can feel demanding early in a trip. Build in easier days and respect acclimatisation.
- Heat-focused destinations: Oman and the UAE are best in cooler months, while Thailand and Vietnam can be more comfortable outside peak heat and humidity.
- Japan and South Korea: spring and autumn are often the most comfortable for long rides, with summer bringing heat and higher humidity.
- Southern Hemisphere: South Africa’s best riding windows often sit opposite the European season, making it a strong winter escape option.
Logistics
- Altitude and acclimatisation: plan the first days conservatively in high-elevation regions. Lower intensity early can make the whole trip better.
- Heat and hydration: carry more water than you think you need in desert and tropical climates, and plan resupply points before you roll out.
- Traffic and road culture: riding conditions vary widely. Choose routes that are popular with local cyclists when possible.
- Wildlife and environment: remote routes can bring unexpected hazards. Avoid riding at dawn and dusk in areas where visibility and wildlife risks are higher.
- Guiding and support: in some regions, a local guide or supported itinerary can massively improve safety and route quality.
- Navigation: download offline maps. Mountain, jungle, and desert regions often have limited signal.
- Emergency planning: know the local emergency number and have a basic plan for remote routes, including how you will get help if you cannot ride back.
