Handlebar Highlights: Global Cycling Adventures

HANDLEBAR HIGHLIGHTS: GLOBAL CYCLING ADVENTURES
By Terri Guthrie

Biking through a destination allows one to form a deeper connection to the place by experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells at street level—absorbing the personality of a city or countryside in real time. I enjoy biking because it allows me to go off the beaten path, weaving through alleyways, neighborhoods, and scenic trails that I would not have otherwise seen or experienced. Bike tours are one of our favorite travel activities, offering the most immersive and delightful way to explore a new destination. Check out Part 1 of this series focusing on American Cycling Adventures.

Brazil – Rio de Janeiro to Copacabana & Ipanema
Pedaling from Rio de Janeiro’s city center toward Copacabana and Ipanema is like gliding through a postcard. The route is primarily flat and lined with dedicated bike paths, making it ideal for both casual riders and seasoned cyclists.
– Copacabana Beach: A dazzling stretch of coastline where you’ll see thousands of sunbathers and soccer balls. Very family-oriented – multi-generations gather at the promenade.
– Ipanema Beach: This is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic and beloved stretches of sand. It’s the beach that inspired the legendary bossa nova hit “The Girl from Ipanema”, and it’s every bit as enchanting as the song suggests.

Holland – Amsterdam to Volendam Fishing Village
Biking from Amsterdam to Volendam is a quintessential Dutch experience, overflowing with charming scenery.
– Scenic Countryside Cultural Experience: While biking, you’ll see Windmills, cows, traditional costumes, and cheese wheels.
– Volendam Harbor: A postcard-perfect fishing village with colorful boats, traditional costumes, and waterfront cafés. Fun tours of Edam cheese and a wooden clog factory.

England – London Royal City Tour
A royal bike tour through London is like pedaling through the pages of British history—graceful parks, grand palaces, and iconic monuments all within reach. A guided tour is recommended.
– Ride through Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St. James’s Park.
– See Iconic Sights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament.
– End with a Pub Stop: Eat some hot fish and chips and drink a cold pint.

France – Paris Landmarks, Giverny & Versailles
A biking tour through Paris, Giverny, and Versailles is like pedaling through a living canvas, where history, art, wealth, and countryside charm unfold with every turn. Many guided tours include a round-trip train from Paris, bike rental, and access to landmarks.
– Paris Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre & Tuileries Gardens, Notre-Dame & Pont Alexandre III Bridge.
– Giverny & Monet’s Garden: Monet’s House, Giverny, Water Lily Pond, Monet’s Gravesite, Local Market, Picnic on Seine River Path by the Old Mill.
– Versailles Palace & Gardens Highlights: Château de Versailles, Royal Gardens, Hidden Gems & Historic Estates, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and Versailles Forest Trails.

Japan – Narita’s Rice Fields and Bath Houses
After a long flight, a bike ride around Narita is a perfect way to stretch your legs, soak in the rural scenery, and discover a quieter side of Japan.
– Explore Historic Villages: Glide past rice fields and visit cultural landmarks such as Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
– Try Something New: Finish your ride at a traditional Japanese bath house. A one-of-a-kind experience.

Mexico – Puerto Vallarta’s Bike and Food Tour
This is a fun, flavorful ride led by a local guide. The tour combines food, history, and storytelling, making it perfect for first-time visitors or curious food enthusiasts.
– Cycle 5 miles through Old Town: See Banderas Bay, the famous Malecón boardwalk, Guadalupe Church, and other iconic spots.
– Tastings: Stop at seven local small food kitchens in neighborhoods off the beaten path to sample a variety of tacos (barbacoa, carnitas, asada), pork belly, Mexican ice cream, and craft beer.

Terri Guthrie is a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas. Her syndicated work appears in numerous publications across North America and beyond. She is formerly a broadcast news director for WFTW Vacationland Broadcasting and a radio announcer for Florida’s AP Network News. Her husband, Ron, a retired USAF Fighter Pilot and Commercial International Airline Pilot, globe-trots with Terri as her assistant and videographer. Having visited 50+ countries across all six continents, Terri’s travels focus on cultural immersion, local gastronomy, unique activities, and incredible journeys. She is obsessed with our national parks, historic hotels, and photography. Terri avidly promotes responsible travel experiences. Visit https://travelwithterri.net/

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