Riders Share The World's Most Breathtaking Biking Trails
By Sanjay Surana
VACATIONS
Canal du Midi
This cycle path shadows canals and winds through the countryside in the Languedoc region of France. It spans more than 150 miles and is generally broad and flat.
During a ride, travelers can see Roman ruins, ancient castles, monasteries, and settlements. The area also has historic churches, museums, and medieval monuments.
Colorado Riverfront
Riders on the Colorado Riverfront Trail will pass tranquil communities, marshes, cottonwood trees, little lakes, canals, slices of river, orchards, and wineries.
Down East Sunrise
The Down East Sunrise Trail runs along part of the former Calais Branch Railroad Corridor in Maine, a rail line that began in 1898 and linked Brewer to Calais.
Tom Jamrog's Weblog mentions seeing "partridges, snowshoe hares, a nesting osprey, various songbirds, and [...] a moose" along this former railroad.
Flume
This Nevada trail skirts the edge of Lake Tahoe, a destination with a gorgeous state park. While it is mildly testing, even casual bikers should be able to handle the terrain.
George S. Mickelson
A Google reviewer described this trail in the Black Hills as "very picturesque, hills, mountains, forest, horses, and numerous bridges."
The easy route unravels over 109 miles and has more than 100 old railroad bridges. Since cyclists can join in numerous places, you can do as little (or as much) of it as you like.