Plan your cycling year with Exodus

The great news is that cycling continues to go from strength to strength and is now the fastest growing activity for Exodus. Our latest 2011-12 Cycling brochure has proven incredibly popular and many trips are filling up quickly. Our new trips have been well received and we are already organising extra departures on some of them.

Many destinations have a long season but for others there are definite advantages of choosing one month over another. In this monthly planner we have recommended trips that are particularly suitable at that time of year. This should help steer you towards your next (or first!) cycling adventure.

Exodus cycling experts:

If you have any questions about our cycling holidays, contact one of our cycling experts by phone or email using the contact details below. Chances are you will find yourself speaking to Ian or Marcus - just two of the specialist cycling experts in our Sales team!

Cycling 2011 monthly links: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan 12

Our Recommended Cycling Holidays For This Year

JANUARY FEBRUARY
Andy Ross and Che
Cyclist at site on MIR, Sri Lanka

Cycling Cuba - Road

Moderate grade

Uncover Cuba’s intriguing culture and history as you cycle through colonial towns, tobacco plantations and along the beautiful Caribbean coastline. In Havana, 1950s cars cruise past its monuments, cathedrals and palaces. Santiago is steeped in historically important events and has a lively nightlife of music and dance. Quieter rural areas provide an insight to a different side of Cuba including the jungle-clad Sierra Maestra Mountains. What better way to start the year?!

16 Days from: £1979

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
India – Cycling through Rajasthan | VietnamCycling Vietnam

 

 

Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka - Road

Moderate / Challenging

Admire the tropical beauty of cool highlands, jungle parks and ancient Buddhist cities as you travel across this compact country by bike. Along the way you will get the chance to climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock, explore the cave temples at Dambulla and take a safari in Yala National Park – home to elephant, leopard and many colourful bird species. You’ll ride through tea and spice growing regions and also have time to relax on the beach. The British winter weather will be left far behind!

15 days from £1849

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Jordan – Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike | Laos and Vietnam – Cycling in Laos & Northern Vietnam

 

MARCH
APRIL
Cycling in Jordan Group riding near the Blue Rocks, Tafraoute

Ride the Road to Damascus - Road

Moderate grade

Enjoy the cultural and scenic highlights of Syria as you follow a circular route from Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Evidence of the rise and fall of ancient civilisations is everywhere, from the dramatic ruins of Palmyra, the crusader castle of Krak des Chevallers and the mediaeval waterwheels of Hama. In modern day Syria, there is no better place to get a taste of local life than in the souks of Aleppo and Damascus.

9 days from £1399

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Nepal – Classic Nepal Ride | Cuba – Cuban Highlights Ride

 

 

Atlas Descent - Off Road

Challenging grade

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains provide an unrivalled off-road experience through a striking landscape of jagged mountains and gorges. Along the way you’ll pass through quiet Berber villages, palm-filled oases and cultivated valleys.
Much of the hard work getting up into the mountains is done using the 4x4 support vehicle, leaving you to free wheel back down again. With approximately 6,000 metres of exhilarating descents to enjoy, this trip is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

8 days from £1069

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Spain – Cycle the Camino de Santiago | Croatia – Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

 

MAY
JUNE
Cycling along the Amalfi Coast Cycling group riding through country village

Cycle Cilento & Amalfi - Road

Moderate grade

The wild beauty of the Cilento National Park is your constant companion throughout much of the week as you cycle along its border with the sea. Sleepy villages perch atop towering cliffs that plunge into the turquoise blue sea below. Stopping to explore the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, you continue to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast, taking in views of Vesuvius along the way. Being Italy, you can expect delicious refreshments and meals wherever you dine.

8 days from £999

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Serbia – Cycling the Danube - Serbia | India – Cycling through North India

 

Aegean Coast & Lakes Ride - Road

Moderate gradeEnjoy the warm Turkish sunshine and equally warm hospitality of the local people as you follow a route that takes you to some of the region’s stunning highlights. You pedal past six of the region’s picturesque lakes and through Turkey’s countryside, gaining a good insight into local culture. The Roman city of Ephesus gives you an insight into life in the 2nd century while the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pamukkale – a huge calcium formation with hot springs – is a great place to take a dip and soothe any aching muscles!

8 days from £849

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Spain – Segovia: Cycle the Spanish Heartland | Italy – Tuscany Singletrack

 

JULY
AUGUST
A group of cyclists at the Col du Tourmalet, Pyrenees Riding towards Prenj

Classic Cols of the Tour de France - Road

Chellenging / Tough gradeTest your cycling prowess on the same routes used in the Tour de France as you pedal through some of Europe’s most stunning scenery. The challenging itinerary takes in eight of the most famous cols with the option of doing even more. The climb up the formidable Col de Tourmalet (2115m) is a test for any cyclist and is followed by a thrilling 35km descent, which makes the effort well worthwhile. If you are beaten by any of the Cols, you can always call on the services of the support vehicle.

8 days from £899

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Italy – Cycle through Siena & Chianti | Italy – Dolomites to Venice Ride

 

Biking in Bosnia - Off Road

Challenging gradeExplore the remote mountain regions of Bosnia & Herzegovina on its extensive network of quiet mountain trails. Challenging rides allow you to make the most of this beautiful region as you hurtle down gravel tracks and along exciting stretches of natural singletrack. Throughout the rides you are surrounded by rugged peaks, ancient forests and alpine lakes. Out of the saddle, there is time to visit Sarajevo – the capital city - and Mostar with its famous bridge.

8 days from £1049

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Mongolia – Cycling the Empire of Genghis Khan | India – Manali to Leh Ride

 

SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
High at the top of high pass in Tibet
Cyclists and Masai, near Wasso, close to Serengeti

Lhasa to Kathmandu Ride - Road

Chellenging / Tough grade

This is the ultimate cycling challenge! Adventurous cyclists will relish the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the Tibetan and Nepalese Himalayan scenery from a bike. Riding both on and off road, often at altitude, you will travel through a landscape of brilliant skies, towering snow-capped peaks and rugged beauty. You’ll get great views of Everest’s north face and get to Base Camp itself. There’s acclimatisation time in Kathmandu to help ensure you can make the most of the steep ascents and exhilarating descents.

21 days from £2699

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Italy – Cycling in Sardinia | Slovakia and Poland – Cycling in the Tatras

 

 

Tanzania Cycle Safari - Road

Moderate / Challenging

When was the last time you cycled past a giraffe, a flock of flamingos or a Masai Warrior? Cycling in the wilds of the Rift Valley area provides an incomparable array of landscapes and encounters with local people. Cycling mostly on dirt tracks, you will get a real feel for the African wilderness. In the safety of game viewing vehicles you will also go into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks to view a wider array of animals including elephant and the big cats. Some of the cycling routes are quite challenging but the effort is well worth it.

15 days from £2419

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Turkey – Trails of the Turquoise Coast | Morocco – Jebel Sahro Ride & Marrakech

 

NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Cycling on the beach, near Guruvayoor
Cyclists passing row of statues, south gate of Angkor Thom

Kerala & Tropical India - Road

Moderate / Challenging

Enjoy the lush, tropical beauty of southern India as you cycle along backroads and through small towns and villages. You’ll pass through tea plantations and have plenty of opportunities to interact with the local people. An optional ride to the top of Ooty Hill is the highlight for many, while an overnight trip on a houseboat in Kerala’s backwaters provides a great way to relax. Along the way you can refuel with the delicious Indian cuisine.

15 days from £1749

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
South Africa – Cycling the Cape & Winelands | Cuba – Cycling Cuba

 

 

Cycle Indochina & Angkor - Road

Moderate gradeAn adventurous cycling journey which starts in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, goes through Cambodia and ends in Saigon, Vietnam. There are few hills and many of the roads have good quality tarmac. There is plenty of time out of the saddle to enjoy the many interesting sites en route. The highlight for many will be two full days exploring the impressive temple complex of Angkor. There will be lots of opportunities to interact with the friendly locals and try out some of the more unusual culinary delicacies on offer – if you’re brave enough!

16 days from £1929

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
Morocco – Atlas Descent | Jordan – Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

 

JANUARY 2012 
Cycling group and Panama Canal

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

Moderate / Challenging

Central America's narrow isthmus lends itself perfectly to exploration on two wheels. Starting in the graceful colonial city of Granada and ending in bustling Panama City, our route takes us into Costa Rica's steamy cloud forests, alongside several active volcanoes and to the tropical island paradise of Bocas del Toro.
We visit the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, search for Howler monkeys as we take a boat trip on the Tenorio River and take some time out for snorkelling on Panama's reefs. A ride along the impressive Panama Canal is included at the end of the trip - a great climax to an unusual and interesting itinerary.

Now’s also a good time to cycle in:
India – Cycling through Rajasthan | Sri LankaCycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka


EXODUS CYCLING EXPERTS

EXODUS CYCLING EXPERT


Ian in the Picos de Europa National Park

Ian Langford

Ian has pedalled his way around a diverse range of destinations including India, South Africa, Spain, Croatia, Burgundy and Cuba. He is aiming to work his way through the entire cycling brochure. He’s doing well and will soon be adding Sri Lanka to his cycling repertoire!

Email Ian on: ilangford@exodus.co.uk

 

EXODUS CYCLING EXPERT 


Marcus Nicholson in Croatia

Marcus Nicholson

A lapsed mountain biker, since joining Exodus, Marcus has rekindled his passion for pedalling. He has gone off road in Tuscany and independent in Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Later this year he is going to jump back in the saddle in Mongolia.

Email Marcus on: mnicholson@exodus.co.uk

And finally...

Perhaps there is a destination you’d love to explore on two wheels that we don’t currently feature? Well now is the time to speak up -  we want to hear from you! Not only could you see your idea in a future brochure, but the people who submit the best 10 suggestions by 30 April 2011 (along with their name and address) will receive a £50 Exodus voucher redeemable against future bookings - this offer is now closed, but you could still try and come up with a suggestion! Please put 'Cycling Suggestion' in the subject line of your email.

Send Cycling Programme Manager Andy Ross your ideas: aross@exodus.co.uk

Terms & Conditions - Entries will be judged by Andy Ross and the best 10, as chosen by him, will receive a £50 Exodus voucher to the address provided. Only one voucher will be sent per person / per address (although you can make as many suggestions as you like). Entries must be for international cycling holidays only. All suggestions must be received by 30 April 2011. Offer open to UK residents aged 18 or over only and excludes Exodus employees or their immediate families. There is no cash alternative and no correspondence will be entered into.

 

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