After Years of Solo Planning, My First Guided Trip Showed How Great Cycling Tours Really Can Be
I’ve been cycling for about 10 years now, mostly on self-organised trips in places like the Alps and the Dolomites. Over the years, I’ve tackled some of the classic climbs, ridden sections of famous Tour de France routes, and spent plenty of time chasing mountain passes.
But it wasn’t until I joined Exodus and went on a guided cycling trip that I properly understood what a cycling holiday can be.
Costa Rica was the first. South Africa’s Route 62 was the second. Both showed me the benefits of travelling with a guide and a small group, and how much more you can get under the skin of a destination when you see it through a local’s eyes. Here’s what I discovered:
You’re so often in the right place at the right time
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much more connected I felt to the places we visited. That wasn’t just because we were travelling by bike. It was because our local guides knew exactly where to take us.
The routes had clearly been designed by people who understood the region inside out. Rather than following busy roads or obvious tourist routes, we found ourselves riding through villages, remote landscapes and hidden corners of the route we’d never have discovered on our own.
Our guides knew where the best riding was, but they also knew where the interesting stories, viewpoints and wildlife encounters were likely to happen. That local knowledge transformed the experience from simply getting from A to B into something far more immersive.
That played out every day on Route 62. Riding through the Karoo, we had a baboon leap across the road in front of us. Then an ostrich. Then a chicken. Then a monkey. All on one stretch of road.
Even in a place as sparse as the Karoo, there was always something to see. Antelope in the distance, birds of prey overhead and wildlife appearing where you least expected it. Sometimes the attraction was the landscape itself – the vastness, the openness and the feeling of being surrounded by almost nothing at all.
Having guides who understood the area so well meant we were often in exactly the right place to appreciate those moments.
You enjoy experiences that most whizz right past
One of the biggest advantages of travelling with local experts is that they take you beyond the places most visitors see.
As we rode through villages, townships and smaller communities, people would wave as we passed. Sometimes we’d stop and chat. Those interactions were often brief, but they gave us a much stronger sense of the destination than we would have had travelling independently.
Our guides didn’t just know the roads. They understood the communities, culture and character of the places we travelled through. As a result, the trip felt less like ticking off landmarks and more like experiencing the real South Africa.
The quieter roads revealed a different side of the country too. Rather than sticking to major routes, we travelled through places that don’t appear in guidebooks, seeing everyday life unfold around us. They’re the sorts of experiences that are difficult to plan yourself but become much more accessible when you’re travelling with people who know the destination intimately.
The highlights? They’re even better
Every trip has a wow moment. For our group, that was Swartberg Pass.
Everyone knew it was coming. One of South Africa’s most iconic mountain passes, it’s a long gravel climb that really makes you work for it. Looking back, I probably should have done a little more training beforehand.
Getting to the top felt like a real achievement. We gathered together, celebrated with a glass of bubbles and took in the views stretching across the surrounding mountains.
Then came the descent.
Hairpin bends twisted down through granite cliffs and dramatic mountain scenery, making the ride down every bit as memorable as the climb itself.
What made the experience even better was having guides who knew the route so well. They understood the conditions, knew where to stop for the best views and ensured everyone could tackle the challenge with confidence. It allowed us to focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about logistics.
You connect to the people so much more
What happened after Swartberg Pass made the day even more special.
Local women presented us with bracelets as a symbol that we were all one group. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant a great deal.
Later in the trip, as we rode out of Franschhoek, we were escorted by the local youth cycling group, Ida’s Valley Community Trails Cycling Team. It wasn’t something any of us expected, but it became one of the standout memories of the week.
Those are the moments that stay with you long after you’ve forgotten the day’s distance or average speed.
They’re also a reminder that the best guided holidays aren’t just about the route. They’re about the people you meet and the experiences that happen along the way.
Many of those experiences are made possible by the people behind the trip. Our local team were excellent. They knew the destination like the back of their hand and were able to adapt to conditions throughout the week, ensuring everything ran smoothly while creating opportunities for moments we could never have planned ourselves.
Having that level of local knowledge gives you confidence and allows you to focus on enjoying the experience. It’s one of the reasons guided cycling holidays surprised me. The riding is important, of course, but the expertise behind the scenes makes a huge difference to the overall experience.
Thinking about your first cycling holiday? Here’s what I’d recommend
My advice would be simple: give it a go. You don’t need to be an expert cyclist. Exodus offers trips at a range of different grades, from gentle rides suitable for most people through to more challenging adventures.
A bit of preparation beforehand certainly helps, and staying hydrated is essential, particularly in warmer destinations. But you don’t need years of experience to enjoy a cycling holiday.
What you get in return is a completely different way to travel. You’re outdoors, active and engaged with the destination around you. You notice more. You take roads less travelled. You share the experience with others.
If you’re ready to join your first guided cycling trips, here are the routes I’d recommend.
Cycling South Africa’s Route 62
Ride from the vast Karoo to the coast, tackling incredible climbs including Swartberg Pass. Carefully designed routes lead you along quieter roads through some of South Africa’s most rewarding cycling terrain, while expert local guides handle the logistics and support throughout.
Join the adventure:
Cycling South Africa's Route 62
Join talented cycling leaders to ride the ‘greatest road trip in South Africa’ by bike
Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina
Ride through the northern gateway to Patagonia, where volcanoes, turquoise rivers and ancient forests shape the landscape. Cross the Andes twice, cycle a mix of paved and gravel roads, cruise across Todos los Santos Lake and stay in an ecolodge in Conguillío National Park.
Join the adventure:
Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina
Discover the beauty of the Andean Lake District on two wheels.
Cycling in Greece
Explore the Peloponnese on quiet roads linking ancient sites, vineyards and coastal towns. Along the way, your local leader provides the stories and context that bring each place to life, while the pace allows time to enjoy Greek food and culture.
Join the adventure:
Cycling in Greece
Cycle through historic sights of ancient Greece
Cycle Kerala & Tropical India
Ride from the Western Ghats to Kerala’s famous backwaters, tackling rewarding climbs before swapping the saddle for a houseboat stay and wildlife safari. It’s a journey that balances challenge, scenery and cultural discovery.
Ready to Ride?
Cycling holidays offer a uniquely rewarding way to experience a destination.
Explore our full range of cycling adventures and discover where two wheels could take you next.
