KristinaTwo wheels have a remarkable way of turning the world into a much bigger place. Roads that once seemed ordinary suddenly become journeys filled with rhythm, scenery, and challenge. Over the years, many routes have stayed in my memory not because they were easy, but because they pushed my limits while rewarding me with unforgettable views and experiences.
Some rides are famous for their climbs, others for their coastal beauty or historic surroundings. What unites them is the sense that each mile tells a story. Exploring different landscapes by bike reveals details that cars simply pass by. The smell of forests, the wind off the ocean, and the gradual shift in terrain all become part of the ride.
Cyclists everywhere share a quiet understanding that certain roads carry a legendary reputation. Riders talk about them in group rides, on cycling forums, and during long café stops. The following list gathers the rides that consistently appear in those conversations. These are the 20 epic cycling routes every rider should try at least once.
Pacific Coast Highway, United States
Few rides combine ocean views and open road quite like the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching along California’s rugged coastline, the route offers endless glimpses of crashing waves, towering cliffs, and winding asphalt that hugs the shoreline.
Long stretches between towns make the ride feel remote even though it passes through well-known destinations. Riding north from Los Angeles toward Big Sur stands out as a highlight because the scenery becomes more dramatic with every mile. Sea air fills the lungs, and the sound of waves becomes the background soundtrack.
Climbs along the coast challenge the legs, but each summit rewards riders with panoramic views that are impossible to forget. It feels less like a workout and more like an adventure unfolding mile by mile.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
Cyclists often describe Stelvio Pass with a kind of reverence. This legendary Alpine climb features dozens of tight switchbacks stacked up the mountainside, creating a staircase of asphalt that rises into the clouds.
The climb is demanding, yet the steady rhythm of the turns makes it strangely satisfying. Each hairpin feels like a milestone, and the scenery shifts from green valleys to rocky alpine terrain as the altitude increases.
Standing at the summit brings a mix of exhaustion and pride. Riders gather near the top, sharing smiles and stories because everyone who reaches that point knows they have conquered one of the world’s most iconic climbs.
Col du Tourmalet, France
Tour de France history seems embedded in every meter of this Pyrenean climb. Col du Tourmalet has hosted countless dramatic moments in professional racing, but experiencing it firsthand reveals a deeper appreciation for its scale.
The road winds through villages before gradually climbing into open mountain terrain. Steady gradients test endurance rather than explosive power, making pacing an important part of the ride.
Reaching the summit sign feels like stepping into cycling folklore. Looking down the valley, it becomes clear why this route is considered one of the essential stops on any serious rider’s bucket list.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road delivers a ride that feels both wild and welcoming. The road traces the southern coastline of Victoria, offering constant views of the Southern Ocean and dramatic limestone formations.
Riding through coastal forests adds variety to the route. One moment the road hugs the cliffs, and the next it disappears beneath tall eucalyptus trees filled with birdsong.
Wind can play a big role in shaping the experience. A strong tailwind transforms the ride into a flowing cruise, while headwinds demand patience and determination. Either way, the scenery makes every pedal stroke worthwhile.
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Rolling green hills and quiet countryside define the Ring of Kerry. This loop in southwestern Ireland winds through villages, farmland, and rugged coastal landscapes.
Traffic tends to be lighter for cyclists who start early in the day. Morning mist often hangs over the hills, giving the ride a mysterious atmosphere before the sun breaks through.
Each small town offers a chance to pause for tea or a hearty meal. Those moments of rest become part of the ride’s charm, turning a long day on the bike into a cultural experience as well.
Mallorca’s Sa Calobra, Spain
Sa Calobra is one of the most dramatic cycling roads in Europe. The descent begins with a twisting series of switchbacks that spiral down toward a small cove surrounded by towering cliffs.
The real challenge begins on the climb back out. The road coils upward in a sequence of perfectly engineered curves that demand patience and steady pacing.
Every rider I have spoken with remembers the moment they looked back down the valley and saw the road winding beneath them. That view alone earns Sa Calobra a place among the 20 epic cycling routes every rider should try.
Icefields Parkway, Canada
Riding through the Canadian Rockies feels almost surreal. The Icefields Parkway stretches between Banff and Jasper, passing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks.
Wildlife sightings are common along the route. Elk, mountain goats, and even bears occasionally appear near the roadside, adding an element of excitement to the ride.
The scale of the landscape makes riders feel small in the best possible way. Pedaling through such immense natural beauty creates a sense of connection with the environment that is hard to replicate anywhere else.
The Cabot Trail, Canada
Located in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail offers a combination of coastal cliffs and forested highlands. The route loops around Cape Breton Island and delivers a steady mix of climbs and descents.
Ocean views dominate many sections of the ride. Waves crash against rocky shores while seabirds circle overhead, making every stop along the route feel like a postcard scene.
Local communities welcome cyclists warmly, often sharing stories about the region’s culture and history. That sense of hospitality adds another layer of richness to the journey.
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
Stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, this route crosses some of the most famous mountain passes in the French Alps. Riders tackle climbs such as Col de l’Iseran and Col du Galibier along the way.
Days on this route tend to be long and demanding. Multiple climbs stack up across the journey, making it a true endurance challenge.
Completing even a portion of this legendary road leaves a lasting impression. The feeling of riding through such historic cycling terrain is impossible to forget.
Trollstigen, Norway
Norway’s dramatic landscapes provide the perfect setting for a memorable climb. Trollstigen rises through a series of steep hairpins surrounded by waterfalls and rugged mountains.
The road appears almost sculpted into the cliffside. Looking down from higher sections reveals the tight switchbacks below, each one a reminder of how far the climb has progressed.
Weather conditions can shift quickly in this region. Clouds rolling through the valley often create an atmosphere that feels almost mythical, which only adds to the experience.
Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route blends coastal scenery with lush forests and quiet rural roads. The ride passes through charming towns while revealing dramatic ocean views.
Rolling hills create a rhythm that alternates between effort and recovery. Riders often find themselves pausing to take photos of beaches, cliffs, and distant mountains.
Wildlife and diverse plant life give the region its name. That natural richness makes every section of the road feel vibrant and alive.
Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
Not every epic ride involves steep climbs. The Otago Central Rail Trail follows an old railway corridor across New Zealand’s South Island, offering a smooth and scenic route through wide open landscapes.
Historic tunnels and bridges remain along the trail. Riding through these remnants of the past adds a sense of adventure and discovery.
Small towns along the route welcome cyclists with cafés and accommodations. Multi-day rides become relaxed journeys filled with good food and memorable conversations.
Death Road Descent, Bolivia
For riders seeking adrenaline, Bolivia’s famous Death Road provides a thrilling challenge. The route descends from high mountain terrain into lush rainforest over dozens of kilometers.
Gravel sections and narrow ledges demand concentration. Riders must stay alert while navigating the constantly changing terrain.
The sense of accomplishment at the end of the descent is powerful. Few rides combine danger, scenery, and excitement in quite the same way.
L’Alpe d’Huez, France
Twenty-one hairpins define this legendary climb in the French Alps. Each turn carries the name of a stage winner from the Tour de France, turning the ascent into a living museum of cycling history.
The climb begins steeply and maintains a relentless gradient. Finding a steady rhythm becomes essential for reaching the summit.
Fans often gather along the road during summer months. Their encouragement adds energy to the ride, making the climb feel like a personal stage of the Tour.
The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Narrow roads carved into cliffs define the Amalfi Coast ride. Mediterranean views stretch across the horizon while colorful villages cling to the mountainsides.
Traffic can be busy at times, but early morning rides reveal a quieter side of the region. Sunrise light reflecting off the sea creates an unforgettable backdrop.
Short climbs and descents keep the ride dynamic. Each bend in the road reveals another breathtaking view of the coastline.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, United States
Located in Montana’s Glacier National Park, this road crosses the Continental Divide and delivers dramatic mountain scenery throughout the journey.
Snow often lingers on the surrounding peaks even during summer months. That contrast between warm sunshine and icy mountains makes the ride visually striking.
Cyclists frequently share the road with hikers and wildlife watchers. The atmosphere feels more like a shared adventure than a simple ride.
The North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s rugged northern coastline offers a ride filled with windswept cliffs, quiet villages, and endless ocean views. The North Coast 500 loops around the Highlands, revealing landscapes that feel both remote and timeless.
Weather conditions shift quickly in this region. A sunny morning can transform into mist and rain within hours, adding a sense of unpredictability.
Despite the changing skies, the route maintains a powerful charm. Riders often describe it as one of the most atmospheric journeys in the cycling world.
The Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Japan’s Shimanami Kaido connects several islands through a network of bridges and dedicated cycling paths. The route stretches across the Seto Inland Sea, creating a ride unlike any other.
Smooth roads and excellent signage make navigation easy. Cyclists of all experience levels can enjoy the journey without worrying about heavy traffic.
Local food stops along the islands add to the experience. Fresh seafood and regional specialties provide welcome energy for the next stretch of road.
The Carretera Austral, Chile
Patagonia’s remote wilderness becomes accessible through the Carretera Austral. This long route winds through forests, mountains, and glacial rivers in southern Chile.
Gravel sections and unpredictable weather test both bike and rider. Preparation becomes essential for anyone attempting long segments of the route.
Moments of silence dominate the ride. With few vehicles and vast landscapes surrounding the road, cyclists often feel completely immersed in nature.
Final Thoughts
Cycling has a unique way of turning roads into memories. Certain routes stand out not just for their scenery or difficulty, but for the stories they create along the way. Riding through mountains, along coastlines, or across quiet countryside reveals a perspective that cannot be experienced from behind a windshield.
The rides featured in 20 epic cycling routes every rider should try represent more than bucket-list destinations. Each one offers a different challenge and a different glimpse into the world. Some test endurance with relentless climbs, while others invite riders to slow down and absorb the landscape.
Dreaming about these roads often leads to planning the next adventure. Maps come out, training rides become more purposeful, and the anticipation builds long before the journey begins. That sense of possibility is part of what makes cycling such a powerful passion.
Every rider eventually discovers their own favorite roads. Still, exploring legendary routes adds a deeper appreciation for the sport and the places it can take us. The journey may begin with a single ride, but the stories from these roads last a lifetime
Add comment