Where to cycle for a week or two - a dilemma

CyclingBantam

As a relatively new, but very fit cyclist, my brother is keen to go away next summer for a week or two's cycle touring. I have said I am up for it but we unfortunately have different tastes in preferred locations.

My brother wished to cycle round the west coast of Scotland, which, while unquestionably beautiful, is not my cup of tea. I would really like to go somewhere we are more likely to get good weather, which just isn't guaranteed in Scotland.

We have left it that I will go and come up with an alternative suggestion that has to 'beat' Scotland. Now I am thinking about the northern alps, based in Annecy or somewhere of that ilk.
Has anyone any suggestions of good cycling regions with some spectacular scenery that has a reasonable chance of good weather in may/June? Any ideas welcome.

Thanks

Ben.

CyclingBantam

Sorry, should have said, we are looking for options of mountainous to slightly hilly where possible and we will be touring so covering up to 60 miles a day but can stay in different locations I.e. Start in x but end the holiday in y.

Kieran_Burns

Ahem:

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z146 ... ltered.jpg


That'll be the West coast of Scotland.

don't worry about the weather, just take the right kit. You'll be fine.

CyclingBantam

That is an amazing photo. I have no quarms it is stunning over there I just much prefer riding in warm weather. I have not discounted it but I just want to think of some alternatives and this is an excellent place for ideas.

bearfraser

Pyranees end to end ,hard core but nice and sunny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bearfraser

Pyranees end to end ,hard core but nice and sunny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jonginge

Raid!

Ben, if mountains are your plan then further south may be wisest. Not sure many northen alpine passes will be open in may/early june. (I could be very wrong, though. Feel free to correct me dear readers). Thought about Italy? The beautiful scenery the giro d'italia goes through in may is very tempting

JohnVilliers

Got to surely be in to the Alps!! I went to a place called Serre Chevalier (ryanair to Turin and then 45 min car) this summer and cycled around the most stunning countryside for a week.
There's a huge lake nearbye where we swam, and we also hired mountainbikes and put them on the back of the chairlift and came down the mountains - the most fun I've ever had on a bike. Although could barely hold my cold glass of beer afterwards as my forearms were so stiff!!

Butterd2

Ben,

I'd also highly recommend the Pyrenees c2c. See my thread with mapmyride links, did it in 6 and a bit days and loved every minute of it.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12712122&highlight=pyrenees+c2c

You can never guarantee the weather as you are in the mountains but we had 5 good days in 6 during Sept. If you want to take it further drop me a note and I'll let you know which hotels were excellent and which were a bit shite.

Maxticate

I went motorbike touring in the alps two years ago. It was snowing at the top of St Bernards pass and very cold. That was June 16th.

Probably have to go a bit later than that for guarenteed sun, even then it's not guarenteed. There might just not be snow at the top.

Gussio

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco could offer a wealth of exciting opportunities?

Kieran_Burns

Okay - if this going to turn into a p*ssing contest

http://www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip900712.htm

Cycle to the Everest Base camp. 8)

Beat that

Gussio

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Okay - if this going to turn into a p*ssing contest

http://www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip900712.htm

Cycle to the Everest Base camp. 8)

Beat that

Would make for a great descent.....

sc999cs

You could ride part of the Mille Cymru - a 1000km route through Wales. You can find out more details here. If the links don't work I know the person who charted out the route and I can probably get more info for you.