Cycling is one of the best ways of outdoor recreation. Riding a bike through beautiful lands and sceneries is the primary joy of the activity. Instead of driving a motor vehicle, you can just grab your bike and pedal to the bar, library, bar, or work. However, some people need more than this. They prefer their rides more dramatic, arduous, and remote. These are the world’s most fantastic bicycle rides that can take you from several days to several months to complete.

Luchon to Bayonne (France)

Tracing this route is actually simple, just follow the roads that climb the same passes – the Tourmalet, Peyresourde, Aubisque, and Aspin. In 1910, the most difficult stage on the Tour de France that year was Stage 10 – from the spa town of Luchon (high in the mountains) to the finish at Bayonne. The four major passes were unpaved, and it took the winner 14 hours to cycle the 325 kilometer-long route.

The Silk Road & The Pamir Highway (Turkey, Iran, and Tajikistan)

This is a real adventurous cycling route along the Pamir Highway and the ancient Silk Road trade route. When heading for Bukhara and Samarkand (the Silk Road cities), you will cross Turkey and Iran, before setting off for the mountains (where you can get a small insight into the nomadic life). The route further takes you down to Pamir Highway (Tajikistan). For completing this cycling route, you will need from 4 to 6 months.

The Friendship Highway (China)

The ride starts in the Tibetan city of Lhasa and ends at the Nepalese border, and is one of the world’s most beautiful high-altitude rides and vistas. There are 3 road passes of more than 5 kilometers (over the Gyatso La mountain pass is the lung-bursting maximum of 5,220 meters). The ride needs to be carefully planned and, at times, individual travel can be tricky because of the political situation in Tibet. Going through with this cycling route is truly an adventure, with cultural and religious wonders of Gyantse and Lhasa to the turquoise lake Yamdrok Yumtso in the valley below the Gampa La mountain pass. It all ends with the world’s longest descent from the edge of the Tibetan plateau for about 3,500 meters.

Ruta Austral (Chile)

Ruta Austral (Chile)

This route is more than 1,300 kilometers long and mostly surfaced with unpaved but graded gravel. It runs from central Chile (Puerto Montt) to north Patagonia (Villa O’Higgins), south through Caleta Yungay. Those who decide to cycle this route pass through beautiful wild landscapes such as Cerro Castillo and Queulat national parks (with numerous ferryboat transfers along the way). Puyuhuapi Hot Springs is by enormous ferns and large stretches of native forest. If viewing the scenery is the most important thing during your ride, you can grab a nice model among numerous that electric bikes come in. It will allow you to focus more on the surroundings during the ride.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (North America)

A 4,400-kilometer-long bicycle route combined with 61,000 meters of climbing, stretching from Alberta (Canada) all the way to New Mexico, is a large bite even for experienced cyclists. It is often extremely remote, but undeniably spectacular, leading you through landscapes like the wastelands of the Great Basin and the Colorado Rockies. Chances of encountering mountain lions, moose, grizzlies and eagles are increased on this bicycle route, and the trip is feasible only from June to September, due to weather conditions (even flash rains can muddy up some sections of the road for weeks at a time).

North Sea Cycle Route (Europe)

The North Sea Cycle Route (shortened – NSCR), also known as Euro Velo Route 12, is an epic that runs across 8 countries. It claims to be the longest signposted bicycle route on the planet. The ride starts from the northern edge of the Shetland Islands (Scotland), goes through Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and the finish is in Norway. It is 6,000 kilometers long, which makes it extremely difficult to ride through the whole route. However, the number of people who do try may be surprising, and they choose to do it over a series of summers.

Cycling enthusiasts know what a long, quality bicycle ride can give you. It is an adventure, challenge, de-stressing therapy, physical outlet, and an enriching experience. There are numerous epic bicycle routes around the world, so put the finger on the map and set off for a new marvelous voyage on your favorite two-wheeler.