Recent Articles - Epic Road Rides

Two cyclistscycling up the Paterberg in Flanders

30 October 2026 Sponsored Belgium

5 unmissable things to do on a Belgium bike tour

There’s a special thrill in turning onto a cobbled climb you’ve watched the pros race for years. On a bike tour in Belgium, you can chase that feeling on the famous bergs, then follow a quiet canal or explore the country’s network of sign-posted routes and high-quality bike paths. Later, a riverside terrace beckons, with a Belgian beer and time to savour the day.

Cyclist Tadej Pogačar in a yellow jersey races past spectators on a Tour de France stage

23 October 2026 France

Watching the Tour de France in person: essential tips for following the Tour de France!

Q&A with reader Ben Davies, with added insights from Debbie Kennedy. Get practical tips for watching the Tour de France in person and planning your spectator trip.

Cyclists crossing arid plains near rocky hills with layered mountains

23 October 2026

5 of the best bike tours in Africa

Bike tours in Africa offer an extraordinary way to experience a continent of vast landscapes, vibrant cultures and remarkable wildlife. From coastal rides and desert adventures to highland trails and epic cross-continental journeys, cycling in Africa gives you perspectives you simply cannot find elsewhere.

View of bike route onto Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges on the Shimanami Kaido, Japan

21 October 2026 Japan

Japan's 12 National Cycle Routes: inspiration for cycle touring routes in Japan

Japan has some fantastic cycling routes, from mountain roads and lakeside circuits to coastal journeys linking islands and fishing villages.

Cycling the cyclades islands

16 October 2026 Greece

6 of the best beginners cycling holidays

Beginners cycling holidays can be a great way to get into bicycle touring without feeling like you need weeks of training first. The key is choosing a cycling trip where the distances, terrain and level of support match your confidence, rather than simply picking something labelled “easy”.

John, a True Flandrien

15 October 2026 Sponsored Belgium

Flandrien Challenge: what it takes to finish in 72 hours

In September 2026, my brother John and I travelled to Belgium to take on the Flandrien Challenge, an initiative from Visit Flanders through its cycling brand, Cycling in Flanders.

Great views over the cliffs of the Sinis Peninsula

15 October 2026 Portugal

7 of the best cycling holidays for solo travellers

Solo cycling holidays are a great way to explore somewhere new on two wheels without needing to persuade a friend or partner to come along. The challenge is finding a trip that gives you enough independence to enjoy the ride your own way, without losing the support or social side that can make travelling alone easier.

Road bicycle on a mountain road in Japan

15 October 2026 Sponsored Japan

Cycling in Japan: the inside guide

An essential read for anyone that wants to ride Japan. Top tips for the best Japan cycling routes, bike hotels and bike hire.

Gravel cycling in Austria

14 October 2026 Sponsored Austria

Guide to gravel cycling in Austria

Are you interested in gravel cycling in Austria?

Cyclists riding through Splügen in Graubünden, Switzerland

12 October 2026

Choosing the best bike tour companies: things to check before you book

We've put together the questions we'd suggest you ask before selecting from the best bike tour companies out there.

Cyclists riding the Ashikaga loop route in Japan

12 October 2026 Spain

6 of the best cycling tours for a calmcation

A cycling calmcation is all about slowing things down. Instead of packing every day with hardcore riding and activities, the focus is on quieter surroundings, a gentler overall pace and enough time to properly switch off from digital noise, modern fatigue and the usual productivity guilt.

The Grand Canal in Venice with historic palaces and boats on the water

02 October 2026 Italy

5 of the best cycling tours to take with a non-cycling partner

Finding good bike tours for couples is easy when you both want to spend most of the holiday in the saddle. Finding the right bike tour for couples, families or small groups can be trickier when only one of you enjoys cycling. You might want mountain climbs, while your partner or someone else in the group prefers city sights, vineyard visits or a spa afternoon.

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