We’ve got a bike-it list 30 pages long! Instead of sharing the whole novel at once, we thought it would be nice to give you 5 at a time, as not to overwhelm your senses and cause too-much-wanderlust-itis (is that even a thing?). We digress… back to business!
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Chile’s Carretera Austral – For the truly adventurous!
National Geographic calls it the “perfect road trip at the bottom of the world.” It’s 770 miles of mostly unpaved road, chock full of breathtaking scenery and out-of-this-world experiences. The Carretera Austral, also known as Route 7, is so fantastic that it’s worth learning to ride confidently on hard-packed dirt and gravel just for this trip. You’ll travel from the Northern border to the southern tip of Chile, which covers nearly the entire West Coast of South America. We suggest at least two weeks for this adventure. We promise you’ll see and experience enough to fill your memory books for the rest of your life.
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King’s Highway – Perfect for history buffs!
The King’s Highway is a scenic road trip stretching 208 miles from Amman, the capital city of Jordan, to the seaside resort of Aqaba. Don’t let the shorter distance fool you; this route packs a real punch in both beauty and history. First up, tour the gorgeous mosaics in Madaba (you can find them in both churches and museums). Then you won’t want to miss the 4200 foot ascent to the ruins of the 12th century Shobak Castle. Finally, the crown jewel of the King’s Highway, besides it’s beauty, is visiting the ancient city of Petra, before ending your trip at the Red Sea.
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Rohtang Pass in Manali, India – For Seekers of Solitude
Plan a trip to the picturesque valleys near Kullu and Manali via Rohtang Pass. The popular vistas point is well-known for its unparalleled natural beauty. The pass is located just 35 miles from Manali, and is easily accessible by road – as long as you have the stomach for a high mountain pass. Rohtang La is one of the highest passes in the Himalayas. Located at a staggering height of 13,051 feet above sea level, the pass offers pristine views of the Himalayas, making it bike-it list worthy.
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Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway – For A Drama-Filled Ride
Atlanterhavsveien, also known as the Atlantic Ocean Road, is a National Tourist Route in northwest Norway. It is so incredibly scenic that it has caught the attention of international media. The road is a creative series of bridges that zigzags through and connects an archipelago of small islands and skerries. Theculturetrip.com calls the whole experience like, “the feeling you get when on a roller coaster.” The road is completely serpentine, twisting and turning, dipping and arching over the very often imposing waves that separate the land and sea.
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American Fork Canyon Road / Alpine Loop Scenic Drive of Utah – Heaven For Looky-Loos
The Alpine Loop is a great way to see some of Utah’s stunning beauty (and there’s a lot of it!). This route snakes through the Uinta National Forest and is only open for traffic from late May to late October. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the glacier-carved peaks of the alpine canyons of Wasatch Range, the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Robert Redford’s Sundance, and Cascade Springs. Driving through this area is especially popular during fall when the palette of autumn colours creates unforgettable mountainous scenery.
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See you next week! Unless, of course, you’re off on one of these above adventures. In that case, ride safe and we’ll see you down the line!
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