Biking the world
Save gas and get a workout—the joys of two-wheel
touring. By mia ljungBerg

i Still rememBer the fresh, summery smell of the lavender fields. I was 15, biking in Provence, and it was a new world for my senses. Being out in the open air, able to smell everything and hear everything, is something you just can’t experience when traveling by car, train, or plane.

A bike vacation offers the chance to explore the world in a sustainable way. It’s a great mode of travel whether you’re touring solo, with friends or family, or in a big group. Most professional travel companies that arrange bike vacations make sure you’re biking with people on the same level as you. Organized trips range from a day to 14 days, and come in a range of prices.

Here are some of my favorite resources.

On top of the world

Living in Ecuador half the year, I get to see quite a few bikers going up and down the breathtaking mountains and volcanoes. Biking is the most beautiful way to explore Ecuador’s natural riches. In a single day you can travel from highland to cloud forest. The country’s biggest and most popular bike tour operator is Biking dutchman. They can arrange everything from a one-day to an eight-day trip for you. They offer different levels of biking, too, so if you are less fit, you won’t find yourself attempting the slope of a volcano.

During a Butterfield & robinson excursion, a van stocked with provisions provides a rest stop for bikers.