On June 3, on the occasion of World bike daythe world pays homage to a silent and faithful partner: the bicycle celebrating the gesture as simple as it is revolutionary of climbing in the saddle. Two wheels, a chain, a handlebar. Yet, behind this essential mechanism, one of the most extraordinary inventions of human history is hidden. Not only means of transport, but a symbol of freedom, resistance, balance. An invitation to slow down or to run, to get lost or find yourself. To choose another way.
Since its arrival in cities and villages of the nineteenth century, the bicycle has been synonymous with possibilities. It is said that in small European villages it was called “the machine of hope”, because it allowed for the first time to women, children and workers to move without having to ask for a ride or depend on timetables. In some rural areas of France, at the time of the war, it was hidden under the beds during the raids: a symbol of escape, but also of civil resistance.
There are those who swear that pedaling on summer nights can drive out black thoughts: a sort of emotional purification, handed down as advice between generations. In Japan, however, an metropolitan legend says that every time a person learns to pedal without hands, a kami – one natural spirit – Sorride. And in West Africa, the bike is still decorated during particular ceremonies as a lucky charm for the harvest: each pedal a blessing.
It is not surprising that so many meanings have stratified around the bike, because the body, when pedaling, listens. The beat synchronizes with the rhythm of the landscape, the breath makes in mind, the mind empties. It is well -being, but also meditation in motion. The physical benefits are known: pedaling strengthens the heart, tones the muscles, improves circulation, reduces stress. It is one of the most accessible sports in the world, adaptable at all ages, capable of combining physical activity with the joy of a changing panorama.
But there is more. The bike teaches balance, in the deepest sense. In order not to fall, you have to advance. It is an existential mantra disguised as a physical rule. And for this reason, every time someone chooses to ride a bicycle, he performs a small revolutionary act. He takes care of himself and of the world, in a simple, slow, sustainable way.
The World bike day It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover all this. To travel – that is long, short, lonely or shared – and let yourself be guided by the wheels towards places where the bike is much more than a means: it is a lifestyle.
We have selected a series of unmissable destinations for you, bike-friendly To enjoy the world … pedaling.
Courmayeur, riding at the foot of Mont Blanc
Courmayeur Mont Blanc offers a wide range of experiences for mountain bike enthusiasts, with paths suitable for all levels of experience: between trails, e-bike tours, panoramic routes and a pinch of enduro, the experience on two wheels will be made even more extraordinary by the single context of the Mont Blanc massif. Between Val Veny and Chécrouit, a network of itineraries designed to discover the mountain in a dynamic and sustainable way, between woods, flowery pastures and breathtaking alpine landscapes. The summer opening of some ski lifts will soon allow to explore the territory in the saddle, with tracks that will include ideal flow trails to improve the downhill technique, variants with an enduro taste dedicated to adrenaline lovers and natural paths, as well as simpler and accessible itineraries to everyone.
Barga by bicycle: an adventure between nature and beauty
The Renaissance Tuscany The Ciocco Resort & Spa is not only a place to relax and regenerate, but also the perfect starting point to discover the wonders of the Serchio Valley on two wheels. Immersed in a park of 600 hectares, in the heart of the Lucchese countryside, the resort is a true paradise for bicycle enthusiasts, who here find routes between hills, villages and unspoiled panoramas. Taking advantage of the living room to explore the surroundings by bicycle means living in Tuscany in a more authentic way, pedaling between silent streets that lead to picturesque views and small countries rich in history, such as Barga herself, a wonderful village visible from the resort. Whether it’s a relaxed tour with the family or a more sporty exit, each itinerary gives emotions and direct contact with nature. Upon returning, the comfort of the resort welcomes cyclists with the heat of the spa, the Tuscan cuisine of excellence and an unparalleled view of the Lucca hills. An experience that combines well -being, outdoor activities and discovery of the territory.
Pedal with snacks: an experience signed by Grand Universe Lucca
The Grand Universe Lucca invites guests and visitors to live an authentic and relaxing experience with its proposal “pedaling with snacks”: an opportunity to discover the beauty of Lucca and its surroundings on two wheels, while savoring the perfumes and flavors of the Tuscan tradition. The activity combines the pleasure of sweet mobility with a gastronomic break designed to enhance the territory. The service provides for the rental of bicycles directly from the structure: the first hour is free for hotel customers, making the business accessible and convenient. For those who want to extend the experience, you can continue the rental for € 4 for each additional hour, or opt for the daily package (over 5 hours) for € 20. Included in the daily formula, guests will receive a special bag with typical local snacks, perfect for a regenerating stop along the walls or in one of the many green corners of the city. The content reflects the gastronomic wealth of the area and includes: crushed fragrant Tuscany, fresh sandwiches, the famous Buccellato Lucchese, a sweet symbol of the city, accompanied by a bottle of local production of 37.5 cl and mineral water. All at the total price of € 25 per person. The experience is available on request, with the possibility of agreeing day and time based on your needs. In addition, on May 20, the Giro d’Italia passes through Lucca, making the city particularly animated and offering an extra opportunity to explore it by bicycle.
From lavender fields to Kyrgyzstan: Evaneos signed bike tours
With Evaneos, bike travels become immersive experiences, guided by local experts who know every curve, every panorama and every flavor of the territory. In Italy, Tuscany offers itineraries between Pisa and Siena, with stages like San Gimignano, or the historic via Francigena, perfect for those who love to combine culture and cuisine. In France, the lavender route can be crossed in e-bike for seven days, pedaling between purple fields and medieval villages, or exploring the pink granite coast in Brittany, also ideal for families. In Portugal we start from Évora towards the cliffs of the Atlantic, while in Croatia it is possible to alternate bikes and boat between the Dalmatia islands. For the most sporty, Iceland offers paths between geyser and glaciers, while in Bhutan we measure ourselves with climbs up to 3,000 meters, and in Tanzania we leave for a bicycle safari in the Arusha park. Among the most suggestive experiences, the mountain biking tour in the heart of Kyrgyzstan crosses spectacular landscapes: from Passo Too Ashu to Lake Son Kol, up to the Grove Goles and Semionovskoye, pedaling between 30 and 40 km per day.
Vienna by bike, from Ringstrasse to the Danube
Pedaling in Vienna is the ideal solution to discover every corner of the city, as well as being a healthy and ecological alternative to traditional tourism. With over 1,600 kilometers of cycle paths, the Austrian capital offers urban and naturalistic paths for every need. The route along the Ringstrasse allows you to explore the historical heart of the city, passing from Stadtpark to the University, crossing some of the symbolic places such as the Opera House, the Imperial Palace and the twin museums. Among the recent innovations, the Argentinier redeveloped Strasse enhances sweet mobility with large cycle lanes. For lovers of long distances, the Danube Cycle of the Danube Vienna at the Black Sea crossing the Danube Island and the Donau-Auen National Park, with protected areas such as Lobau where you can sight the sea and sea eagles. Finally, the Prater is perfect for a relaxed pedaling among the tree -lined avenues in the green heart of the city.
Cycling in the medine or by mountain bike on the Atlas with Darma Riad
The concierge of Darma Riad, a historic maison in the heart of Marrakech, offers classical bike itineraries, e-bikes, gravel or mountain bikes, designed to explore the city and its surroundings. The City Discovery Tour leads to the discovery of the medina between monuments and souks, while the Garden Tour crosses the splendid gardens such as Majorelle and Menara. The Palmeraie Tour offers a more peaceful experience in the palm area, ideal for relaxing pedaling. The Agafay Gravel Adventure brings between the desert hills dotted with Berber camps, with technical but accessible tracks. For the most adventurous, the High Atlas MTB Authenticity includes climbs up to 2,000 meters, single panoramic tracks and authentic encounters with the Berber communities of the High Atlas, in an experience that combines sport, nature and culture.
Between deserts, mountains and ocean: to discover Oman by bicycle
Discovering the sultanate of Oman by bicycle is a stimulating and sustainable way to explore the country’s extraordinary landscape and cultural variety. From the Hajar mountains to the infinite desert traits, to the suggestive coastal roads that overlook the Indian Ocean, Oman gives cycle paths for every level and need. An example is the ring route from Riyam Park to Qurum Beach, which passes through the center of Mascate: an itinerary of about 84 km that requires good physical preparation, but repays with spectacular views of the sea and the city. For those looking for a shorter but equally suggestive experience, numerous resorts offer guided tours between Canyon and Oasis, such as those proposed by Anntara at Jabal at the Akhdar Resort, over 2,000 meters above sea level. The variety of the territory, combined with the possibility of exploring remote and still authentic places, makes Oman one of the most surprising destinations for those who love to travel by bicycle.
