UK – The UK is up there for me because of the opportunity to take to the hills all year round, our summer is never too hot and the winter isn’t the harshest. There are also a large number of purpose built riding spots that provide all levels of tracks and encourage new comers to the sport. These venues not only support mountain biking but also have facilities for BMX riders to test their skills, BMX shop has the top of the range models at great value.

France – Arguably the best place to go mountain biking in Europe! Like Andorra, a thriving Ski tourism industry is the basis for thriving mountain bike tourism. The whole country attracts riders due to numerous unspoilt resorts with quiet trails through spectacular scenery. If you’re tempted by France and its summer biking in famous mountain resorts it could be best to buy bikes online and take advantage of great offers on the best bikes available.

Austria – Trail riding in the Alps is at its finest in beautiful Austria, it attracts bikers due to its bike parks with a variety of challenges, decent singletrack and plenty of downhill trails out in the forests. The added temptation of relatively cheap prices, the growing regularity of outdoor concerts and plenty of nightclubs makes it the overall package for a nice holiday with some exceptional biking.

Be covered by the experts – Virgin Money holiday insurance

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One aspect of good planning involves the type of bike you’ll need.  If you expect to encounter rugged or mountainous terrain, the obviously a mountain bike is probably the best choice.

This bike offers extra-tough suspension for shock absorption, plus smaller wheels and wider tyres for traction on steep, uneven surfaces.  If your route will be mostly on paved roads, check out some of the hybrid bikes with larger wheels and a more upright position for the rider.

Another crucial matter to consider is how far you plan to ride and how long you want to spend getting there.  Here again, a professional trip adviser can be a world of help, and the possibilities are endless.  For example, the Beara Peninsula in the southwest part of the country offers a sign-posted cycling route that covers 139 km and you can join it at any of the towns and villages along the way.

Travel through woods and mountains, along the spectacular coastal road and past the largest waterfall in Ireland on Hungry Hill, and visit enticing spots such as Glengarriff Village, Castletownbere and Dunboy Castle.

Galway is another wonderful spot to explore via bicycle, rich in history and famous for its lovely rivers and lakes.  Or check out the 212 km cycle route at Waterford, where the land is literally surrounded by water and the climb to the top of the Knockmealdown Mountains is well worth the effort.

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The ultimate off-road cycling endurance challenge, the Hills Killer Challenge has a choice of three, seven or fourteen hills, combining orienteering, cycling skills and strength, in a race against the clock. Last year over 300 competitors took part, from beginners to Hills Killer veterans and this year is expected to attract even more.  It takes place on Sunday 19 September with a choice of 13, 26 or 52 mile off-road routes.
The organisers are giving away a goodie bag.  It contains a Berghaus Twentyfourseven 20 Daysac. – lightweight and comfortable this handy and compact 20L backpack has a new, sleek design and is packed full of Berghaus features including an internal MP3 player pouch, internal organiser and a padded back flow system for extra comfort.  In addition the prize package also contains a Target Dry Mac in a Sac and the very versatile garment the ‘Original Buff’. Both certain to make sure you’re suitably dressed for whatever the weather.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: What legendary challenge will be taking place at this year’s Isle of Wight Cycling Festival?

a.)    Killer Heels

b.)    Hills Killer

c.)    Hills Kill

Answers should be emailed to plans2travel@xec.co.uk.  Also in order to validate the entry please also sign up to the plans2travel newsletter.  Closing Date is 30 September 2010.

For more information about the Cycling Festival visit www.sunseaandcycling.co.uk

Details about the ‘Original Buff’ can be found at www.buffwear.co.uk

Information about the Mac in a Sac can be found at www.targetdry.co.uk

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You can get introductory lessons, if needed, and the “grade” range goes to moderate (for those who enjoy regular cycling back home) and then on to mountain biking for those more experienced with a good fitness level. Many European and American pros train in countries such as Turkey, which offers some of Europe’s best cycling routes.

A carefully planned guided tour allows you to discover not only the natural beauty of the landscape but also the historic and mythological sites in the area. In addition, you are with other people and in secure conditions. It is advised that you purchase your needed equipment locally where it has to comply with strict standards of quality and safety.

There are country paths, citrus groves, rushing rivers, pine forest trails, the beautiful clear blue Aegean Sea coastline with its beaches and coves, craggy cliffs, the stunning Turquoise Coast, and spectacular views of the Greek islands.

You can explore ancient cities and quaint picturesque old villages featuring traditional folk music, palaces, temples, castles, tombs, rock-carved monuments, stone ruins, other remains of great civilizations, theatres, art and cultural centers, museums, colorful bazaars, bustling fishing markets, remote areas where women in shawls are herding their goats, have a picnic lunch in gorgeous surroundings with food supplied by local villagers, or enjoy restaurants with delicious cuisine.

Special sights in the Aegean area are Moorish Istanbul; the city of Troy, which was immortalized by Homer and Pergamum; and Bodrum, which features King Mausolos’ mausoleum, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders.

There is Ephesius, one of the biggest and most famous of the Roman era cities, which has the Temple of Artemis, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as statues, theaters, markets, and small temples which are architectural marvels.

Whether you travel alone, are on your honeymoon or anniversary trip, celebrating your birthday, or traveling with your family, you can enjoy the pleasure of a cycling holiday in Turkey where the Turkish people offer hospitality that is unrivalled.

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The new system enables cyclists to reserve a place for their bikes on the same train they are travelling on, simply by calling 08705 850 850.  The new service costs £20 for a one way journey and is available between London, Paris and Brussels.

The new reservation system was introduced following discussions with CTC – the UK National Cyclists’ Organisation – and after calls from other cycling groups to make it easier for passengers to plan a cycling holiday using Eurostar.

Between April and August 2007, Eurostar’s registered baggage service (before pre-booking a specific train became possible) carried 347 bicycles.  Between April and August this year, the launch of the reservation system has increased the number of bikes carried (using both the new system and the registered baggage option) to 1,377 – an increase of 300%!

In addition, many cyclists who have folding bikes or who can dismantle their bike and place it in a bike bag choose to carry them onboard the train as part of their normal luggage allowance.

Simon Montague, Director of Communications, Eurostar, said: “We are delighted that Eurostar’s new bike reservation service is proving so popular with cyclists.  Travelling by bike is a great and environmentally sound way to explore London, Paris and Brussels.”

Dave Holladay, CTC’s Public Transport Advisor, commented: “These impressive figures are a result of Eurostar’s willingness to sit down, listen, and institute a practical and pragmatic solution. The response from cyclists is obvious and we look forward to developing further opportunities with Eurostar as the link into the Continent.”

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