| Cycling is an excellent way of unwinding, as you pedal | | | | region. Cycling holidays in France, especially in the |
| through the countryside your mind is freed from the | | | | south can be great for those seeking to enjoy some |
| worries of work. The repetitive pedalling action | | | | of the same roads covered by the professionals |
| becomes second nature, you no longer need to think | | | | cycling the Tour de France. The fitter cyclist can |
| of what you're doing, your body goes into autopilot | | | | ascend legendary climbs such as the Alp d'Huez, Col |
| and your imagination can roam, or you can enjoy the | | | | du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer and more. |
| beautiful scenery. | | | | Another popular destination for cycling holiday makers |
| Taking your bicycle with on holiday can bring you to | | | | is in Spain. Hotel to hotel tours of Catalonia expose |
| a greater state of relaxation as you take much | | | | cyclists to the beautiful scenery and bird life of the |
| deserved time off work. There are many packaged | | | | region under sunny skies. Many of the packaged |
| tours available where you can ride from town to | | | | tours are planned out over one week and include full |
| town, hotel room to hotel room. Alternatively you | | | | itineraries. |
| could plot your own exciting tour of the holiday | | | | Tuscany is a hot spot for cyclists and holiday makers |
| region of your choice. | | | | from around Europe, so if you are interested in a |
| When planning a cycling holiday, remember to make a | | | | cycling holiday in Italy, then the Tuscany region may |
| checklist of the cycling apparel you will need. Cycling | | | | be your best bet. The Mediterranean climate will |
| shoes, good sunglasses, cycling helmet, a couple of | | | | make cycling through the beautiful Italian countryside |
| pairs of cycling shorts and cycling jerseys should see | | | | a treat. Of course much of Italy's beauty comes |
| you through, and remember to pack a couple of | | | | from the charm of the Italian culture and small |
| spare tubes, a puncture repair kit and a pump. If you | | | | villages, which can be thoroughly explored on two |
| are staying over at a bed & breakfast or hotel | | | | wheels. |
| you can wash your shorts and jerseys. | | | | Indeed the best part about a cycling holiday is that |
| Clothing and equipment for your cycling holiday can | | | | you get the opportunity to intimately explore the |
| be stored in panniers which fit on the sides of the | | | | region you visit, breath in the atmosphere and fresh |
| bicycle. Panniers are satchel like bags which can | | | | country air as you cover miles within a morning's ride, |
| straddle special frames over the rear and front | | | | before taking a refreshing shower and dining on the |
| wheels of your cycle; you also get bags which attach | | | | local cuisine and enjoying the local restaurants, coffee |
| to your handlebars. Visit a good cycling shop to find | | | | shops, wineries and other great venues. Of course |
| the best panniers for your needs, and to have them | | | | the people and their culture are what shape a region's |
| fitted. | | | | distinct flavor, and by cycling through a region you |
| Of course you will want to take care in choosing | | | | are much closer to the people than a tour bus would |
| your holiday destination, make sure that you know | | | | ever allow. |
| the level of fitness required for a particular tour or | | | | |