Conor: Cycling is a beautiful sport for so many different reasons, but I think
perhaps greatest of all is the fact you get to immerse yourself in beautiful environments,
like this. Relying solely on your legs to power you.
Now there's so many different routes out there and roads, but whatever you may be interested in,
be it mountain passes, quiet bike paths, or maybe some small little lanes in the countryside,
there's something out there for you, so don't worry. If you are looking for inspiration,
look no further. We at GCN have come up with our most beautiful roads around the world,
so you can plan your next bike trip. Yee-haw, here we go.
You're probably wondering where I'm riding today, but I'll reveal that later because
it's one of my suggestions on the list. First off, let's start with an epic switchback climb.
The clue is in the name, really. Lacet translates to shoelace in French, but it's also a slang term
for switchback or hairpin. This climb has 17 of the beauties, so it makes sense really
that it'll be called Les Lacets de Montvernier. Despite being right in the heart of the Alps,
close to some famous climbs such as the Col de la Madeleine, this climb only featured in the Tour
de France for the first time in 2015 on stage 18. It caused quite a stir when it did feature
Les Lacets de Montvernier. Looking forward to trying that one, I tell you.
The name is Scottish Gaelic for "Pass of the Cattle," as it was historically used
as a drover's road. Bealach na Bà, pronounced, "Bee-ah-loch na Ba." I hope I got that right,
sorry if I do-- I hope I got that one. Now, anyway, Scotland isn't necessarily renowned
for its beautiful roads with other, perhaps more exotic, locations sometimes taking precedent.
Maybe it has to do with the weather. You don't get sunny weather in Scotland as
you do in Ireland, do you? Just messing. Bealach na Bà is quite possibly one of the
most beautiful roads in the world. Also known as the Applecross pass,
it makes up part of the North Coast 500, a route around Scotland which Simon and Mark Beaumont rode
last year. Climbing 600 meters in 9 kilometers, this is quite a long climb in the UK,
but the views are worth it for that pain in the legs because you are rewarded with amazing views
across to the Isle of Skye. Absolutely stunning. You can't help but stand and stare in awe.
Here at GCN, we love riding on the island of Majorca. It has to be said there are a
number of different places you can ride on the island that are stunningly beautiful.
One particular location has piqued our interest, the Port de Valldemossa. Now,
I think a bit of the famous building here, of stunning switchback climbs with a beautiful sea
as the backdrop, but it's a theme--I'm not really going to complain about it, to be honest, because
it makes a beautiful climb. Cut right into the cliffs.
If you're afraid of heights, this might not be the climb for you. The Port de Valldemossa is home to
a few houses and one restaurant, but don't eat too much because this road is the only way into
the port. So, once you've had time to take in the sights and enjoy the sea, you're heading straight
back up, and you'll be climbing 380 meters in 5 kilometers. It's not a small climb, by any means.
Moving stateside now to one of the best climbs in LA, if not the whole of the US, Mulholland Drive
rises out of LA towards the Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park. It is an epic road offering
amazing views of the city of LA. Now, it's a bit different to other climbs on this list being
that the scenery is shaped by man rather than by nature, but it makes it no less spectacular.
The climb itself is 4% gradient, which is a little more mellow than the drag I've just come up,
but it's a spectacular climb with beautiful views of the cityscape and also
amazing rolling roads. If you like your climbs a little more gradual, this one's for you.
Girona has become somewhat of a hive of professional cyclists in recent years,
with many moving to the town for the European race season to live and train. It's easy to see why.
With plenty of beautiful, long, flat roads, but also lots of mountainous terrain, too. Also,
the climate is pretty good too. One of the most beautiful roads near Gerona is the Coast Road,
which runs fairly uninterrupted along the whole east coast of Spain. However, this section,
in particular, is around 20 kilometers long close to Tossa De Mar. The road twists and turns,
rises and falls next to the Mediterranean Sea. It really is a stunner.
There's plenty of places to stop for a coffee, or maybe even a bite to eat. I
think this road is going to be up there with one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Norway is an absolutely stunning country, and home to rather large amounts of pretty
brilliant cyclists. Now, one road that is particularly beautiful in the country is
the climb of Trollstigen or The Troll Wall, which is found on the east coast of Norway.
Norway is a particularly unique country in that most of the climbs
start at sea level before rising up to high altitude, creating the striking fjords and
valleys which are instantly recognizable. Trollstigen is a great example of this.
Starting at 30 meters altitude, it climbs 700 meters in just 9 kilometers. At the top,
you're rewarded with some beautiful glacial views and also views of some extraordinary lakes.
Now, if you are brave enough, there is the Trollveggen Triathlon, which uses the climb of
the Troll Wall, and then an off-road run to the top of the mountain. Oh, it sounds like one for
our friends at GCN, doesn't it? Let's be honest, I'd like to give that a go. It sounds awesome.
The Elan Valley is so close to GCN HQ. Yes, it feels like you're a million miles from anywhere
when you're riding there. Home to some amazing gravel routes, the Elan Valley is not lacking
in beautiful, paved roads either. Sounds like a great place for my Canyon Grail, doesn't it?
For example, National Cycle Route 81. From Elan Village to Aberystwyth on the coast,
following some beautiful, open, rolling country roads in mid-Wales with some
gorgeous views of scenic reservoirs. You also could hop off-road for some added excitement,
throw in a couple of gravel sectors maybe. This is a quintessentially British route,
comprising of lots of narrow country lanes and plenty of steep climbs to liven things up, too.
It's on plenty of British riders' bucket list, and we can't wait to get out and ride to it soon.
This is my addition to the list, Southeast Ireland at its finest. Now, this route is
the Copper Coast Road. A scenic route running from Rosslare in Wexford to Dungarvan in Waterford. 166
kilometers in total, so it's quite a long one, but this is Ireland at its most epic, in my opinion.
On a summer's day, it's beautiful like this. Also, on a winter's day, it's equally beautiful.
Sometimes you have the waves crashing over this road, creating quite a scene.
I've done some training rides in the winter when that's been happening. I tell you,
it's an experience. Now, there's plenty of little towns and villages you can turn off and get
a bite to eat. You also have the Waterford Greenway, which you saw in the introduction
of this video. It's a beautiful 40-kilometer segregated bike path.
Now on this route, I think this spot is my favorite, for sure. Looking out to the sea here,
you have the old copper mine, which gives the route its name, the Copper Coast Road. Also,
you have the town of Bunmahon in the background, and this is stunning.
Favorite, favorite road. Love it. This is going to be on the list for sure.
Onto a very different route now. The Shimanami Kaido route in Japan, which crosses not 1,
not 2, but 6 bridges in total, across the 70 kilometers from Japan's main island, Honshu,
to the smaller island of Shikoku, crossing 6 islands in the process.
The views across the whole length of the Shimanami Kaido route are really something to behold.
There's definitely potential for an epic cycling adventure here, I think. Now, you maybe wondering
about the possibility of busy traffic on the route. However, there is a segregated bike path
across the whole length of the Shimanami Kaido, which means it's possible to enjoy the route
without the worry or the stress of traffic. Japan is a nation that is rich in cycling
heritage and culture, and we, for one, cannot wait to do this route.
Now, this is one incredible route. Pick any stretch of tarmac in Iceland,
and it's likely to be rather spectacular. There is one place in particular which is pretty special,
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On the west of Iceland is really a remarkable place to ride a bike.
A full lap of the road around the peninsula is 150 kilometers, so this isn't a short route
by any means, but it's a route which will reward you with some spectacular
views. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the glacier-capped mountain
of the Snaefellsnes jökull which rises up to 1500 meters altitude. The center of the earth
is said to be found within the mountain according to Jules Verne’s 1864 novel.
If you're into baron landscapes, remote routes, and spectacular scenery, then Iceland and the
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is definitely for you. I'll tell you what, I think it's for me as well.
There you go, some of the most beautiful roads in the world. What have we missed? What would
you've liked to have included on the list which we didn't fit in there? Please let us know in
the comment section below. I hope you've enjoyed my little ride along the Copper Coast Road here
in Southeast Ireland, and seeing as the weather is so good here with the grail, I guess I better
head off into the mountains so I can find some new routes or roads. Thanks for watching,
everyone. See you soon. Good luck. [00:11:23] [END OF AUDIO]