DK - Ride Cycle the World

Exploring the world by bike is pure freedom. Nothing beats the feeling of jumping in the saddle and heading off to discover diverse landscapes and new cultures, all completely under your own steam. Thats why weve created Ride .

Covering 100 of the worlds most incredible cycling routes, this book will take you on an adventure across the world, from Ecuadors remote back country to laid-back Melbourne. The rides featured have been selected by our expert writers who include among their number intrepid bikepackers and talented bike racers and enthusiastically approved by our cycling-obsessed team. Of course, the big hitters are covered among them the iconic Alpe dHuez and stunning Cabot Trail but weve also included some less-pedalled rides, from bikepacking through the Mongolian steppe to cycling Africa top to bottom. Theres plenty of variety, meaning that whether youre a lycra-clad roadie, a mud-loving mountain biker or someone new to two wheels, theres a ride for you.

The book is handily organized by continent, so wherever youre headed you can find the best rides on offer. Even better, each route has practical information to help you plan your trip, including distance, total ascent and road surface, plus tips on the best sights to see and snacks to devour along the way. Weve also included elevation profiles, so you can quite literally see the ups and downs of the route.

Whether youre planning your first big ride or an epic bikepacking adventure, this book will have you itching to get pedalling. So what are you waiting for? Grab life by the handlebars and cycle the world.

Ride | INTRODUCTION

Ride | INTRODUCTION

Riding along the Old Ghost Road single-track trail in New Zealand

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CHOOSING A BIKE

Hankering to head off on a cycling adventurebut not sure which bike to choose? Weve got you covered. Heres a quick guideto the four main types of bike, so you can easily pick which is best foryou.

Ride | CHOOSING A BIKE

Gliding along smooth tarmac on a road bike

Road

Light and agile, road bikes are designed forspeed. Narrow tyres and lightweight frames make them efficient at rolling alongpaved surfaces, helping riders achieve maximum speed for minimum effort. A roadbike doesnt handle rough terrain very well, but if youre staying on smoothsurfaces it should comfortably manage a wide range of recreational rides. Whilesome models may have fixings for a rack and panniers, most arent really builtto carry luggage beyond a small saddlebag, so youll need to travel light orhave your bags transported for multiday rides.