10 Exciting Cycling Escapes For The Second Half Of 2024

It may be difficult to think about fall and winter as summer is just around the corner (well, here in the northern hemisphere that is), but now is an excellent time to plan a shorter, end-of-year adventure while spaces are still available. We have recently opened up a few spots in Patagonia on the South American Epic and spaces remain available in Southeast Asia on the Bamboo Road and in Tasmania & New Zealand on the Trans-Oceania. There are also a limited number of spots on the inaugural Cape to Kili African tour. These incredible adventures start in mid-October or later and range in length from 12 days to four weeks.

1. Bike Across the Andes in Argentina & Chile

*18 days starting October 11th in Salta, Argentina*

“The road climbs up to almost 4000 m in the shadow of Cerro Aconcagua, at 6922 m, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. This is wild high country and the riders can expect gusting winds, chilly temperatures and, if clear, incredible views. The border crossing into Chile, one of the highest in the world, is at 3200 m. Once over pass, the cyclists will enjoy a twisting ride down the other side of the mountain range on a series of switchbacks – eventually reaching the country’s capital Santiago with its 19th century neo-classical architecture and winding side streets.”

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Across the Andes’ section.

2. Cycle the Lake District south of Santiago, Chile

*15 days starting October 31st in Santiago, Chile*

As described in a blog from the 2017 tour, the Lake District is a welcome dose of pleasant. It is, of course, still challenging but it is below average in terms of the difficulty rating for the full tour. In fact, it is the only section on the South American Epic that is below a 4/5 rating. It has some fantastic campsites, beautiful lakes and mountain views and access to wonderful Chilean wines and cuisine.

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Lake District’ section.

3. Explore Patagonia & the Carretera Austral

*28 days starting November 16th in Puerto Montt, Chile*

“You look here and there’s a mountain range. You look here there’s another mountain range, you look back and there’s a huge waterfall. It’s astounding.” – from our Cycling Patagonia video. In the final weeks of the South American Epic, riders experience the unique and awesome scenery of Patagonia – its mountains, waterways and roads that take them to the southern tip of the South American continent.

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Carretera Austral’ section.

4. Enjoy Two Weeks Circling Tasmania

*14 days starting October 15th in Launceston, Australia*

“The Australian island of Tasmania is quickly gaining a reputation as a cyclist’s paradise – from cross country to downhill, to relaxing rides along quiet country roads with scenic coastal views. Lightly-trafficked roads in good condition provide a great network to explore the entire island…While you are happily pedalling along – on your own or as part of the Trans-Oceania Cycling Tour – be aware that Tasmania has a lot more to offer riders than just ideal cycling conditions.” Read 6 Reasons to Cycle Tasmania.

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Tasmanian Devils & Tigers’ section.

5. New Zealand – North Island

*12 days starting November 21st in Auckland, New Zealand*

“[From Auckland] the riders begin their journey south and are treated to some of the world’s most scenic highlights like Lake Taupo and the hot springs/mud geysers around Rotorua. A rest day in National Park gives riders the option of experiencing the renowned Tongariro Crossing day hike. After a day of tasting the famous New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, the cyclists will continue through orchards, sheep-clad rolling hills and yet more vineyards before arriving in beautiful Wellington, the country’s cultural capital and the end of this incredible section.”

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Maori Magic’ section.

6. New Zealand – South Island

*12 days starting December 4th in Wellington, New Zealand*

“The west coast of New Zealand’s South Island is spectacular: the stunning Pancake Rocks, rushing rivers pouring into the ocean, snow-clad peaks, wild kiwis, the Fox & Franz Joseph glaciers, mysterious caves, abandoned mine shafts, empty beaches, hot springs and much more. Five days later the route heads inland past Lakes Wanaka & Hawea before heading up the Cardrona River and its abandoned goldfields. Cyclists will then traverse the Crown Range summit, before an exhilarating descent to historic Arrowtown. From there it is just a quick ride in to the end of this incredible journey in the country’s adventure capital, Queenstown.”

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Kiwi Country’ section.

7. Bike The Classic Southeast Asian Route through Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

*31 days starting October 19th in Hanoi, Vietnam*

“Heading south from Hanoi, the riders will pass water buffalo, farmers, and rice paddies along secluded country lanes. Staying inland, they will travel through small villages along the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail before heading to the coast and the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An. The route then takes them into Cambodia past ancient Khmer temples before arriving in Phnom Penh…We stop in Siem Reap, home to one of the world’s most spectacular sights – Angkor Wat – 40 square km of temples and statues of gods and demons. The tour then continues on to Bangkok – known for its vibrant street life – and the end of this section.”

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Golden Triangle’ section.

8. Discover Thailand & Malaysia

*15 days starting November 20th in Bangkok, Thailand*

“Leaving Bangkok, the riders will hug the coast of the Gulf of Thailand with palm trees, sand and warm waters on one side and forested mountains on the other. The cyclists will stop in Thailand’s oldest beach resort, Hua Hin. Further south…a rest day in the small southern city of Ranong. Riders can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere or a soothing dip in the local hot springs. There will be some challenging climbing here, our first since leaving Vietnam, and the riders will subsequently enjoy their rest day in Ao Nang…The expedition then turns back inland and crosses into Malaysia before jumping on a ferry into historic Georgetown, Penang, the end of this sun-soaked section.”

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Thai One On’ section.

9. Explore Malaysia & Singapore via the Scenic Cameron Highlands

*13 days starting December 6th in Penang, Malaysia*

“The Cameron Highlands were first mapped out by the British in 1885 but it wasn’t until the 1930’s that they decided to turn it into a hill station, similar to those in British India, especially after it was shown that tea could be grown in the area. The Highlands are home to over 700 species of plants including many that are rare to the tropics. The Highlands are blessed not only with cool weather but also with verdant forests, picturesque lakes, sparkling waterfalls, rushing rivers and even hidden aboriginal villages.” Read more from High Tea on the Bamboo Road.

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Singapore Sling’ section.

10. Take An East African Cycling Adventure With Views Of Mt Kilimanjaro

*20 days starting October 16th in Lilongwe, Malawi*

“We cruise downhill towards Lake Malawi and then head north into Tanzania where the red earth meets the deep green forest roads that cut through the centre of the country. From there it isn’t too many more days before we reach the end of our journey, with Mount Kilimanjaro towering above us in Moshi, Tanzania.” Read more on A New Tour d’Afrique Experience.

FULL DETAILS HERE for the ‘Green Hills of Africa’ section.

 To see everything we offer in 2024 and beyond, visit our tour calendar page.