The Breakaway

February 9, 2018

A Guide to Spring Cycling Destinations

  • Grim winter riding in the UK
  • Time to escape
  • Cote d'Azur
  • The coast road near Girona
  • The mountains of Corsica
  • Corisca airport
  • Cap Formentor, Mallorca
  • The beautiful skies over Tenerife
  • Sri Lankan locals
  • Colombia has some special skies going on
  • The Hollywood hills
  • California dreaming

A cyclist’s attitude to riding over the Winter can be one of many; maybe the weather didn’t alter your routine at all or perhaps you mothballed the very idea of cycling (and a sliding scale anywhere in between). If you commute daily you don’t have much choice; get your thermal layers on, top it off with a waterproof coat and shoe covers, grin and bear it. Likewise if you’re a dedicated trainer, clocking up those winter miles and putting everyone to shame on Instagram. A lot of us make use of the turbo trainer and the computer game addiction of Zwift and some people simply wait for better weather — however long it takes.

The February break is a life buoy in the rolling seas of Winter and a light at the end of a gloomy tunnel

Whatever your poison, by the time we get to February we're all itching for a ride that doesn’t result in the application of sponge, bucket and chain lube. The idea of a shower as a method for cleaning yourself rather than a procedure for waking up your toes is long forgotten. The image of yourself with bare legs and no gloves seems impossible and the rattle of mudguards has become a permanent tinnitus.

There’s at least another couple months of this routine and it’s almost too much to take. Thankfully there’s solace in travel and the ever growing list of cycling destinations. The February break is a milestone, a life buoy in the rolling seas of Winter and a light at the end of a gloomy tunnel. We’ve taken a look at a few destinations to lift the spirits, get your imagination in gear and your fingers clicking on easyjet’s website.

Europe

The most likely destination for most of us is somewhere in Europe. It’s close, it’s easy and it’s not going to cost you a fortune to get there. The weather in most of Europe is a lot like at home, so there’s little point parting with pennies to cheer your cycling up in The Ardennes. Ideally we’re talking Southern France and below with the African climes of the Canaries offering the guaranteed weather.

Cote d'Azur

Of our choices, the Cote d’Azur offers the least likely bone fide warm weather, but it’s beautiful and definitely going to be better than wherever you live in the UK. You can drive there if you’re that way inclined, but Nice has a perfectly good airport. Home to the professionals for many years, the luxurious French Riveria offers stunning coast roads and the challenging Southern Alps. You’ll certainly have as much fun off the bike as on it, whether you’re treating yourself to post-ride haute cuisine or sampling fine wines and sea views. One for the show-offs.

Girona

We shot 2017’s Spring/Summer collection in early March of last year and had some great weather. Sunny and warm, but not what you’d call hot. Much like the Cote d’Azur you’re going to get 7 hours of sun and warm temperatures, but it will get cold at night and might rain. Home to a growing number of professionals, the ancient walled city of Girona is a great location for hilly rides. Take in Lance Armstrong’s old training routes whilst star spotting the pro’s by day and enjoy the cafés, bars and restaurants by night. The cathedral and gallery are great for an afternoon off the bike. The nearest airport is Barcelona, we’ve taken the train from the airport into Girona before but it’s not worth the hassle — we recommend car hire. It’s a good hour to drive, but nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Corsica

The Tour visited Corsica for the first time in 2013, staging a boat heavy Grand Depart and first three stages. Riddled with winding roads that all lead to the coast, Napolean’s home island is a beautiful getaway for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. Whether you’re riding the three Tour stages or finding your own way around you won’t be disappointed with this Mediterranean sojourn. The weather is similar to that of Girona and Nice, so not hot but certainly pleasant. In all of these locations you’re probably going to need long sleeves or arm warmers, but think of what you’re leaving behind.

Mallorca

Mallorca has long been a winter destination for cyclists, with both amateurs and pro’s flocking to the famous climbs of the north for decades. We’re getting a little warmer the closer we get to the equator, so you can expect high temperatures of about 18° — heaven in February. Expect to be joined on the island by many other cyclists, all with the same idea as you. The benefits of Mallorca’s popularity with cyclists include the proliferation of routes to choose from, cycle friendly cafés and great bike shops. No need to worry about finding a track pump when you’re rebuilding your bike.

Tenerife

We’re still in Spain, but we’ve got African weather so this is your true guarantee of European February sunshine. At 20° you can probably call it hot, certainly compared to the airport you took off from. It’s the longest flight at 4 hours, but not so long to stop you keeping the break to a long weekend. Another training camp hot spot for pro’s, there’s plenty of mountain roads to test yourself on. I had a terrible holiday in Tenerife once, booking myself into an all-inclusive hotel with round the clock entertainment. This is the polar opposite to the culture of the Cote d’Azur, but if you choose carefully you’ll find some great places to stay.

Outside Europe

If you’ve got more time and a bigger budget then outside of Europe you can find surefire warm weather riding in February and March. For most of us a short break is about all we can manage at the end of Winter, but if you’ve got your holiday days and pennies saved up then why not spread your wings.

Sri Lanka

With some amazing weather and off-the-beaten-cycling-track, Sri Lanka offers a slightly left field option for a February break. Whether you’re riding through the glorious tea estates, passing cave temples or scaling the rough mountain roads you’ll be assured of beautiful vistas in steaming temperatures. Probably best to avoid the heavy traffic around towns, but even in Colombo there are quiet roads to enjoy. Sri Lanka offers a total escape from the UK’s winter roads in every aspect and you’ll practically be a cycling pioneer. Imagine the social media kudos!

Colombia

Many greats have come out of Colombia; Nairo Quintana, Rigo Uran, Carlos Valderrama’s hair and of course the great pharmacist and cycling team backer, Pablo Escobar. Quintana famously does all his pre-season training in his home country where cycling is the national sport. With challenging long climbs and dramatic scenery, Colombia offers a proper training experience. You’ll need a few days to acclimatise from both the journey and the altitude, but perhaps the coffee of the region will help with that. February is likely to be a rainy season, but that will come as a welcome relief to the humidity.

Los Angeles

Thanks to the Tour of California on Eurosport, LA isn’t quite the left field suggestion it might once have been for a cycling break. Home to Phil Gaimon, Ted King, Coryn Rivera and Alexis Ryan to name but a few the Hollywood Hills offer rugged climbs and peaceful lakes in equal measure. Part desert / part forest, California is a treat for the cyclist looking for a total change to the weather and roads at home. And you can already speak the language. Sort of. When you’re not cycling you can learn to surf in Santa Monica or eat jumbo burgers and giant milk shakes, although that’s not really in the spirit of training camps.

Plenty there for everyone who fancies a change of scene, but whether you're jetting off or sticking with it, there's no excuse not to treat yourself to our Spring essentials. Everything you need to see you through a British Spring and perfectly at home around the world.

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