The Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaFew stretches of tarmac capture the imagination quite like California State Route 1. For cyclists who double as road-trippers, the section from Monterey to Santa Barbara offers an unparalleled mix of dramatic cliffs, ocean spray, and challenging terrain. Packing a bike onto a car rack allows travelers to skip the less scenic urban sprawls and focus purely on the legendary stretches like Big Sur. Here, the road clings to the edge of the continent, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and rising redwood forests on the other. Cycling this route demands respect, as the rolling hills accumulate serious elevation gain, and the coastal winds can present a fierce headwind. However, the reward of coasting across the Bixby Creek Bridge with the ocean churning hundreds of feet below is unmatched. Strategically parking the support vehicle at designated state parks allows for a perfect hybrid vacation of driving, cycling, and camping under the stars.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North CarolinaFor those who prefer canopy tunnels and mountain vistas over coastal cliffs, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate ribbon of asphalt. Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, this slow-paced scenic byway is designed explicitly for leisure and recreation. Commercial vehicles are banned, and the speed limit tops out at 45 miles per hour, creating a significantly safer environment for road cyclists than standard highways. A road trip along the parkway allows cyclists to cherry-pick the most iconic climbs and descents. The section leading up to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, offers a grueling but rewarding challenge for climbers. Meanwhile, the Linn Cove Viaduct presents an engineering marvel where the road seems to float effortlessly around the contours of Grandfather Mountain. The misty morning fog, vibrant autumn foliage, and endless rolling ridges make every mile feel like a living postcard.
The Ring of Kerry, IrelandCrossing the Atlantic opens up road trip possibilities that combine ancient history with rugged landscapes. Ireland’s Iveragh Peninsula, home to the famous Ring of Kerry, is a bucket-list destination that perfectly accommodates a driving and cycling itinerary. The full loop spans roughly 111 miles, tracing a coastline carved by the Atlantic Ocean. Road trippers can base themselves in the vibrant town of Killarney, using a vehicle to transport gear between coastal villages while tackling the route in manageable cycling stages. The terrain is characterized by emerald-green pastures, dramatic sea cliffs, and challenging mountain passes like the Gap of Dunloe and Coomakista. Cyclists must navigate narrow roads and unpredictable Irish weather, but the hospitality of local pubs and the breathtaking views of the Skellig Islands make every damp mile worthwhile. The ability to load the bikes back onto the car after a long day of riding allows for comfortable evenings exploring traditional Irish music and cuisine.
The Great Ocean Road, AustraliaOn the southern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road provides a spectacular backdrop for a multi-day road adventure. Stretching over 150 miles from Torquay to Allansford, this world-famous route winds past pristine surf beaches, dense rainforests, and sheer limestone cliffs. A support vehicle is highly advantageous here, allowing cyclists to conquer the undulating coastal roads without the burden of heavy panniers. The absolute highlight of the route is the stretch running alongside Port Campbell National Park, where the iconic Twelve Apostles rise majestically out of the Southern Ocean. Riding alongside these towering limestone stacks as the sun sets is a surreal experience. The route also offers ample opportunities to spot native wildlife, from koalas sleeping in the roadside eucalyptus trees to kangaroos grazing in the coastal valleys. It is a sensory-rich journey that combines high-performance road cycling with unforgettable sightseeing.
The Icefields Parkway, CanadaLinking Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, the Icefields Parkway is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and it is equally spectacular on two wheels. Spanning 143 miles, this alpine route parallels the Continental Divide, taking travelers past massive glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Because the route features long distances between services and unpredictable mountain weather, a road trip approach with a vehicle is the safest and most efficient way to experience it. Cyclists can tackle the legendary climbs toward Bow Pass or the Columbia Icefield, where the sheer scale of the landscape makes human effort feel beautifully small. The wide shoulders on the highway provide a comfortable buffer from passing traffic, allowing riders to focus on the jaw-dropping scenery and the occasional grizzly bear or elk foraging near the tree line. It is a pure wilderness experience on pristine asphalt, delivering the ultimate fusion of road touring and alpine exploration
Leave a Reply