There are literally hundreds of biking trails we want to experience once travel is again possible. I suspect that you have a bucket list as well. To add to your list of potential biking trips, following are eight of our favourite biking experiences we’ve enjoyed since turning 50.
I have selected these trips based on their uniqueness, the enjoyment provided and geographic diversity. While not e-bike specific, they are bike tours or trails anyone over 50 will enjoy and all are e-bike friendly.
Even if you aren’t able to ride our favourite biking experiences, my hope is they spark curiosity and interest in exploring new riding opportunities.
1. Danube River Boat and Bike Tour
Our all-time favourite biking experience was a one week cycling and river cruise along the Danube River. The cruise we chose left Passau, Germany, sailed to Budapest, Hungary and returned to Passau. This seven night trip included five days of cycling and two days of sightseeing. The cycling covered approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) on dedicated cycling paths.
The trip was so much fun and we met some wonderful folks. This was our first exposure to e-bikes as approximately one third of the 140 cyclists on the trip rode e-bikes. Now that we have experienced e-biking, we will rent e-bikes on for our next trip.
If you are looking for an enjoyable, unique riding experience, a European boat and bike trip is highly recommended. The accommodation was comfortable, the food fabulous, and the cycling fun. With lots of options of countries you can visit and tour lengths, boat and bike tours offer a unique way to visit Europe.
2. Lake Constance, Germany
Many parts of Europe are bike friendly which offers a different way to experience the local culture. We were fortunate to attend a wedding on the shores of Lake Constance in Southern Germany which borders Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
As cycling is a way of life there, the many bike friendly pathways and ferries offer a wide range of biking options. You can ride short sections or cycle the full 270 km (162 mile) trail around the lake.
Like many parts of Europe, there are numerous of historic sites to visit and local food and drink to taste, Cycling provides a different and relaxed travel experience. From our base in Langenargen, Germany, we were able enjoy the local sights by bike and ferry. For example, a highlight of the area is the Zeppelin museum in Friedrichshafen.
Even with limited time in the area, we enjoyed a 26 km (15.6 mile) ride along the shores of the lake between Langenargen and Lindau. The pathway system is easy to follow and takes you through many historical communities which you can stop and enjoy at your leisure. This part of Germany is on our list of places to cycle again to experience more of the local culture.
3. Downtown San Diego to Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego California
While we’ve ridden in several places throughout the Western US, one of our favorite cycling locations is San Diego. In particular, the ride from downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero (start at the Midway museum) to the Point Loma Lighthouse is really enjoyable.
This leisurely ride follows along San Diego Bay on a dedicated walking/bike pathway to Point Loma. From here, you ride through the local streets as you climb up to the Cabrillo National Museum. The round trip is approximately 32 km (20 miles) with lots of places to stop for photos and refreshments. One of our favourite places to stop is Point Loma Seafood. Great place for fish and chips and a refreshment.
The lighthouse is an interesting historic site and the lower tide pools are fun to explore. On this trip, we didn’t have e-bikes so the hill leading up from the tide pools proved to be a killer. Riding an e-bike would make this part of the ride quite manageable.
On the way back to Point Loma, there is a large military cemetery- Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery that we took some time to visit. It is worthwhile to spend some time here if only just to reflect on how many young people have given their lives over the years.
4. Kitsilano Beach to University of BC, Vancouver Canada
If you have a chance to visit, Vancouver has some great urban cycling trails in and around the downtown area. Whether it is the seawall at Stanley Park or a ride around False Creek, there are lots of trails to ride. Most, but not all, allow e-bikes to be ridden on them.
Pre-pandemic, we wanted to ride on a less crowded path while in Vancouver. We started riding from Kitsilano Beach which is a popular recreation area in Vancouver. We discovered a trail that took us along Marine Drive to the University of British Columbia (UBC). While a relatively short 18 km (11 mile) ride, there are some great views of English Bay from the trail.
The best part of the ride, however, is the UBC Botanical Garden. We spent a couple hours at this little gem. I would highly recommend it for the diversity of plant life and encourage you try the tree walk which offers a unique tree top perspective.
5. Salt Spring Island, BC Canada
On Vancouver Island, Victoria offers many biking options in and outside the city, including the Gulf Islands. One of our favourites is taking a day trip to Salt Spring Island. A short ferry ride from Victoria will take you to one of the most popular Gulf Islands that is known for its laid back arts scene and Bohemian culture.
After departing the ferry at Fulford landing, you ride the main road that heads north to the Ganges townsite. While only a 14 km (8.4 mile) ride each way, the countryside is beautiful and offers a peaceful ride. Be warned though, there are some very steep hills to master and you should be prepared to let ferry traffic pass on this narrow country road. Bring your e-bike on this ride to get the maximum enjoyment, particularly if you are over 50.
In Ganges, spend time shopping at local arts and craft shops or enjoy a leisurely lunch. And if you are up for it, you can continue on to the northern tip of the island before catching the ferry at Fulford.
For a special treat, stop at the Salt Spring Vineyards & Tasting Room to try the local wines. It is about two thirds of the way back to the ferry. On a hot day, it is a great place to cool off.
6. Myra Canyon, Kelowna BC
Similar to what you can find in many parts of the US, the BC government has acquired old railway rights of way for recreational use. The longest trail is the 650 km (400 mile) Kettle Valley Rail Trail that runs from Hope to Castlegar along the southern part of the province.
It is possible to do one day rides or multi-day rides at various parts of the trail. One the highlight sections is Myra Canyon which is located a short distance from Kelowna, BC, a favourite vacation spot. In addition to many beaches, it is in the middle of wine country with many world class wineries close by.
This section of the KVR trail is particularly enjoyable. While the return trip is only 24 Km (14.4 miles), the views are spectacular. You will cross 18 trestles and go through two tunnels on this ride. It is well suited for e-bikes or regular bikes. Many of the trestles were destroyed in the 2013 wildfires that spread across this part of the province and rebuilt largely through the efforts of local volunteers.
7. Legacy Trail, Canmore Canada
A unique project of Canada’s 125th anniversary was to build a trail across Canada for recreational use. Originally called the TransCanada trail, it is now known as the Great Trail of Canada. It currently spans 27000 km (16200 miles) across Canada through all ten provinces and in the far north territories.
One of the go to sections for cyclists is the 26 km (15.6 mile) Legacy Trail which connects Canmore to Banff, Alberta. It is an easy ride that takes you into the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park.
Most cyclists start the ride in Canmore and ride west following the Bow River. The paved trail offers a variety of terrain with little elevation for most of the trail. With a mid-morning start, you can get into Banff in time to enjoy lunch and have time to visit the local shops or explore Banff before heading back to Canmore.
8. Bow River Pathway, Calgary Canada
Calgary, Alberta is a city of 1.5 million that is an hour east of Banff. One of its great features is the 1000 km (600 miles) of pathways in and around the city. E-bikes are permitted on these paths which provides for a great variety of riding experiences.
One of the most popular rides follows the Bow River from Edworthy Park to St. Patrick’s Island in East Village. This ride is a short 10.5 km (6.1 mile) one way trip through natural vegetation that takes you into the heart of downtown Calgary.
Increasingly more of the pathways are divided to separate bikers from walkers. There are a number of interesting places to stop along the way including the Douglas Fir Trail, Prince’s Island Park and East Village. I recommend starting on the south side of the river and returning on the north side path.
If you have time, go another 3 km (1.8 miles) east to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. This is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch and watch the numerous bird species and occasional deer.
While there are literally dozens of places we have cycled in Canada, United States, Cuba, Europe and New Zealand, the above represent some of our favourite rides. However, we continue to search for opportunities to visit new locations and experience new cycling paths. As indicated in a previous post, we’ve taken up e-biking because it is fun. More than ever, we want to add to our list of favourite trails and bike trips.
If you have a favourite trail you would like to share, put your recommendation in the following comment section. We are looking for special or unique trails you would recommend to someone travelling to your home. Make sure to include some details including where to start the ride, length and any interesting sights or features of this ride.