Two wheels good

Tina Nielsen reports on the craze for experiencing a new culture from the saddle of a bike

As the UK's new-found enthusiasm for cycling continues to grow, more of us are choosing to spend our holidays on two wheels. Whereas cycling holidays used to be offered only by specialist travel companies, most mainstream organisers now have a biking option among their holidays.

As an indication of the demand, Inntravel (www.inntravel.co.uk) has this year added nine new cycling trips to its portfolio, making a total of 34 routes. "Our bookings jumped by nearly 60 per cent in 2007 and we have also noted an increase in demand for shorter cycling breaks," says marketing manager Steve Jack.

According to Claire Townley from Cycling for Softies (www. cycling-for-softies.co.uk)—an independent travel organiser offering high-end cycling holidays in France—people's desire to stay healthy partly explains the trend. "People are very conscious of staying fit and they want to use the car less," she says. "We provide gourmet meals in the evening, which you can work off the next day when you're cycling."

She says Provence is the most popular region, but that changes frequently. "For some people, especially those with children, cycling paths are important," she says. "But regular cyclists like a challenge and we know which regions are best for all levels."

Chris Ford, director of cycling-holiday specialist CycleActive (www.cycleactive.co.uk), doesn't think people cycle because of environmental issues, as they often fly to the destination. "I think the increase is probably more to do with health and the desire to explore," he says.

He thinks that holidaymakers are looking to get more from their holidays. "Some of our most popular destinations, like Malawi, Kenya and Zimbabwe, are places where people used to go on safari," he says. "But you sit on a minibus, you go to your resort and you look at animals. You don't learn anything about the country or the culture. We see people like Michael Palin and Ewan McGregor actually touching the culture because they travel in a different way. And you can do that with cycling."

The two most popular CycleActive trips are to Morocco and Cuba. "When we go to Morocco it is a great cultural experience, but the mountain-biking in the High Atlas Mountains is very challenging; people go for the thrill, but they like the culture too," says Ford. "With Cuba, people go there for the experience, but we know little back roads so they can have some good biking while they explore the country."

Townley thinks that people prefer organised cycling holidays as they offer freedom, as well as a safety net, with local assistants available in all areas. "People like being in the open air, but they also like knowing they have the back-up if they get into trouble," she says. Ford agrees. "I think what appeals to people is the freedom and the space to move at your own pace, and the opportunity to interact with people in a different way," he says.