What is the best country for cycling in the world?

[threebikesmcginty]

Interesting to hear the Canadian view of cycling and how all that room doesn't always give you a better experience.

I haven't cycled in Canada but I did buy a race bike in New Jersey in the 90s and took it out and about there - the thing I found was that the roads were in a dreadful condition. I guess it's down to really hot summers and cold winters but they were really broken up.

 

[jorgemartin]

Davyo, did you use the north sea route in Germany? I'm planning of cycling from Paris to Hamburg in November as well. I hope to be as lucky as you were. What kind of accommodation did you use? I wonder if youth hostels will be open at that time of the year. Cheers

(about Germany)
The roads were very well sign-posted and had bike paths running parallel to major and busy roads; the ashphalt was in excellent condition; the drivers were considerate; there were plenty of good cafs and coffee stops along the way; the people were very friendly; the scenery was very pleasing on the eye, and it was cheap. And the weather was good all the time we were there (in November)!

 

[jorgemartin]

Davyo, did you use the north sea route in Germany? I'm planning of cycling from Paris to Hamburg in November as well. I hope to be as lucky as you were. What kind of accommodation did you use? I wonder if youth hostels will be open at that time of the year.

(about Germany)
The roads were very well sign-posted and had bike paths running parallel to major and busy roads; the ashphalt was in excellent condition; the drivers were considerate; there were plenty of good cafs and coffee stops along the way; the people were very friendly; the scenery was very pleasing on the eye, and it was cheap. And the weather was good all the time we were there (in November)!

 

[Perfect Virgo]

And I'm envious of Maritime country. I've wanted to tour Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for ages. Any idea what Gros Morne would be like? I'm thinking of Highway 430. Can't get much more dramatic landscapes than that, huh.

My grandkids are out there, so maybe in a year or two, after I heal up ...

Again, speaking of bumpy roads ... 650b.

Being a relative newcomer to this continent my travel experience is a bit limited. I haven't been to Newfoundland although it will be on the agenda at some stage. Gros Morne looks spectacular. It might be hard to keep your eyes on the road! I do know the island is very sparsely populated - barely half a million for an island half the size of Great Britain and Newfoundlers have a very hospitable reputation.

I have driven to Nova Scotia several times and the best touring country would be the northern peninsular of Cape Breton. We have camped there and it really is remote and beautiful. Reminded me geographically of the lower, pine-clad slopes of the French Alps. The "Cabot Trail," 100 plus miles of road, running around the perimeter gives exhilerating views over the Atlantic. We watched whales from a from a high vantage point.

I will continue to turn a wheel around P.E.I. until I summon the courage to head fiurther afield on my own. Until then I am getting my excitement vicariously from CG on a B!

 

[Perfect Virgo]

Interesting to hear the Canadian view of cycling and how all that room doesn't always give you a better experience.

I haven't cycled in Canada but I did buy a race bike in New Jersey in the 90s and took it out and about there - the thing I found was that the roads were in a dreadful condition. I guess it's down to really hot summers and cold winters but they were really broken up.

You're right about the ravages of the weather on the roads. When the snow finally recedes it is amazing to see how the tarmac has buckled and heaved. I used to think total repair would be necessary but a couple of weeks of temperatures just above zero and the traffic has rolled it flat again! However the summer heat soon makes the unstable surface shrink. July and August are characterised by road crews everywhere, doing their best to patch and mend.