Lonely Planet publishes Epic Bike Rides of the World

Lonely Planet has released a new cycling-themed guidebook entitled Epic Bike Rides of the World. Priced at £24.99, the book includes details of 50 cycling adventures in 30 countries with ideas for 200 different rides.

A broad interpretation of the word ‘epic’ means that the rides included range from just a couple of hours to trips that would require a month or more.

The main stories in each regional chapter feature first-hand accounts of rides on that continent. There is then a ‘toolkit’ for each, which advises you on the best time of year to visit, how to get there and where to stay.

A ‘more like this’ section following each story then gives ideas about similar sorts of rides (not necessarily in the same part of the world).

European rides range from a Bavarian beer ride to a trip along the South Downs Way to one entitled the Sierra Nevada Traverse. Rides focusing on Mont Ventoux and the Tour of Flanders also feature.

Elsewhere, there’s the Tour d’Afrique, a ride across the entire continent; bikepacking in Mongolia; and a five-day ride through southern Sri Lanka.

As you’d expect from Lonely Planet, there are plenty of photographs, illustrations and maps for each.

Whether the fact that Epic Bike Rides of the World offers trip options for every experience level means there’s less of interest for any given reader, we’re not sure. The crux of the matter is that cycling’s a great way to explore a country and this is surely bound to offer inspiration at the very least.