5 Stunning Scenic Bike Rides

Check out this list of our top 5 stunning scenic bike rides from around the world as well as our favorite route suggestions in each.  In our haste to get from one place to the next, we miss out on opportunities to explore the world around us. Those fast-moving trains you jump on in Italy or the flights you board that soar above the Andes only give you a glimpse at what beautiful destinations like these have to offer. 

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them." - Ernest Hemingway

Scenic Bike Rides Around the Globe

1. Banff National Park // Canada

You want to talk about an area that has stunning scenic bike rides, Banff National Park is it. Mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes … what more could you ask for! Over 190 kilometers of biking trails offer both trail and road rides for riders of all experience levels. Biking season typically runs from May through to October. Biking options range from family-fun lakeside cruises to rugged tree climbs to fat biking in the snow.

Route Suggestion: Ice fields Parkway 

2. South Island // New Zealand

Along with being known for its passion for Rugby and home of The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes have left the rest of the world in awe. There’s no better way to explore this country’s beautiful outdoors than, DUH, by bike. For the most scenic bike rides, head to South Island. Riders of all levels can choose from peaceful country roads, coastal trails, rigorous mountain climbs and more year-round - with the exception of certain regions during the winter months. Thrill Tip: For you extreme sport connoisseurs, experience the rush of flying up then riding down the peak of a mountain range by booking a heli bike tour.

Route Suggestion: Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail

3. Costa Brava // Spain

National Geographic didn’t name it one of the top 10 travel destinations in 2012 for nothing. Spain’s Costa Brava is an idyllic biking destination. Coastal terrain along the Mediterranean as well as inland trails coursing throughout ancient city streets. Avoid tourist season in the summer months to enjoy 1. cooler weather and 2. less populated routes.

Route Suggestion: Pirinexus Route

4. Dolomite Mountains // Italy

Forget skiing in the Alps, bike them! The Dolomite Mountains - a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Italy - provide varied terrain for riders to choose from. Those looking to coast winding valley roads and enjoy stops in small hamlets should hit the road bike routes between mid-May and October. For more of a challenge, mountain or E-bike your way through breathtaking high mountain passes between June and October. If the idea of having these Dolomite roads all to yourself sounds appealing, look into coming for Sellaronda Bike Day where all traffic is barred from crossing the Dolomite passes from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Route Suggestion: The Sella Ronda

5. Monument Valley // Utah and Arizona

Transport yourself back to the world of the wild, wild west in Monument Valley. Known for its famous towering buttes and red-sand deserts, Monument Valley is a prime biking destination on the Arizona/ Utah border within the Navajo Indian Reservation. You're more than welcome to ride along the 17-mile loop on U.S. 163 which takes you past all the iconic parts of the park. However, if you wish to be off the main road and far from cars, consider signing up for a guided tour which will allow you access to backcountry trails. Safety Tip: Weather conditions such as strong winds can be quite extreme. Be sure to pack sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a bandana of some sort to cover your nose and mouth. 

Route Suggestion: Navajo guide for backcountry access

Explore the world as every adventurer should, on the seat of a bike.  What are your suggestions for scenic bike rides?  We would love your suggestions for more to explore by bicycle in the comments below!  #bikeinnbikeout

Bike Rental Options While Traveling

It’s easy to feel like your day-to-day routine must go on hiatus while traveling since, sadly, your entire household can’t fit into one bag. This especially goes for avid cyclists … I mean, forget your daily bike ride, right? You have no bike to ride with! Well, we have the solution for you: a bike rental.  Not only is it expensive to fly with a bike - some airline prices are as high as $200 plus additional fees - it can be a hassle to simply keep track of while you're on the go. If you're unable to bring your bike along while traveling, opting for a bike rental is the quickest way to exploring a new place on two wheels in no time.

Not sure where to start? Here are our suggestions for renting a bike while traveling:

Bike Rental Research Prior to Departure

First and foremost, plan ahead. Research the area or surrounding areas you’ll be staying in to get an idea of the bike rental options you’ll have. Depending on the length of your stay, this will help determine the costs you’ll need to set aside for a bike rental and what equipment you’ll need to pack.    

Rent from Local Bike Shops

Bike shops are the most logical options for renting. Either search online for "local bike shops in [area name here]" or call your hotel to ask for a list of recommended shops nearby. You never know, maybe your hotel has a partnership with a local shop and can get you a sweet deal.

Bike shops have the luxury of catering to a variety of biking enthusiasts, because they offer an array of models. From mountain bikes to road bikes to e-bikes, nine times out of ten they’ll have what you’re looking for. You’ll also have reassurance from the staff that you’re rip roaring and ready to go once they’ve outfitted both you and your bike for the local terrain.

It also wouldn’t hurt to call ahead to see if you can make a reservation, so the moment you get there your own customized rental bike will be waiting for you. You can take that time to also inquire about what is included with your bike rental; helmet, map, bike lock, water bottle holder, etc.

Rent from Hotel ( if offered )

With the rise in popularity of cycling, some hotels are jumping on the trend by including bike rentals as a guest amenity. From bike-friendly B&Bs to high-end accommodations, these hotels are encouraging you to explore their areas off the beaten paths.

B&Bs like our very own Swamp Rabbit Inn in Greenville, SC offer 12 Specialized City bikes with 7 speeds and 2 Jamis 3 speed cruiser bikes, ideal for riding the Swamp Rabbit Trail or around downtown. Luxury accommodations like Le Méridien hotels have teamed up with Priority Bicycles for a global pilot program - Le Méridien Bicycle - that offers custom fleets exclusively to guests. Be sure to inquire about in-house bike rentals when booking your next hotel.

Rent from Bike-Sharing Systems

If you’ve never heard of Citi Bike or BCycle before - no judgments - we’re just going to assume you’ve been living under a rock. Bike-sharing systems have grown exponentially - nearly 900 systems worldwide - over the past few years. From Citi Bike in New York City to Vélib’ in Paris, it'd be odd to find a major city nowadays without one.

Need to get to a meeting a few blocks away, but don't have time to sit in traffic or looking to get out of the hotel room for a couple of hours? Bike-sharing allows individuals to pay-to-rent docked bicycles for a temporary period of time; either returning them to the same docking station later or another within the given area. For a list of bike-sharing systems in the area you’ll be in, either check out BikeShare.com or search online for "bike-sharing stations in [area name here]."

If you must travel with your road bike here is a great video explaining how to pack your bike for travel!

We wish you safe travels and hope you'll consider a bike rental for exploring your final destination!

One of Our Favorite Restaurants in Greenville SC - Swamp Rabbit Cafe

Today I'm at one of our favorite restaurants in Greenville SC chatting with, Mary Walsh, one of the owners and founders of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery.   Located just two miles from downtown Greenville SC, they serve our community by connecting us with local farms offering the very best locally grown produce, local meats, local goods and products, fresh bakery, great coffee, a full menu which now includes Swamp Pizza! It is a wonderful community hub right on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Mary tells us about how they started making their famous Stecca bread ... watch the video below to hear her story ...

Greenville SC Events

They have great local events at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe like a Dance Party once a month, Spring Flea and Holiday Flea with local makers and great local gifts.  Attend one of their cooking classes or community dinners.  Listen to experts on a variety of sustainable subjects like bee keeping, canning, raising chickens and so much more.  Bring your kids to play in their fenced in play yard right off the trail.

Bike Friendly Cafe

The Swamp Rabbit Cafe is one of the most bike friendly cafes you will find.  Trail riders and roadies alike pour in every day off the bike trail to refuel and refresh.  This is a great place to grab a delicious coffee drink or smoothie and a gluten free donut or a homemade scone and by all means don't leave without a Stecca bread (Mary's recipe) stuffed in your bike basket or bike jersey.  Just veer off the Swamp Rabbit Trail and into their parking lot.  Enjoy dining al fresco under the generous shade canopies!  They also have plenty of bicycle parking and picnic tables.

Things To Do In Greenville SC

The Swamp Rabbit Cafe is the first stop we recommend to our guests as they ride their bikes up the Swamp Rabbit bike trail to Travelers Rest, SC!  It is one of our favorite things to do in Greenville SC any day of the week for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack.  They have a great selection of  beer and wine too with local cheeses and more!  A great stop for a bike date!  Give them a visit and see why they are one of our favorite restaurants in Greenville SC.  Please like their Facebook page to see all their fun upcoming events! #eatlocalridebikes #bikeinnbikeout

Mentioned In Video

Swamp Rabbit Cafe Facebook Page

Swamp Rabbit Cafe Website

Swamp Pizza

LIV Greenville

Our Favorite Stops Along the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Swamp Rabbit Trail Map - A Perfect Day in Greenville

Swamp Rabbit Inn

Thanks for watching and if you enjoyed this video please share  in your favorite social channels below and tune in every Wednesday at noon on Swamp Rabbit Inn Facebook page as we go live with a special guest each week.  Turn on notifications in our live video or a video that was recorded live to get notified when are live every week.  Hope to see you soon!

Downtown Greenville's Best Block Party is Back!

Summer is here and that means Swamp Rabbit Inn, in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is hosting Truck Inn Tuesday once again. The monthly local block party will be held on the second Tuesday of the month from May - August from 6pm - 9pm and will feature local musicians performing their original work and covers throughout the Summer. There will be food trucks, craft beer and wine, our signature Froze’ and local vendors and makers set up at the events. This year's Truck Inn Tuesday features some of the best live, local music you will find in downtown Greenville. Darby Wilcox joins us June 12, Rush Morgan headlines in July, and Doug Jones & Friends will take the stage for the last Truck Inn Tuesday of the year in August. Swamp Rabbit Inn is downtown Greenville's coolest hotel alternative, and now it's also the home of the coolest Summer block party in town.