Cycling Articles

What's the first thing that comes to mind when someone says "Mauritius holiday?" A sun lounger? A book you'll never finish? A few rum punches? Yeah, that's one holiday but there is an alternative one...

One where you're out the door early. Where it's just you and your wheels spinning along the coastline, past a turquoise blue lagoon. Coming back with that glow on your face that says "I've just had a hard days riding and am ready for a sun lounger and some rum punch".  

That's the beauty of cycling in Mauritius. It's two holidays for the price of one. You can spend mornings or late afternoons exploring the flat, beginner-friendly coastline or climbing the volcanic interior. Then you can spend the rest of your day sampling water sports, lazing around, living the Island life.

Here's where to ride, when to go, how to get started if you're new to it, and how to build a week around it.

Yeah, Sicily has lots of flat, sandy beaches with parasols and Aperol's, which are great. But it also has something else. Something much better... Hills, mountains and even a volcano.  

That makes Sicily a perfect destination for mountain biking. You can tackle thigh-burning climbs, cross volcanic trails and enjoy endorphin-inducing descents, all on the same ride. When your legs are completely cooked, there are gentler coastal loops and plenty of delicious, carb-filled Sicilian dishes to help you recover.  

Yep, mountain biking in Sicily is great.  

So, if you're ready to swap sun loungers for saddles (for a few hours at least), here's a complete guide to mountain biking in Sicily.

There’s a point on the road up from Nicolosi where the trees just stop. One minute you’re grinding through chestnut and pine with sweat in your eyes. The next you’re out in the open, riding near old lava flows, with Europe’s highest active volcano over your shoulder and the faint tang of sulphur in the air.

That’s Mount Etna, and it’s the reason a lot of riders go cycling in Sicily in the first place.  

But here’s the thing about cycling in Sicily. It's more than Mt Etna, as great as that is. You can spend Monday dragging yourself up an active volcano and Tuesday spinning along a flat road with a sea breeze, windmills in the background, powered by cannoli and granita's.

So, whether you’re after a bucket-list climb or a gentle coastal cruise, here’s where to ride, when to go and how to properly fuel, Sicilian style.

Most people visiting Rhodes don’t go mountain biking. They’re too busy sipping cocktails on sun loungers or wandering round the old town, gelato in hand. And as much as that’s great - they’re missing out. BIG TIME!

They’re missing out exploring the rugged, pine-scented trails where the only traffic, you’re likely to encounter is a stray mountain goat and the only noise you’ll hear is crunch of limestone under your tyres.  

Yep, when you think about it Rhodes isn’t really for sun-seekers. Rhodes is for mountain bikers. Those who prefer two-wheels, thick treads and loose gravel over sun-loungers.

If that sounds like you, then you’re in luck because we’ve pulled together a list of the best mountain biking in Rhodes. So, grab your helmet, put some air in the tyres and get ready to hit the trails. 

Picture this. You've spent the last hour with your quads on fire, grinding your way up a sun-baked climb. But you're over the top now. You're cruising down a winding coastal road, the Aegean glittering below, a warm breeze on your back, and there's a little taverna at the bottom with your name on it. Fanta Limon. Maybe a cold Mythos. You've earned it.

That's cycling in Greece. And while everyone else is packing their bikes off to Majorca or Girona, Greece remains something of a hidden gem — one that delivers island loops, mountain climbs, quiet back roads and jaw-dropping coastal descents in equal measure.

Whether you're a seasoned road cyclist chasing KOMs, a mountain biker after epic trails, or someone who just fancies pedalling between pretty villages with a coffee stop in between, Greece has it all. This guide covers everything you need to know. The terrain, the best regions, when to go, what to pack, and how to make it happen. 

Most people know that cycling is a good form of exercise, but the benefits don’t end there. Getting in the saddle can boost everything from your mood to your green credentials. And with so many different models, from balance bikes to e-bikes, to choose from, cycling has got to be one of the most accessible sports out there.

Children as young as three can learn to ride a bike, which means even young families can enjoy a little pedal together. Once the basics are mastered, those first wobbly rides can turn into longer adventures - and maybe even a taste of mountain biking. At Neilson Beach Clubs, with safe surroundings and scenic routes on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to build confidence and explore together.

Whether you’re already a keen cyclist who loves sharing your passion, or you’re excited to learn something new as a family, cycling is fun for all ages. Here are a few of our favourite reasons to hop on your bikes and ride.

Baia dei Mori Beach Club isn’t just about turquoise waters and sandy toes, this slice of Sardinia is cycling heaven. With lush hills, coastal roads and off-road trails right on the doorstep, it’s one of our top spots for getting out on the bike.

Our expert bike team have handpicked the best routes in the area - covering everything from gentle road rides to technical climbs and rugged mountain tracks. Whatever your level, you’ll find a route that fits, with scenery that never stops showing off.

Take a high-spec road or mountain bike and explore, or join a guided ride for local insight and a bit of group motivation. Either way, the ride of a lifetime starts right here.

Here are our top cycling routes in Sardinia, favourites with our guides and guests, and perfect for a wide range of abilities.

Cycling in a group is a whole different experience to riding as a lone wolf. Joining – or organising – group rides can transform your performance, boosting the beneficial effects of cycling, as well as being a lot of fun.

If you’ve never cycled in a group before, the prospect can seem daunting. Will you be able to handle the pace? Are there certain rules of etiquette to follow? But take it from us - once you’ve got your first group ride under your belt, you won’t look back!

Whether you’re considering joining a group road ride or hitting the trails with some fellow mountain bikers, we’ve covered everything you need to know about cycling in a group.

Walk through any town or city across the country and you’ll notice one thing - Britain has fallen back in love with cycling. Cycling UK estimates that 1.7 million adults take to two wheels on an almost daily basis. However, the Brits hopping onto bikes are mainly focused on road cycling. Whilst road cycling is great for both fitness and fun, we here at Neilson believe in the power of going off the beaten track. Here are just some of the benefits of going off-road, and the reasons why any keen cyclist should consider leaving the tarmac behind.

Hands down, cycling is one of the best ways to exercise there is. But there are times when, for a variety of reasons, you need to mix things up. Perhaps you’ve picked up a niggling injury or want to take a break from your routine - seeking out alternative exercises that build essential cycling muscles, whilst keeping you out of the saddle, can help you get straight back on the road after a break. Whether you’ve recently started road cycling, are a skilled mountain biker or just like a gentle ride, we’ve listed our favourite alternative exercises for cyclists that will boost your performance, recovery and mobility.

At its heart, cycling is a simple sport. All you need is a set of wheels and that incredible feeling of freedom and exhilaration is all yours. That said, there are some fantastic bike accessories out there that can help enhance your ride – and satisfy your inner gadget freak.

Whether you love cycling on roads or trails, check out our bike team’s round-up of their favourite riding accessories.

New to cycling? Need a refresher on the rules of the road? Whilst road cycling is an exhilarating way to exercise and explore, it can be rather daunting if you’re unsure of the rules. Can you ride two abreast? Where should you position yourself on the road? What accessories do you need?

Whether you’re new to cycling or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered with our guide to cycling rules and laws.