Breaking into Switzerland

SIX Senses Crans-Montana marks the first resort and residential project in #Switzerland for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Slated to open in 2021, the resort and residences will both be managed by the hotel group. With its sumptuously furnished 47 apartments and 17 residences, Six Senses Crans-Montana will be a unique comprehensive offering in what is one of the finest and most beautiful ski areas in the Alps – as desirable in the height of summer for walking and cycling as it is during the ski season.

The property is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Swiss Alps and has been built to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, providing residents and guests with stunning views and the perfect place to relax and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



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An African adventure on two wheels

ADVENTURE tourism is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry today, and cycling is emerging as one of the most popular ways for adventure tourists to experience a destination while staying active. SpiceRoads also recently launched e-bikes in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and the #EastAfrica destination launch is part of a wider plan to deliver eye-opening and pioneering #cycling experiences in emerging and challenging #adventure destinations.

SpiceRoads Cycling, one of the world’s leaders in cycle tours in emerging destinations, has just launched 3 new countries in their lineup of adventure cycling destinations: Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. The launch covers 2 new adventure cycling tours, Cycling Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean, a 9 day Tanzania touring trip, and Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart of Africa, a 15 day off-road tour combining Rwanda and Uganda. Both tours capture the essence of the destinations- amazing landscapes, unparalleled wildlife experiences, authentic local encounters- while providing SpiceRoads’ signature of fantastic cycling.

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Taking it easy

E-BIKES have become popular with commuters in Europe and North America, but they are an attractive option for #cycling #holidays. Riders with less experience, lower fitness, recovering from injury, or with less confidence in their abilities can enjoy trips and destinations without worrying about being able to keep up. Even more experienced riders can benefit from riding an e-bike on a tour that is particularly challenging.

Sri Lanka e-bikes are SCOTT Cross-E Sub 20 bikes, while select Vietnam tours feature Giant Explore E+ bikes. The new e-bikes can be hired per tour, as an alternative to standard mountain, road, or carbon bike hire. Both models of e-bike use “pedal assist” technology, which engages the bike’s motor once the rider begins to pedal. The more the rider pedals, the more the motor is activated, making e-bikes great for tackling climbs or comfortably cruising at speed.

SpiceRoads Cycling are cycle touring specialists based in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1995, SpiceRoads leads over 10,000 passengers per year on active cycling adventures in 32 destinations worldwide.SpiceRoads offer cycling tours to suit every type of cyclist, from road enthusiasts, to leisure cyclists, to day trippers, to mountain bikers.



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Jordan and Israel by pedal power

SPICEROADS Cycling, one of the world’s leading #bicycle adventure tour operators, has announced that #Jordan and #Israel will be the latest additions to a range of itineraries now covering 32 destinations.

These tours mark the first launched under the new segments "Road" and "Trails," introduced as part of the rebrand which SpiceRoads Cycling underwent earlier in 2017. "By clearly segmenting our tour types, we can make sure that we cater to the specific needs of different kinds of bikers in today's cycling culture," says Maria Deevoy, Marketing Manager at SpiceRoads Cycling.

The Road Biking tour also marks the 7th and 8th destinations in which SpiceRoads has launched road cycling, having branched out from their road cycling base, Thailand in 2015, the company followed with Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan and Malaysia; often combining with multi country tours.

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Hiking & Cycling in Hong Kong

HONG KONG may be known as a modern and cosmopolitan city, famous for its myriad skyscrapers, shopping options and dining hotspots, but the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is aiming to shed light on a different side with the launch of their latest campaign Hong Kong’s Great Outdoors. 

The new campaign encourages Aussies to don their active gear and set out to explore a more organic side of the city, one that is far removed from its buzzing urban centre. To show visitors what they are missing out on, the HKTB has recruited a handful of local photographers, including: landscape photographer and a Hong Kong National Geographic 2013 photography winner, Will Cho; veteran outdoor sports photographer, Elvis Mo; a Nature Conservancy 2017 photography winner, Jessica Li; and renowned photographer, Romain Jacquet Lagreze, best-known for his “Vertical Horizon” photo series, showcasing the geometric lines of Hong Kong.

HKTB’s newly published guidebook “Your Guide to Hiking & Cycling in Hong Kong”. The guidebook is available from visitor centres around the city or as an e-version and is divided into three different themes: Hiking in Heritage; Picture-Perfect Vistas; and Geological Wonders, with each section detailing suggested trails, along with the estimated time required and difficulty levels. Visitors are free to escape the hustle and bustle of the city at their own leisure and discover the surrounding beauty whether it be spectacular cityscapes; remote beaches; rustic villages; serene islands; or historical and cultural landmarks. The guidebook also features cycling trails for those who are keen to explore at a slightly faster speed.

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Yorkshire takes it up a gear

#YORKSHIRE has received a huge boost with the news that the Tour de Yorkshire will grow from three to four days in 2018. After its phenomenal success over the last three years cycling’s world governing body the UCI confirmed the four-day Tour de Yorkshire was being included on their 2018 Europe Tour calendar between Thursday 3rd and Sunday 6th May. 

The Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire will also double in size next year, increasing from one to two days on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th May. The news will bring far-reaching benefits to the county and further enhance Yorkshire’s reputation as a world-class cycling destination. 

The Tour de Yorkshire was launched in 2015 following the hugely successful Tour de France Grand Départ 12 months previously, and it has since grown to become one of the sport’s best-supported and most exciting races. This year’s event was broadcast live in 180 countries and a record 2.2 million fans lined the route. The race also generated £64 million for the Yorkshire economy and the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire remains one of the most lucrative events in the sport.

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Globe Travel Awards reveals awards for touring and adventure in 2018

THE increasing importance of the touring and #adventure sector to the #travel trade has been reflected with a new Globe Travel Awards category for best adventure operator.

The category will celebrate the growth of adventure travel, alongside other awards crowning the best in class in mainstream and premium escorted touring.

To make the categories clearer, the Best Activity & Adventure Operator award has been renamed Best Operator for Activities, honouring suppliers that specialise in activities including skiing, cycling, walking and water sports.



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Colorado: the best US state to ride a bike in

CYCLISTS from across the United States and abroad widely recognize #Colorado as a premier #cycling #destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”).

Must-Experience Colorado Bike Trails and Rides:

Bike-friendly Fort Collins

Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.

Blue River Trail in Silverthorne

The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.

High-Desert Biking in Eagle

Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.

Maroon Creek Road in Aspen

Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.

Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville

Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet.The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.

Monarch Crest Trail in Salida

Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.

Trailheads in Niwot

The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.

Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”

With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.

Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade

Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.

7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs

Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.

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Culinary Cycle in Sweden

SOUTHERN Swedish tour company Robusta Äventyr has launched a culinary cycle adventure around central Skåne, riding across the expansive landscapes, dotted with bright yellow rapeseed fields, verdant forests and heavy fruit trees. 

On the three day trip, fit foodies will meet many of the faces behind the region’s best food producers (ranging from cheese through to eel smokehouses and venison farms), try their hand at some of the techniques and – even better – taste and cook with their wares in the outdoor kitchens. 

Including two nights’ accommodation, meals, tour guide, guided outdoor cooking and bike hire, the trip costs SEK 5,850 (£518 per person). Groups are between 10 and 14 persons in size. 

www.robustaaventyr.se

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Golf and More in Oregon

#GOLF tour operators will get the chance to explore #Oregon when the 10th annual North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) heads to the central region of the Beaver State in 2018.

The event, organized by global golf tourism organization IAGTO, is being staged at Sunriver Resort, near the town of Bend in Central Oregon, from 24-27 June 2018. For state and regional tourism officials it will be a chance to showcase the incredible golf product of Central Oregon: more than 30 courses that, when combined with world-renowned Bandon Dunes on the coast, is set to make Oregon one of the most desirable locations for golf travelers.

“While many know Oregon because of the success of Bandon Dunes, there is much more to the Oregon golf experience – and Central Oregon is a story in itself,” said Teresa O’Neill, Travel Oregon Vice President, Global Sales.

Alana Hughson, CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association, added: “Three of the US Top 100 golf courses (Crosswater, Pronghorn and Tetherow) are located in Central Oregon and the PGA Champion's Tour was held at Sunriver's Crosswater from 2007-2010, but our destination offers much more than an award-winning golf experience.

“Bend-Sunriver is famous as an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, with world-renowned fly fishing, cycling, hiking and rock climbing, as well as Oregon's famous wineries and microbreweries.”

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Mountain Biking in Scotland

FOLLOWING last weekend’s UCI Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup, a new study by VisitScotland has revealed that mountain biking among domestic visitors generates £43 million a year for the Scottish economy.

The national tourism organisation’s Insight department has produced a new report, Cycling Tourism in Scotland, which also reveals that mountain bikers spend 66 per cent more per night than those who cycle on a road or path during their holiday.

Newly analysed data shows that, typically, 122,000 people a year get on their mountain bikes while on holiday in Scotland, spending £355 per trip*.

The study also shows that 76 per cent of mountain biking visitors to Scotland are male. Most cyclists are aged between 35 and 44, while 25 per cent are 45-54 and 19 per cent are aged between 25 and 34.

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New campaign to encourage Australians to explore New Zealand

A new campaign is encouraging Australians to break away from their everyday routine and explore New Zealand by bike.

‘Transport Yourself’ is a social and digital campaign based around three short videos that show how a commute to work by bike or pedalling an exercise bike at the gym can be transformed into a spectacular cycling holiday in New Zealand, tailored to any level of fitness.

www.nzcycletrail.com

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Go Dutch

THINK bike, think Holland! Now, British travellers can explore the delights of this cycle-friendly (not only due to the flat landscape) country with a new six-day #Amsterdam ‘Loop’ that starts and ends in the capital city and embraces Amsterdam and The Charms of #Holland. Or, explore a leisurely route from Amsterdam to Bruges in Belgium over nine days discovering the very best the Netherlands has to offer.

The Loop tour starts and finishes in Amsterdam to allow time for exploring the famous museums, art galleries and historic architecture and canals. Head out to towns such as Haarlem, through flat and hill-free countryside to see the Dutch masters on show. Indulge in pancakes, Edam cheese and local beers along the way, and remember to seek out some traditional Dutch gifts as souvenirs.

For those keen to #cycle over the border into Belgium, the new nine-day tour takes guests from Amsterdam through the delightful towns of Gouda, Dordrecht, Vlissingen and Damme before reaching Bruges. Along the route are nature reserves and picturesque countryside, ideal for slow exploration and working off the delicious local delicacies, not least the many varieties of locally brewed beer. Guests may choose to cycle from Bruges to Amsterdam and additional overnight stays are available.

www.bspoketours.com

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Keswick Mountain Festival

IF adventure and the outdoors is your thing then you have to go to Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) which is taking place in its 11th year from 8-11 June.

The festival has grown into one of the biggest and best loved outdoor events in the UK, a unique event of outdoor adventure, speakers, sporting events, live music, camping and family friendly activities, all set in the beautiful Lakeland.

Some of this years highlights include sailing, rock climbing, canoeing, mine climbing, hiking and windsurfing. There are also triathlons and trail races from 5k to a 50k ultra if you're up to a challenge.

www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk

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With or without the family in Vietnam

SPICEROADS Cycle Tours is proud to present its first #family #cycling tour in #Vietnam. This tour spends 5 spectacular days in the lush mountains of Northern Vietnam, cycling through charming villages, hillside rice terraces, and fantastic scenery. Plenty of additional activities from making local cuisine, to meeting new wildlife, ensure that riders are getting immersed in local culture and having fun.

This fun and exploratory tour of Northern Vietnam's natural and cultural sites is the perfect way to travel, get active, and make memories with the family. This 5 day, 4 night tour totals 162 kilometers on a variety of terrain, from tarmac to concrete paths to dirt roads. The ride is easy and gentle and allows plenty of time to stop for photo opportunities or rest.

www.spiceroads.com

ANOTHER option from Cheapflights.co.uk is a thirteen-night tour of Vietnam spending your nights in four- and five-star accommodation, return flights from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines, all round-trip transfers and 30kg baggage allowance. Based on two adults sharing.

The tour includes a journey of discovery through Vietnam's most-loved areas and offers the perfect combination of serenity, culture, and hustle and bustle. The tour begins in the capital city of Hanoi with a three-night stay at the four-star Thien Thai Hotel, before guests embark on a stunning one-day Halong Bay Cruise to Phu Quoc Island – the largest island in Vietnam. Then spend seven nights at the five-star Novotel Phu Quoc Resort before three nights at the four-star Eden Star Hotel in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), where guests can indulge in a street food tour of classic Vietnamese cuisine.

www.cheapflights.co.uk

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