SpiceRoads Cycling

There is lots to look forward to on our newest Japan tour, Coastal Japan: San-In Explorer. On November 6, 2023, we will be embarking on our inaugural ride and here’s what we’re most excited about:

🗾 Winding along quiet rural paths hugging the coast with views over the expansive Sea of Japan.

⛩️ Hiking to the fabled Buddhist temple of Nageiredo which hangs precariously off a cliff on Mount Mitaku.

⛰️ Riding on the forested slopes of Mount Daisen, a dormant volcano towering over the landscape.

🛥️ Taking ferries to and from the remote, offshore, Oki Islands where we cycle to ruggedly beautiful shorelines and through the citrus-scented countryside.

🎏 Discovering quaint fishing villages and bustling maritime towns nestled between headlands.

🌸 Visiting two of Japan’s most impressive Shinto shrines – Miho and Izumo Taisha – and one of the country’s most gorgeous Zen gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art

🏯 Exploring the “Black Castle” in Matsue, one of very few original, surviving Ero-era castles still standing in Japan.

🍣 Enjoying daily feasts of delectable local cuisine featuring lots of fresh seafood.

♨️ Soothing our muscles with soaks in onsens (hot springs) at various points on the tour.

🎎 Sleeping in some of the region’s most cosy accommodations, including stays at traditional Japanese ryokans.

🚆 Easily connecting the tour with a longer Japanese holiday, as rail and air connections to major hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are available to Tottori (start city) and from Izumo (end city).

Join us in San-in on November 6 as we pedal new horizons for cycling in Japan!

Think you’ve seen it all in Japan or are you looking for something more intrepid than the classic cycling itineraries for your visit? We’re thrilled to introduce you to our newest Japan tour – Coastal Japan: San-In Explorer.
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/coastal_japan
Located on the quiet western coast of Japan's main island, San-in is one of Japan’s least populated and least urbanised regions. In other words, a rural and remote cycling wonderland!
We’ve designed a 10 day cycling tour that captures the best San-in has to offer and we invite you to join us on our inaugural trip on November 6, 2023.
Hybrid bikes are available for hire or you are welcome to bring your own. E-bikes are also available.
Head to the tour page to find out more and sign-up today.

A huge thank you to everyone that joined our Nakhon Nayok Weekender on August 19 - 20! We covered a large swathe of the beautiful countryside on the edge of Khao Yai National Park, riding past lakes and shimmering rice fields. As always on our Weekenders, a highlight is stopping at some quirky coffee shops. This one had some amazing cake! Join us next month on September 16 - 17, when we head to Kanchanaburi. Sign up here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/kanchanaburi_weekender?departure=2023-09-16 and continue to take advantage of green season riding with us!

As a cycling tour operator we usually highlight the joy of riding in far-flung places around the world (naturally!). But, every so often, we also want to tip our helmets to some of the classic sites we visit on tour on days that we give our bikes a rest. Continuing from our spotlight on Peru, let’s show some love for Machu Picchu! Now a part of our “Biking Peru from the Andes to the Amazon” tour, visiting this incredible mountain-top site after having spent several days riding through the Sacred Valley of the Incas adds a whole other level of appreciation for its uniqueness. The experience is made all the better by arriving via a scenic train journey that follows the impressive Urubamba River with breaktaking views out the windows. Learn more about this trip on our tour page and sign up today:
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/peru_andes_amazon_biking/itinerary
Remember, we are offering discounts on bike rentals exclusively for the November 19th departure!

📢 We have redesigned our ““Biking Peru from the Andes to the Amazon” tour to include a visit to Machu Picchu!
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/peru_andes_amazon_biking

This November 19th, we are offering an exclusive departure of this trip to take advantage of Peru’s low tourism numbers as we ride in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and descend down into the Amazon Basin. We are also offering discounts on bike hires so hurry to take advantage of this promotion and secure a spot before the trip is full. Head to the tour page to find out more and sign up today!

Flashback to one of our favorite Southeast Asian mountain/gravel bike odysseys: “Cycling Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang''!
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/northern_thai_laos
This tour connects two of the region’s most culturally endowed cities via bike & boat, combining 9 days of riding through stunning countryside and wilderness with 2 days of blissful cruising on the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Our next departure is November 12, 2023 and we have several more dates scheduled all the way until the end of 2024. Sign up today!

Are you an intrepid mountain biker in search of adventure? Then check out our “Hidden Tribes and Trails of Laos” tour.
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/northern_laos_mountain_biking
In just 6 riding days, we cycle 332 kilometers of some of Southeast Asia's most remote and wild mountain scenery. To access remote hill tribe hamlets and escape the beaten track, the route utilizes a network of singletrack trails and dirt village roads in rough condition, making for exciting and challenging riding. Our next scheduled departure is October 29, 2023, with more dates planned all the way through December 2024. Head to our website to sign up today!

“Authentic Morocco by Bicycle” is one of our favorite mountain biking/gravel tours. https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/authentic_morocco
Having run countless trips for over a decade, we’ve continuously refined the route and this summer was no exception. Our local team took to the high Atlas Mountains and the Draa River Valley in search of some great new trails. Join us on this classic yet newly refined exploration of Morocco’s ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Our next tour - guaranteed to depart - is September 10 and we have several more scheduled for the fall of 2023 and, again, in the spring of 2024. Head to our website and sign up today!

Our next Weekender is around the corner and it's Guaranteed to Depart!
https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/nakornnayok?departure=2023-08-19
On August 19 we are going to be heading just 2 hours outside of Bangkok to reach the western edge of Khao Yai National Park. Based at a lovely resort nestled amongst pristine nature, we’ll spend two days cycling through some of Thailand’s most scenic countryside blanketed by emerald-hued rice paddies. Sign up today and join us for a green-tastic road biking getaway!

In addition to our “Untamed Borneo” tour, which we featured on Friday, we also offer a second adventure on Asia’s largest island: “Wilds of Sarawak” https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/sarawak

Focused on the southern part of Borneo, this trip is a little shorter (8 days) and more moderately active though still packs a strong punch in terms of cultural immersion, great riding (+ some kayaking and hiking!), and, of course, a chance to experience the liveliness of the Borneo's jungles! Our next departure is on September 24, 2023. Spaces are still available - sign up today!

Continuing with our theme of green season riding, let us focus on one of the greenest destinations we know: Borneo!
Our “Untamed Borneo” mountain biking tour https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/borneo introduces you to vast stretches of dense jungles, towering trees, and vibrant vegetation in the north of the island. The rainforests are home to iconic species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys, as well as an array of unique plants and flowers. Our next departure is on September 24, 2023. Spaces are still available - sign up today!

Happy August! It is the rainy season here in Thailand but we prefer to call it the “green season”. Why? Because thanks to the consistent rain between the months of June and November the Kingdom is at its lushest with dense rainforests and rows upon rows of rice paddies glistening in countless shades of green. We still have a number of great rides scheduled to take place during this year’s green season! One of our favorites is “Thailand Heritage by Bicycle” https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/thailand_heritage
which, going through the great rural hinterlands of Central and Northern Thailand, offers incredible visuals at the most scenic time of the year. We have upcoming departures on September 11, October 15 and November 13! Spaces are still available - sign up today!

Discover Portugal's ruggedly beautiful landscapes, historic monuments, and charming villages in an epic road cycling journey. Our brand new tour, “CENTRAL PORTUGAL BY ROAD BIKE”, has been designed to be the perfect balance of conquering mountainous terrain and immersing yourself in Portugal’s rich culture and history.

Our inaugural tours are scheduled for September 3 and October 22, 2023. Hurry to sign up on our website today: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/portugal_roadbike

We meet in the country’s highest town, Guarda, and spend 7 days road biking our way down to the Atlantic coast where we’ll drop you off in Lisbon. What are some highlights to look forward to?

🏞 Tackle climbs in and around the Serra da Estrela, taking in views of glacial valleys, vast forests, and jagged cliffs.

🏘️ Spend a night in the village of Piodão; renowned for its unique centuries’ old stone houses draped over steep slopes.

🌊 Reach the Atlantic coast in spectacular fashion by riding up and down the seaside accompanied by visuals of wave-battered bluffs, tranquil lagoons and golden beaches.

🏰 Discover fairytale-like medieval castles and grand monasteries, transporting you back in time to an age of conquest and discovery.

🥂 Reward your riding efforts with quintessential Portuguese wining & dining and spend your nights in cozy, well-appointed hotels.



photo credit: https://blog.winetourismportugal.com

Uncover Portugal's medieval past as you traverse the interior via bike, train and boat. Our brand new tour, “CYCLING LISBON TO PORTO VIA THE HISTORIC INTERIOR”, is the perfect mountain bike/hybrid tour for those wishing to combine some of Portugal’s classic sites with off-the-beaten path riding in rural and wild Iberia.

Our inaugural tours are scheduled for September 10 and October 1, 2023. Hurry to sign up on our website today: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/portugal_cycling

We pick you up in Lisbon and ,after 6 days of cycling in the northeast of the country, you’ll be dropped off in Porto via a river cruise in the Douro Valley. What are some highlights to look forward to?

🏰 Discover historic villages such as Monsanto, where houses are built along giant boulders, and the hilltop fortress of Castelo Rodrigo, with its cobblestone streets weaving through the remains of a once glorious castle.

🏞 Ride through the secluded national parks of Serra da Malcata and Douro International Natural Park, where plateaus, valleys, and escarpments provide stunning vistas.

🚢 Uncover the Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards carved into rolling, sun-kissed hills. We’ll enjoy these scenes via bike, train and boat.

🍷 Reward your riding efforts with quintessential Portuguese wining & dining and spend your nights in cozy, well-appointed hotels.

photo credit: https://blog.winetourismportugal.com

Cycle Portugal with SpiceRoads!

Yes, you read that right - we are excited to add Portugal to our list of cycling destinations and have launched two brand new tours that capture the very best of riding in the charming Iberian country. Whether you’re a road biker looking for your next challenge from mountain to coast or prefer mountain biking through ruggedly beautiful terrain, we have got you covered. Head to our website here: https://www.spiceroads.com/destinations/portugal to learn more and sign up for your preferred adventure today. Inaugural tours are scheduled as follows:

Central Portugal by Road Bike: September 3 and October 22, 2023

Cycling Lisbon to Porto via the Historic Interior: September 10, 2023 and October 1, 2023

See you in Portugal this Fall!

What does a day in the saddle on a SpiceRoads Weekender in Thailand look like? Check out the pics below to find out!

Last weekend we ventured out to ride the quiet roads of Ratchaburi Province, gently (sometimes steeply!) rising and falling with the contours of the area’s lush hills.

Thank you to all of our riders for another fantastic upcountry road biking getaway.

Next month, August 19 - 20, we will be heading to the province of Nakhon Nayok for some blissful rural riding in the shadow of Khao Yai National Park at the greenest time of the year! Sign up here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/nakornnayok?departure=2023-08-19

We never tire of raving about Taiwan’s exceptional bike-friendly roads. To our seasoned road cycling friends who haven’t yet explored Taiwan, we invite you to join us on October 01, 2023, for the next departure of our thrilling “South Taiwan Coast by Road Bike” tour. With nearly 100 km of cycling per day over 5 days, we experience a cross-section of Taiwan’s diverse terrain: gliding along the coast, conquering mountains, and venturing into the heart of the country’s emerald green rice fields. Sign up here https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/south_taiwan today!

Where in the world can you mountain bike on dirt roads that weave through rock formations known as 'fairy chimneys,' sleep in 'cave rooms,' and visit ancient subterranean cities? The name of one of our favorite tours, 'Cappadocia Trails,' which promises just that, might give it away! Join us on September 24, 2023, as we spend a week discovering one of Turkey’s most fascinating regions, saturated to the brim with historical sites, traditional Anatolian charm, and geological wonders. Sign up today through this link: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/cappadocia_mtb

Mountain biking in Morocco is as rewarding as it is challenging. Our “Authentic Morocco by Bicycle'' tour is an action-packed 7 days that introduces you to vibrant Marrakech before riding through the legendary Atlas Mountains, the bone-dry Jbel Saghro, and life-sustaining oases and lush palm plantations. Along the way we visit mighty kasbahs (desert citadels), roam through Berber villages, sleep in cozy riads (traditional Moroccan houses), and feast on local delicacies such as tagine (an aromatic, slow-cooked stew). Join us on September 10, 2023 for a Moroccan adventure of a lifetime!. Sign up here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/authentic_morocco today.

What’s the best way to discover Bali’s spectacular landscapes? Via a spectacular off-road mountain biking adventure, of course. With fast flowing rivers, deep canyons, crater lakes, and volcanoes dominating its interior landscape, Bali is an outdoor lover’s dream come true. Join us on September 03, 2023 and get your wheels dirty all the while enjoying great views and Balinese hospitality. Sign up here https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/bali today.

What do we love about cycling in South Korea?

✔️ Fantastic bike paths that stretch along meandering rivers

✔️ Forest-covered, rolling hills that blanket the countryside

✔️ Ancient tombs and temples that blend harmoniously into their natural surroundings

✔️ Folk villages that capture the spirit of pre-modern ways of living

✔️ An endless array of quintessential Korean side dishes that accompany meals

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Join us on September 02, 2023 to discover all of the joys that come with cycling in South Korea. Sign up here https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/ancient_korea today

Northern Thailand in November is a dream. The monsoon rains dwindle down yet the jungle-clad mountains and rice-covered valleys remain vibrantly green and lush. Temperatures are pleasant: relatively mild during the day and cool at night/early morning. In short, the perfect conditions to come and test your road cycling prowess on Thailand’s most mountainous terrain! Join us on our 9 Day road cycling extravaganza - Mae Hong Son Hills - and experience Northern Thailand at its best. Our next departure is on November 16, 2023. Sign up here https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/maehongson_hills today.

Ever heard of the Ho Chi Minh Highway? Whether your answer is yes or no, the real question is: have you cycled it? If not, then we invite you on an epic and challenging road cycling trip along Vietnam’s most scenic highway where you will climb up mountain passes, glide along glistening rivers, and cut through jagged valleys. We have departures coming up in September and November.
Sign up here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/road_bike_hochiminh and experience the best of road biking in Vietnam.

This October we will once again be throwing our cycling helmets into the ring at the Taiwan KOM Challenge! Book your attendance with SpiceRoads and experience a value-rich tour combining one of the world’s most epic cycling challenges with warm-up rides, discovering Taiwan, and full support! There are a limited number of slots, so make sure you secure your spot ASAP. We make it very simple: just follow this link and book away! https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/komrace

Another unsung hero of European cycling destinations is Montenegro. Montenegro's azure coast is lined with many stunning destinations: the heavenly Bay of Kotor, the vibrant and contemporary Budva Riviera, and quaint and serene Virpazar. Castles, fortress walls, and relaxing fishing villages tucked between orchards and the sea make for a very picturesque cycling expedition. Join us September 03, 2023 on our 8-day Coastal Montenegro tour and see a different side of Europe, differently Sign up here https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/montenegro today!

Sri Lanka is back in business! While 2022 was a rough year for the island nation, the situation now is safe and tourism is rebounding. That means it is time to saddle up and explore this fascinating country with SpiceRoads. Looking towards September/October, when the weather is generally balmy and the high tourism season not yet in full swing, we have a range of tours available to book! Whether you’re a road cyclist looking to conquer the tea-covered hills or prefer a more leisurely mountain bike ride to heritage sites and beaches, we have got you covered. Head to our Sri Lanka page https://www.spiceroads.com/destinations/sri_lanka and choose your next adventure today!

What comes to mind when you think of Bulgaria? Perhaps it is the country’s famous yogurt, the eye-catchingly colorful traditional costumes, or the legacies of a rich history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. For us, it is that but so much more! Our 10-day “Highlights of Bulgaria by Bicycle'' tour is designed to show you this enigmatic Balkan nation at its unspoiled best - a true hidden gem for cycling in Europe where you won’t encounter many other tourists. We have departures available THIS September and October so head to our website here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/bulgaria_highlights and sign up today. The Fall is a great time to cycle Bulgaria as the temperatures are milder and the forest colors are pretty.

Throwback to one of our Road Cycling Bangkok to Phuket tours earlier this year. We’re always delighted to receive amazing photos from our riders and post them here for all to enjoy!

If you like what you see, then simply head to our website (https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/bangkok_phuket) to secure your very own spot on this road cycling adventure along Thailand’s scenic coastal and rural roads.

We have regular departures scheduled for the rest of 2023 and throughout 2024.

Exciting moments at SpiceRoads HQ in Bangkok as we receive and assemble a brand new fleet of TREK FX 3 hybrid bikes. Not just sleek but also incredibly versatile, these bikes are the perfect fit for our many tours across Thailand. Check out departures for 2023 and 2024 on our website here: https://www.spiceroads.com/destinations/thailand and sign up today - our bikes are ready for you!

This past weekend we conquered the hills of Suan Phueng in the western province of Ratchaburi. Great job to all of our riders and we’re already looking forward to the next one in July (https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/ratchaburi?departure=2023-07-22) - there are still more hills to tackle and great roads and stunning scenery to enjoy in the west of Thailand.

Thank you to everyone who joined last Sunday’s ride in Bangkok to commemorate the late Mr. Chin’s life. Starting and ending at SpiceRoads HQ we cycled more than 50 km through the city, weaving through traffic and enjoying classic scenes of the charming old town. We were also visited by monks for a blessing ceremony followed by a Thai lunch. May Chin rest in peace - his legacy will no doubt live on. To everybody who has made a donation to help support Chin’s family, thank you very much.

It is with a heavy heart that we share news of Mr. Chin’s sudden passing on May 22, 2023. Chin was an invaluable member of the SpiceRoads family here in Thailand, always going above and beyond to ensure our guests were well looked after. He took great pride in his profession as a driver and, most of all, was a genuine and caring person. We are deeply saddened by Chin’s death and share with you some images to remember him by. May he rest in peace.

If you have had the pleasure of going on a ride with Chin over the years, you can make a donation to help support his family at this difficult time. You can do so at this link: https://www.spiceroads.com/pay or www.spiceroads.com/paythb Please write “Mr.Chin” under Booking Reference.

To honor Chin’s life we are organizing a Bangkok bike ride on Sunday, June 11th, 2023. Please see details below as well as in the Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/1391741968339241).
If you are in Bangkok, we hope to see you there.

Date: Sunday 11th June, 2023

Start/End Location: Spiceroads Office (45 (Sub Soi Pannee 14), Soi Pridi Banomyong 26, Sukhumvit Soi 71, Watthana, Bangkok 10110)

Start time: Meet at 6.30 AM and ride off at 7:00 AM

Length: Approx 50-60 km with a coffee stop (allow 2.5 -3 hours), various groups and speeds (depending on numbers).

After the ride we will have a monk blessing and lunch at the Spiceroads office, all are welcome.

Cost: 500 THB – all proceeds to Chin’s family

Congratulations to all of our riders who joined our Kaeng Krachan Weekender on May 20-21! While the heat was, at times, unforgiving we still conquered a hilly swathe of scenic rural Thailand around the edges of Kaeng Krachan National Park. Plenty of refreshment stops and the reward of a hotel pool (or the swimmable Phetchaburi River flowing by our resort) were a must! Join us next month, June 17-18, as we ride in the stunning countryside of Suan Phueng in western Ratchaburi Province. Sign up here: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/suanpheung_weekender.

What is one thing you’ll find in common when cycling across Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand? Joyful school kids - often on bikes themselves - greeting us along the way, of course! Here are some heartwarming shots shared by our guests from last month's Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle adventure. Secure your spot on an upcoming departure on our website: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/saigon_bangkok
Southeast Asia awaits!

A big thank you to our long-time and new friends that joined the Si Racha Weekender on March 18-19! Si Racha is not only the birthplace of the world-famous hot-sauce, but also a great area for a cycling weekend in the countryside close to Bangkok - here are some highlights of the ride. Next month, April 22-23, we take on the province of Rayong for a beach-meets-upcountry riding escape. Sign up here today: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/rayong

More Weekender destinations and dates for May onwards will be announced soon. Stay tuned!