Where to go on a cycling trip? Best locations in Russia with ideal terrain

CEO of IRONSTAR sports festivals

“High speed, the feeling of freedom, unforgettable impressions and even the opportunity to travel – this is what attracts more and more people to cycling. If you’re already tired of the fitness room, a bicycle can help you get in shape and join the ranks of active citizens! I tell you about which regions in Russia are considered the best for cyclists, and also give useful advice to beginners.

Where to go cycling in Russia?

The best places for cycling are considered to be regions where there are indoor cross-country skiing tracks. In the southern part of the country there are practically no such places because of the mountainous terrain, but in other locations there are many such sites. Their main advantages are small car traffic, ecologically clean areas and forests, perfectly smooth road surface, the possibility of using rental services, as well as the availability of parking and recreational facilities. The latter is especially important for tourists who come to relax with their families and children.

A good solution for cycling will be recreation centers. For example, the sports and recreation complex “Olympic” in Voronezh or biathlon complex “Pearl of Russia” in Tyumen. Here tourists will be met by smooth roads, perfect for traveling, and in addition – a large set of other activities and sports entertainment.

Those who live in Moscow and do not want to go far away from the city will find the Krylatskoe bicycle track an excellent platform for cycling in the metropolis. Its length is 13.3 km, and it was built for the 1980 Olympic Games. Here you can enjoy a smooth and safe road, and after – quickly return home.

Not far from the city, in the recreation center “Dëmino”, there is not only beautiful nature, but also a 10 km cross-country bicycle route. There is also a 3 km cross-country ski track, but it is quite difficult in terrain and will be to the taste of experienced athletes.

If the city noise is not for you and you want to relax from the crowds of people and cars, you can visit one of several sites in Khanty-Mansiysk and Izhevsk. There are places to walk and breathe fresh air, as well as ride along beautiful landscapes, enjoying silence and tranquility. Those who live far from this area will have to spend time on the road, but it will be worth the emotions received.

How to choose a bike for the terrain?

Cycling is a great way to keep yourself fit, but it requires some preparation. First of all, you need to choose the bike itself. With this task will help consultants in specialized stores, who will choose a variant that meets your wishes for speed, weight and other characteristics. In general, the choice will be from three options: a road bike, mostly designed for racing and fast riding, a mountain MTB, coping with off-road, or a simple city model – a universal solution for beginners.

Before you hit the road, don’t forget to put on a helmet and other equipment – safety should be paramount. It is also desirable to abandon the use of headphones to hear everything that happens around you, or free one ear if you are not ready to part with your favorite music. Plan your route in advance and stock up on water and a couple of nutrition bars to replenish your energy along the way.

And if you want to organize a really long and exciting trip, for example, for a whole weekend, the bicycle route can be built through different cities, periodically crossing kilometers on trains and stopping for rest in tents or hotels. In this case, you will have a great opportunity to explore a new area, look at its architecture, nature and other attractions. You can go on such a trip even without your own bicycle, and just take the necessary equipment in rentals in different settlements.