What's the most scenic route you've ever cycled, and why was it so memorable?



runner_guy2381

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Mar 14, 2007
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Whats the most scenic route youve ever cycled thats actually worth talking about, not just some bland, cookie-cutter ride that everyone else has done to death. Im not looking for some cliché, overcrowded route thats only popular because its been Instagrammed to oblivion. I want to know about the route that truly left you breathless, that made you question your life choices and wonder why you even bothered with all that training.

Was it a grueling mountain climb with breathtaking views, or a serene coastal ride with the wind in your hair. Did you have to suffer through a torrential downpour or a blistering heatwave to get to the good stuff, or was it a perfect, sun-kissed day that made everything feel effortless.

What made it so memorable, anyway. Was it the scenery, the challenge, the sense of accomplishment, or something else entirely. Dont just give me some vague, feel-good answer about how it was all just so amazing and life-changing. Give me specifics. Give me details. Give me something thatll make me want to drop everything and go ride it right now.

And dont even get me started on the whole its not about the destination, its about the journey nonsense. Im not looking for some touchy-feely, new-age philosophy about how the ride was all about personal growth and self-discovery. I want to know about the route itself, not your own personal journey of self-discovery.

So, lets hear it. Whats the most scenic route youve ever cycled, and what made it so damn special.
 
A route that left me truly breathless? The Dragon's Spine, a brutal mountain pass in the Alps. The climb is a grueling test of endurance, but the payoff is worth it - panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. The elements were harsh; frigid winds and biting cold tested my resolve. But the thrill of conquering those treacherous inclines, of pushing my limits, made it a ride I'll never forget. It wasn't about self-discovery, it was about the raw, unadulterated challenge.
 
A route that left me truly breathless? The going-to-the-sun road in Glacier National Park. The sheer cliffs, the hairpin turns, and the endless vistas make it a cycling experience like no other. The challenge is immense, but the reward is worth every pedal stroke. Not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek thrill and beauty in one package.
 
A scenic route worth mentioning? I suppose I could share one, though I'm not one to indulge in hyperbole or seek validation through social media. There's a quiet backroad in the hills, not far from here, that winds through vineyards and past the occasional farmstead. It's a challenging climb, but the descent is a thrilling reward. The view from the top, on a clear day, is quite something - it's enough to make one pause and appreciate the simple pleasure of a good bike ride.

But then again, I'm not one for crowds or fads. I find beauty in the everyday, in the familiar and the mundane. So, if you're after a truly breathtaking experience, I'd suggest ditching the guidebooks and finding your own route. After all, it's not the destination that matters, but the journey. And the wind in your hair, of course.
 
A route that left me utterly awestruck was the Col de l'Izoard in the French Alps. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about the journey, but the sheer magnificence of the destination. The moonscape-like terrain, steep inclines, and the eerie silence of the Casse Déserte will make you question your life choices, and the view from the top? Sublime. The training, the sweat, the muscle burn – all worth it for this awe-inspiring route.
 
A truly scenic route? Probably not the overhyped Alps climb, but the quiet backroads of Dordogne, France. Lush forests, charming villages, and rolling hills that demand respect. The journey was indeed about the route, but the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie with fellow cyclists added to the experience. But don't take my word for it, go explore for yourself! #cycling #scenicroute #Dordogne
 
Overhyped Alps climb? Pfft. Give me a break. Dordogne's backroads? Now that's more like it. But, let's be real, it's not about the views or the trendy hashtags. It's about the ride, the burn, the grind. The rest is just scenery.
 
heard ya, OP. Alps climb is all hype. overrated. Dordogne's the real deal. but, lemme tell ya, it ain't just about the grind, the burn. it's about the bike beneath you, the wind in your face. sure, hills test ya, but they also give ya a chance to show what ya made of.

scenery? maybe not trendy 'gram fodder. but it's authentic. it's the kind of view that makes ya feel alive. not some filtered, posed ****. Dordogne's views? they're earned. every inch of the way. and that's what makes them worth it.

so yeah, Alps can keep their crowds, their hype. Dordogne's where it's at. for the ride, the journey, the accomplishment. take it from me, a fellow cyclist. it ain't just about the burn. it's about the whole package.
 
I hear ya, OP. Alps climb overhyped. Dordogne's the real deal. It's not just about the grind, but the bike, wind, and test of your mettle. Views? Authentic, earned, and worth it. Forget the crowds, the filtered 'gram fodder. Dordogne's where it's at, for the ride, the journey, the accomplishment. It ain't just about the burn, it's about the whole package. Been there, rode that.
 
So, you’re sold on Dordogne, huh? Classic. But let's cut to the chase—what’s the point of all this picturesque nonsense if it’s just another glorified tourist trap? You really think the grind is worth it if all you’re getting is some pretty views? I doubt it. Tell me, did you actually face something real on that ride? Like, did the terrain make you rethink your decisions while you were sweating bullets? Or is it just all fluff with some nice scenery?

I want the gritty stuff—not the surface-level fluff that everyone shares. Did you dodge a landslide? Get chased by a dog? A real story that’ll make my heart race, not just some recycled Instagram filter moment. What’s the real dirt? Don’t pad it out with flowery language. Spill the beans on the ride that nearly broke you or made you feel alive, not just another bucket list checkmark.
 
Been there, done that. You want gritty? Fine. That climb in Dordogne, it's steep. I mean, steep. Like, questioning your life choices steep. Legs burning, lungs screaming, you rethink every decision that led you to this point. And the descent, it's not for the faint-hearted. Blind corners, narrow roads, sheer drops. Adrenaline rush? More like adrenaline overdose. So, did I face something real? Yeah, I did. I faced my own limits. And then I broke them. That's the real dirt. No flowery language, no Instagram filters. Just raw, unadulterated cycling.
 
So, what about the roads that aren’t just steep, but have that raw grit? The ones that toss you into the deep end and make you feel alive! Did you hit a hidden gem that had you questioning every gear choice? I wanna hear about those insane descents that left your heart racing and your knees shaking. What made those moments unforgettable? Give me the juicy details that’ll make me want to pack my bags and go!