With one of the best year-round climates in Canada, the cycling season in Penticton, B.C. is long and enjoyable, and it features a fabulous array of trails and rides for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging road cycling excursion, a rugged route down a mountainside, or a leisurely trail among the region’s local wineries, Penticton’s got it all.

Try the popular 30km Naramata Loop from downtown through lush vineyards and orchards into the quaint village of Naramata, as you take in spectacular vistas over Okanagan Lake. Or truly challenge yourself against the best athletes in the world and follow the IRONMAN Canada route.

Adventurous mountain bikers will find the exhilarating Three Blind Mice, the largest network of singletrack trails in the area. With over 200 trails and 350km of trails, there’s terrain for all levels, with cross-country trails and downhill runs that flow through the forest and offer incredible views.

The iconic and family-friendly cycling route in Penticton, the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, is just a stone’s throw from the city.

Also part of the Trans Canada Trail, the KVR Trail section between Penticton and Naramata is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and it’s arguably the most developed section of the entire KVR. Along the way, try the popular 34km Little Tunnel route, about 2.5 hours round- trip by bike, featuring a slight 2.2% grade with plenty of wineries and lookout stops along the way — plus, e-bike rentals are available.

Penticton is also home to countless cycling events such as the Penticton Bike Festival, the Okanagan Trestles Tour, the Kettle Mettle Gravel Fondo, the Peach Classic Triathlon, the renowned Okanagan Granfondo, and the world-class IRONMAN Canada triathlon.

Formed in 2008, the Penticton and Area Cycling Association (PACA) is a not-for-profit organization that helps with the maintenance and development of over 200km of trails in Penticton and the surrounding area. You’ll also find large trail maps, bike repair stations, top-notch tour companies, and rental and retail shops offering everything needed for your adventures.

Penticton is one of only two cities in the world situated between two lakes. The fresh waters of Okanagan and Skaha Lakes are ideal for a variety of water activities, whether it’s taking a cooling swim, exploring the coves by kayak, or catching air on a kiteboard.

With a cozy community feel, you’ll find a wide range of comfortable accommodations, world-class culinary options and eateries, eight craft breweries, shopping, cultural experiences, boutique stores, tucked away cafés, lakefront patios, along with health and wellness services amidst the natural landscape that surrounds the city.

For fabulous road cycling and mountain biking, look no further than the border town of El Paso, Texas. Home to lively culture, unique history and stunning landscapes. El Paso also offers a host of inner-city rides. E-bikes are welcome on most trails and are also offered via the city’s bike sharing system.

The beautiful 200-acre Palisades Canyon is smack in the middle of town and features a multi-use 4.4-mile loop.

McKelligon Canyon Road is a relatively easy, out-and- back 4.8-mile trail for all skill levels and features Chihuahuan Desert wildlife.

Try the popular and moderately challenging 7.7-mile mountain biking loop at the Lost Dog Trail Head nature preserve in Northwest El Paso.

The 9-mile Old Blue Mad Lazy Cow Loop makes for a varied MTB adventure that can be completed in just over an hour by an average rider. Within the city limits is Franklin Mountains State Park, with over 125 miles of multi-use trails that are popular with mountain bikers. Camping and picnicking options are also available.

El Paso features amazing eateries to fuel up such as the Taconeta, a culinary journey with tantalizing Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch boasts what many locals claim is the best steak in the region, including their renowned steamed wine mushrooms, along with homemade pecan pie for a decadent finish.

For quality Mexican meals and immaculately made classic margaritas, L&J Café is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in the city.

Quality accommodations include the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park with 130 rooms and suites, providing guests with a four- star experience.

Hotel Paso Del Norte is El Paso’s 108-year-old icon with 351 rooms where you can experience its authentic 1900s splendour. Both hotels offer superb restaurants and rooftop bars.

Don’t miss the Downtown El Paso Mural Tour to learn more about the local art scene and marvel at the intricate murals decorating the city.

For a journey back in time, explore the historic 9-mile Mission Trail that features museums, national landmarks, art galleries, delicious restaurants and a brewery.

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is also great for more outdoor adventures, including guided and self-guided tours to view pictographs and petroglyphs. The interpretive centre, in a historic ranch house, is a must-visit.

Known as the “Sun City,” with over 300 days of sunshine each year on average, El Paso is an ideal place for cycling adventures and year-round outdoor activities.

Exploring Portugal by bike is a unique experience heralded by its diverse landscapes, beautiful scenery, stunning beaches, and charming towns and villages. The cycling options seem endless, and the views can be breathtaking from the Douro Valley in the north, to the capital Lisbon, and the famed Algarve region in the south. Here’s a snapshot look at several excursions to whet your appetite.

Discovering Lisbon on two wheels is a great way to explore the country’s vibrant capital city. The popular 20km Tagus River route takes in the port, the various docks, and the city’s most important historic zones including Alfama, Europe’s oldest neighbourhood.

Another great ride is the Avenida Duque d’Ávila urban route through the gardens of Campo Grande towards the Quinta das Conchas. Try the cycle path through Jardim Amália Rodrigues to Parque Eduardo VII, or the silent and calm routes in Parque das Nações.

Stretch your legs with a 30km excursion to Sintra, west of the city. Take in the beautiful Atlantic coastline and beaches including UNESCO forest woods, a farmer’s market on the weekends, and the region’s artistic heritage, as this was a getaway destination for elites and royalty.

For mountain bikers and eMTB riders, the 235km Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) starts
in the northern city of Porto, three hours north of Lisbon, where you can visit UNESCO world heritage sites and sample the award-winning wines and port of the Douro River Valley while visiting historic estates.

Head north to Barcelos with its historic centre and Ponte de Lima, in the Minho region, touted as the oldest village in Portugal. The route continues past the fortified city of Valença do Minho, where you’ll cross into Spain and reach the medieval city of Tui. The beautiful coastal area of Galicia takes you to Pontevedra, and then it’s another 40km to Padrón, a region known for its peppers. Your final stop is Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, and the culmination of this renowned pilgrimage route to the burial site of the biblical apostle St. James.

Portugal boasts more great mountain bike rides in the Lousã and Estrela mountain ranges and at Louzan Park along with Manteigas Bike Park.

Cycling along the Costa Vicentina in the Algarve region, from Odeceixe to Sagres, is an unforgettable 60km road cycling adventure. Featuring spectacular ocean views, secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs, this area is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park and is the longest stretch of protected Portuguese coast.

Visit the Castle of Aljezur, built in the 10th century. Along the way, enjoy the local cuisine famous for its sweet potatoes and shellfish. Further south, the imposing landmark Pedra da Agulha rises out of the sea as you head to Praia do Amado beach, a surfing favourite.

Take in Vila do Bispo, a parish church covered to the ceiling with tiles as you press on the Sagres, the southernmost point of Portugal featuring fabulous and dazzling views including a lighthouse on the Cape, which is one of the most powerful in Europe with a range of 95km.

Portugal offers numerous local cycling tour companies for self-guided and full-service group adventures, including rentals of bicycles, mountain bikes, e-bikes or eMTBs.