Travel: Cycling Holidays In Beautiful Places (PICTURES)

TRAVEL: Cycling Holidays In Beautiful Places (PICTURES)
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If Bradley Wiggins and Mark 'Cav' Cavendish have inspired you to try your luck on two wheels, these holidays might be just the thing to get you into gear...

Cycling Holidays In Beautiful Places
See hidden Austria(01 of10)
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Cycle deep into Austria's 'Little Canada', surrounded by the country's highest mountain peaks. Pedal away from St Michael im Lungau through a National Park rich with birdlife all the way to the buzz of Graz, the lively capital of Styria. Forests, farms and trailing vineyards await. Details: cyclebreaks.com. (credit:Cycle Breaks)
Get energetic on Mount Etna(02 of10)
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Cycle the diverse regions of Mount Etna from the summit to the shores of the Med. Quality rides rule - you can forget guidebook-style sightseeing. Stay at Castello Camemi, an impeccably restored 15th-century castle with a pool and spa, and enquire about family cycling holidays. Visit backroads.com for more details. (credit:Backroads.com)
Explore the ups and downs of Umbria(03 of10)
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Exprience the joys of Umbria and southern Tuscany, taking in three beautiful little towns in the Maremma region: Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano, all dating back to Etruscan times, and far enough from Siena and Rome to be off the tourist route. Visit: thechaingang.co.uk (credit:The Chain Gang)
Discover the natural joys of Limousin(04 of10)
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Limousin, in the foothills of the Massif Central, is a paradise for anyone looking for a gentle biking holiday. Take in the Dordogne Valley, the regional parks of Millevaches and Périgord-Limousin and some of the prettiest villages in France. Discover its medieval villages, granite churches, magnificent countryside and mouth-watering cuisine at your leisure. More details: bonkersfrog.co.uk (credit:bonkersfrog.co.uk)
Go for it in Gstaad, Switzerland(05 of10)
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With a host of newly refined biking trails, and increased facilities for cycling enthusiasts, Gstaad is the place to be seen in 2102. There are 11 new specialist certified 'bike hotels' which offer on-site repair services, hire services, expert advice, packed lunches and wellness facilities to relieve sore muscles at the end of a long day. Visit gstaad for more information. (credit:Gstaad.ch)
Make for Mallorca(06 of10)
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Cycle Mallorca's Tramuntana Mountain range - as well as lots of less demanding flatter country rides - on a four-day trip with The Healthy Holiday Company. From £1,165 per person based on two adults sharing with three much-needed massages thrown in. (credit:The Healthy Holiday Company)
Marvel at Montenegro(07 of10)
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Montenegro boasts towering mountains, immense lakes, a beautiful coastline and a varied array of mountain biking trails. Saddleskedaddle's eight-day trip takes in the Ziovo mountains along the Montenegrin-Albanian border, as well as the mysterious high plateau of Sinjajevinja, followed by lunch with local shepherds. Prices from £995 per person (excluding flights). (credit:Skedaddle Cycling Holidays)
See South Africa from the saddle(08 of10)
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Discover the mountain passes and coastal rides of South Africa's Cape region with an expert guide. A five-day cycle adventure with thehealthyholidaycompany.com covers between 100km and 150km per day, depending on your fitness. There's an easier itinerary for less experienced riders. From £795 per person. (credit:The Healthy Holiday Company)
Move it in Morocco(09 of10)
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This one isn't for the fainthearted. If you have lots of mountain biking experience and a good level of fitness, the Atlas Traverse trip offered by saddleskedaddle promises thrills galore. The Central High Atlas is one of the most unspoilt mountain regions in the world, and offers some of Morocco's best mountain biking terrain. The Atlas Traverse costs £895 per person exlcluding flights. Visit www.saddleskedaddle.co.uk for information. (credit:Skedaddle Cycling Holidays)
Do the Dolomites(10 of10)
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In need of something more demanding? Cycle over Dolomite mountain passes while experiencing Italian, German and Ladin cultures and cuisine. A week-long guided holiday tackles a different area of the mountains every day (the difficulty will be adapted to the experience of the group). From £1,960 per person with the Healthy Holiday Company. (credit:The Healthy Holiday Company)

And, if you're struggling to work out the ideal holiday wardrobe, Huffpost Lifestyle has picked out the best choices for hopping on your bike this summer...

Cycling Accessories 'Just For Girls'
Cassandra Cycle Coat(01 of14)
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Antonia Maybury, the founder of Water Off A Duck's Back, decided that instead of putting on a bright yellow, unattractive jacket over her lovely clothes, she would come up with an alternative. Her Cassandra coat is not only fashionable but has all the elements that you would expect from a cycle coat. The cut suits cycling, allowing arm and shoulder movement, while retaining a tailored look. While reflective panels on the cuffs collar and belt can be hidden away and the hood is detachable.It's also waterproof (not just showerproof), breathable, machine Washable. doesn't catch in the wheel of a bike, has big pockets and a discrete clip on the hem to clip the two front panels together.All this for just £130 (available in stone and navy blue), and the website also features capes and jackets.
Defender Jacket(02 of14)
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Completely waterproof, with all-round reflectivity and made of lightweight fabris, the Defender does what it says on the tin.£170 from Odlo. Visit www.odlo.com or call 0845 603 7289
Body Warmer(03 of14)
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This quilted, country-style gilet will keep you warm and cosy - and bring out the Made In Chelsea 'sloane ranger' in you. Dreamer Body Warmer is £35 from Regatta.
Shopping Basket(04 of14)
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So much cuter than panniers, these wicker baskets mount to a rear rack (not included), and incorporate a handle for easy carrying 138.95 from Ridelow
Bell(05 of14)
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You'll want to ring this Electra Night Owl Ding Dong Bell from Ridelow - £15.95
Gropes(06 of14)
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Stocked at the tokyobike Store in Shoreditch, London, these 'Gropes' (leather-wrap grips) can also be bought online. £25.00 for short version and £39.00 for longer version.
Helmet(07 of14)
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This Bern Helmet from Surfdome is just £59.99 - and is super cool and light.
Camera(08 of14)
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The ION Air Pro Wifi allows you to film while riding and instantly upload the content via wifi (£299).
Jersey(09 of14)
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This merino button jersey from Vulpine is cut long and slim for cycling - while wicking sweat away to keep the wearer odour-free (£80).
Shirt (10 of14)
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This Helly Hansen short-sleeved women's bike shirt has HH® CoolGrid and Lifa® Stay Dry Technology to keep you cool and dry during even high-intensity bike rides (£55).
Raincoat(11 of14)
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After getting caught in 'another' downpour, Sally from Cambridge had an idea for a chic and versatile raincoat that would look good off and on the bike.£250 each - the coats come in a range of colours from Cambridge Raincoats.
Pannier Bag(12 of14)
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This adorable Basil Blossom Farm blue double pannier bag is just £39.99.
Mittons(13 of14)
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When it gets chilly, try these hand-knitted cycling mittons from Twisted Twee (£25).
Sunglasses(14 of14)
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Polaroid's Pilot P7011B are very cool but they are super dark, so perhaps don't wear these £65 shades on your first ride...