Tatyanaleonov body soul cyclinghotspots 8oct17

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Travel On the rise

Cycling tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Guided bike rides are a great way to immerse yourself in a place with low transport costs, lots of fresh air and a fitness boost to boot!

The Twelve Apostles – just one of the amazing sights on the Great Ocean Road rid e

PEDAL THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD One of Australia’s most iconic road trips is even better in the saddle. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of fresh sea air on your face as you soar down roads that curve their way around stunning coastlines. Suitable for all skill levels, Cycling Tours’ four-day Great Ocean Road ride sees you spin over 300km, starting in Port Fairy and finishing in Melbourne, staying in a mix of hotels and B&Bs along the way. The Twelve Apostles is a highlight, with other coastal rock formations, quaint towns and beautiful bushland to see, too.

When: Depart from October to March.

Cost: From $1995 per person with daily breakfast included; cyclingtours.com.au

Cycle holiday HOTSPOTS Want to stay fit on hols? Take a break on two wheels!

Tatyana Leonov rounds up six of the best riding getaways SADDLE UP ON SAFARI Over 13 fun-filled days Intrepid Travel’s Cycle Tanzania expedition will see you visiting some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife regions – including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater – and meeting Maasai villagers. Cycling days range from 30 to 65km, and a decent level of fitness is required. You’ll stay in a mix of tents, hotels and even an African igloo!

When: Throughout the year.

Cost: From $4038 per person with most meals included; intrepidtravel.com

CRUISE CROATIA

BY BIKE AND BOAT Over eight days, UTracks Croatia Bike & Sail trip takes you boating and biking around islands such as Hvar, Vis, Korcula and Brac.

Between outings you’ll return to the ocean to swim, relax and sleep on board the boat. Electric bikes are available for an easier ride.

When: Departs most Saturdays between March and October.

Cost: From $1890 per person with most meals included; utracks.com

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YOGA FOR RIDE ROYAL ROUTES IN THAILAND Travel back to another era along roads paved by ancient royal builders of the Chakri dynasty, Kingdom of Sukhothai and Lanna Kingdom. The Spice Roads seven-day Thailand Heritage by Bicycle tour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai sees guests pedal 263km past majestic ruins, terraced rice fields and grand temples, stopping often to take in the impressive, historical sights and resting overnight in

hotels, resorts and even a home stay.

Highlights include a stop at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, and exploring the Lanna Kingdom in Lampang, considered the most prosperous kingdom in northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries.

When: Monthly departures from October through to February; then April, July and September.

Cost: From $1892 per person with most meals included; spiceroads.com

TAKE A SPIN THROUGH NZ’S SOUTH ISLAND

SEE TASSIE ON TWO WHEELS On the Tasmanian Expeditions nine-day East Coast Explorer tour, you’ll start in Launceston and finish in Hobart, staying in shared hotels or cabins along the way.

It’s four days on the bike doing 220km, as well as hiking through lush forests and sea kayaking to make the most of the surrounds. There’s plenty of time to stop and take in the vistas and feast on Tasmania’s famous produce, too.

When: Monthly from November to April.

Cost: From $3195 per person, with most of your meals included; tasmanianexpeditions.com

A relatively flat 150km that trails a former steam train railway passage, The PureTrails New Zealand five-day Otago Rail Trail journey allows riders to take in many notable sights. You’ll pass Saint Bathans Blue Lake, deep river valleys, stone pubs dating back to the 1860s, sheep stations and plenty of villages on the way. Guests start and finish in either Christchurch, Queenstown, Clyde or Dunedin and accommodation is included.

When: Tours depart from October to May and on demand through winter.

Cost: From $1446 per person, with most meals included each day; puretrailsnewzealand.co.nz

CYCLISTS

Ease the strain from a day’s riding with this sequence by yoga instructor Janine Leagh. You’ll improve joint mobility and stretch those hard-working muscles

CAT/ C OW P O SE WHY: Eases stored tension by lengthening the spine.

HOW: Start on all fours with your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees.

Exhale as you slowly round your upper back, tuck your tailbone in and bring your chin to your chest (A). Then, inhale as you slowly lift your chin and sitting bones towards the ceiling (B).

Repeat for 2 minutes.

A

B

CA MEL P O SE A

B

SWA N P O SE WHY: Releases tight glutes and hips.

HOW: Start in a kneeling lunge with your hands on the ground either side of your front foot. Adjust your body to rest your front outer thigh on the floor with your knee still bent (A). Try to keep your front ankle in line with your hip. Stay here, or slowly lower your torso to the ground, resting your head on your hands (B). Hold for 2-5 minutes, then repeat on other side.

WHY: Counteracts leaning forward during long rides.

HOW: Start on your knees about hip distance apart and feet flexed.

Rest your hands on your lower back with your fingers up or down.

Lean back and open your chest, keeping your hips over your knees.

Hold for 2-5 minutes.