Legendary roads, iconic climbs, and unforgettable cycling adventures. Let’s check out the top 10 bucket list bike rides.
Every cyclist has a dream ride.
It might be a famous mountain pass from the Tour de France, a quiet coastal road with endless ocean views, or a long journey through remote landscapes where every kilometre feels like an adventure.
Around the world, there are certain rides that have achieved legendary status. These are routes that riders travel across continents to experience. They combine stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and a sense of history that makes them truly special.
If you’re building the ultimate cycling bucket list, these 10 iconic bike rides deserve a place on it.
1. Stelvio Pass – Italy
One of the most famous climbs in cycling history, Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps is a rite of passage for road cyclists.
The northern side of the climb features 48 dramatic hairpin turns that zigzag up the mountainside to an altitude of 2,757 metres.
Why it’s unforgettable:
- Legendary Giro d’Italia climb
- Endless switchbacks and panoramic views
- One of Europe’s highest paved roads
For many riders, conquering Stelvio is the ultimate Alpine achievement.
2. Alpe d’Huez – France
Another iconic Tour de France climb, Alpe d’Huez is famous for its 21 numbered hairpins and electric race atmosphere.
Even outside the Tour, riding this climb feels special. Each corner is marked with the names of past Tour stage winners, adding to the sense of history.
Highlights:
- Classic Tour de France mountain
- Steady, rhythmic climb
- Spectacular views across the Alps
Climbing Alpe d’Huez makes you feel like part of cycling’s greatest race.
3. The Great Ocean Road – Australia
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful coastal rides on the planet.
Stretching along Australia’s southern coastline, the road winds through dramatic cliffs, beaches, and rainforest.
Why riders love it:
- Endless ocean views
- Rolling terrain perfect for long rides
- Famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles
It’s a ride where the scenery is as memorable as the cycling itself.
4. The Ring of Kerry – Ireland
The Ring of Kerry offers some of the most beautiful countryside cycling in Europe.
This circular route along Ireland’s southwest coast combines rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and traditional Irish villages.
Highlights:
- Wild Atlantic scenery
- Quiet rural roads
- Stunning coastal landscapes
It’s a ride where every corner reveals another postcard-worthy view.
5. The Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
California’s Highway 1, especially the section through Big Sur, is one of the most famous coastal roads in the world.
Cyclists ride along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with sweeping curves and breathtaking viewpoints.
Why it’s bucket-list worthy:
- Spectacular ocean scenery
- Iconic bridges and coastal cliffs
- Perfect mix of climbing and flowing descents
Few rides feel as open and expansive as this one.
6. Trollstigen – Norway
Known as the “Troll’s Path,” Trollstigen is one of the most dramatic roads in Europe.
The climb includes tight hairpin turns carved into the mountainside, with waterfalls cascading beside the road.
Highlights:
- Incredible mountain scenery
- A series of steep hairpins
- Quiet Nordic wilderness
It’s a climb that feels almost surreal in its beauty.
7. Route des Grandes Alpes – France
For cyclists who want a longer adventure, the Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the greatest rides in Europe.
The route stretches around 720 kilometres across the French Alps, linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.
Along the way riders cross famous climbs including:
- The Col du Galibier
- Col de l’Iseran
- Col de la Bonette
It’s not just one climb — it’s an entire journey through the Alps.
8. The North Coast 500 – Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a rugged and remote adventure that circles the northern Highlands.
The route covers around 800 kilometres, passing through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK.
Expect:
- Wild coastal scenery
- Remote mountain passes
- Quiet roads and big skies
It’s a challenging but unforgettable ride for those who love solitude and raw nature.
9. The Dolomites Loop – Italy
The Dolomites are a paradise for cyclists, offering dramatic limestone peaks and world-class climbs.
A classic Dolomites loop might include:
- The Passo Pordoi
- Passo Sella
- The Passo Gardena
- Passo Campolongo
These climbs are linked together in the famous Sella Ronda, creating one of the best high-mountain cycling experiences in the world.
10. The Pan-American Highway – Alaska to Argentina
For the ultimate long-distance cycling adventure, few routes compare to the Pan-American Highway.
Stretching roughly 30,000 kilometres, this journey takes riders from the Arctic landscapes of Alaska all the way to the southern tip of South America.
Cyclists experience:
- Snowy mountain ranges
- Tropical jungles
- High-altitude deserts
- Vast open plains
Completing this route can take one to two years, making it one of the greatest cycling adventures on Earth.
Why Cyclists Dream of Bucket-List Rides
Bucket-list cycling routes combine several key ingredients:
- Spectacular scenery
- Challenging terrain
- Cycling history and culture
- A sense of adventure
These rides become more than just training sessions — they become experiences that stay with you for life.
Final Thoughts
Cycling has a unique ability to turn roads into memories.
From the hairpins of Stelvio to the wild coasts of Ireland and California, these bucket-list rides represent the best that cycling has to offer.
You may not ride all ten.
But even one of them could become the ride you remember forever.
Because sometimes the best journeys are measured not in kilometres, but in the stories they create.
Check out the most beautiful cycling routes in the world here.
