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Cotopaxi, Ecuador -

Cycling around an active volcano at a dizzying altitude that's scorching by day and freezing by night is not for the faint of heart. But it's a  testament to the beauty of this Andean route that so many tourists and athletes flock to do it. An official race, the Vuelta al Cotopaxi is a two-day event on trails that reach 4,150 m (13,615 ft) in places. If that's too much, non-professionals can cycle just part of the route. The scenery is magnificent.

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Ketchum, Idaho -

With literally hundreds of miles of cycle tracks stretching in every direction, Ketchum is a cyclist's dream.

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Ketchum, Idaho -

Off-road bikers can challenge themselves with dizzying ascents and nerve-fraying descents, but there are more gentle road routes for those of a less adrenaline-loving disposition.

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Moab, Utah -

Sun-scorched thrills and spills await cyclists in Moad, a place which has earned legendary status among mountain bikers for its Slickrock Bike Trail.

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Moab, Utah -

The highly technical 9.6 mi- (15.4 km-) trail is strictly for experienced bikers, but Moab also has less-challenging routes for mountain bikers of all levels, winding through deep canyons with jaw-dropping scenery on all sides.

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Col de la Croix de Fer, France -

Cycling through the French Alps is never going to be an easy task: you'll need strong legs and lungs to tackle the Col de la Croix de Fer, but the fine views are ample reward.

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Col de la Croix de Fer, France -

Winding through dense forest and open meadows, the route switches between steep climbs, heart-stopping descents, and flat sections at breakneck speed. The high altitude pass has often formed part of the Tour de France route, but non-professionals can brave the 20-mi (32-km) route, too.

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Black Mountain, North Carolina -

On the edge of Pisgah National Forest, a popular spot for fat tire cycle riding, rocky routes provide a playground for adrenaline-seeking cyclists. One popular route takes in Clawhammer Mountain and Black Mountain trails, with nerve-shredding sharp descents.

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Camino de Santiago, Spain -

The well-established pilgrims' routes to Santiago de Compostela are not just for hikers.

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Camino de Santiago, Spain -

Cyclists can follow all or part of the scenic routes, which span out from various points across Spain and its neighboring countries, with designated accommodation points along the way.

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Flanders, Belgium -

Gentle cycling routes can be found along the scenic streets spanning out from the medieval city of Bruges. A network of beautiful routes spreads for seemingly never-ending lengths in the West Flanders region.

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Flanders, Belgium -

For serious cyclists, the Tour of Flanders is an annual race with a reputation as one of the most picturesque in Europe.

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Graubünden, Switzerland -

Fuel up on Swiss chocolate and prepare to whizz past glorious Alpine landscapes on this ridiculously scenic route.

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Graubundun, Switzerland -

Pine forests, snow-capped mountains, and rushing rivers are all part of a route that spans some 125 mi (200 km) with any number of challenging ascents and steep descents.

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Mount Taranaki, New Zealand -

Cycling around a volcanic mountain is a high-energy way to see the beauty of this glorious part of New Zealand. Routes vary in distance and level of challenge, but all are hilly, to say the least.

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Crested Butte, Colorado -

Crested Butte is a small Colorado mountain town with a major reputation as a mountain biking destination. And it's not surprising: the town didn't have paved roads until the 1980s.

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Crested Butte, Colorado -

Cycling is a way of life here, and the hundreds of miles of rough cycle tracks and paved road take in magnificent mountain scenery.

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Sintra, Portugal -

Half an hour from Lisbon by road or rail, Serra de Sintra feels a world away from the bustle of the Portuguese capital. Trails snake through thick forests down to beaches with crashing waves, and the misty micro-climate is refreshing in the heat of summer.

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South Downs Way, England -

This reasonably gentle off-road route follows a picturesque trail between the southern English regions of Sussex and Hampshire. Views are picture perfect, and a day's cycling can always be rewarded with a meal and a drink in a country pub.

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Alberta, Canada -

The scenic province of Alberta is the starting point for one of the most epic mountain bike routes in the world. Be sure to wear padded cycling shorts if you plan to go the distance.

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Alberta, Canada -

The route spans out from Banff, Alberta, down to the United States, all the way to the US/Mexico border in New Mexico. A bit much? Cyclists can choose to do just a short section of the route. 

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Shimanami Kaido, Japan -

Arguably Japan's most famous cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido follows some 43 miles (70 km) of sea-crossing bridges and curved roads, taking in beautiful islands along the way.

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Shimanami Kaido, Japan -

The entire route is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists to admire the scenery without fear of cars. And it's almost entirely flat, too.

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The Friendship Highway, China -

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The Friendship Highway, China -

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La Farola, Cuba -

Experienced cyclists will be in their element on this 37 mi- (60 km-) route stretching from Cajobabo, on the the southern coast of  Guantánamo province, to Baracoa in the north. It's hot and hilly, but every stiff climb is rewarded with a glorious view.

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Great Ocean Road, Australia -

Riding along the coastline of Melbourne with the wind in your hair and sea spray on your skin is a glorious way to explore the country's most famous coastline.

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Great Ocean Road, Australia -

Professionals and amateur cyclists alike flock here to enjoy a route that goes on and on and takes in limestone cliffs and thick forest as well as those stunning sea views.

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Salzach Valley, Austria -

In the stunning Austrian mountains, the Tauernradweg trail stretches over 185 miles (more than 300 km), taking in beautiful waterfalls and stunning mountain backdrops along the way.

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

A popular hiking route through the hills of northern Scotland, the picturesque West Highland Way can also be explored by bike. It's over 90 miles (149 km) of lochs and rolling green hills.  

Sources: (Outside Magazine) (CNN)

See also: Pink, green, purple: check out the world's most colorful beaches

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