A vast limestone plateau and acres of rocky scrubland may initially seem an odd choice for a cycling holiday, but take a closer look at this fascinating region and you’ll understand the appeal.

The Burren, situated in the west of Ireland, is actually a complex ecosystem boasting a diverse range of flora & fauna.  May & June are the ideal time to visit as the plateau bursts into life with an array of wildflowers and butterflies. You may even be lucky enough to spot one of the species of rare orchids that flourish here.

Our cycling holiday leads right through the heart of the Burren, to Ireland’s most famous megalithic monument, the Polnabrone Dolmen. The name translates as “the hole of sorrows” and dates back to 2500BC.  The monument itself is easily accessible and the perfect place for a rest stop and a few photographs before you cycle onwards to the traditional village pub at Carran.

If you would like to learn more about the Burren, you can visit the National Park website: http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/visit.html

If you would like more details on our cycling holidays in Ireland, you can contact us here

A dislocated shoulder did not stop Nina Patel – Mawji from completing the One Big Bike Ride for LOROS in memory of her aunt.

Despite only learning to ride a bike recently and sustaining a dislocated shoulder, Nina managed to raise £3,500 for the LOROS cancer charity.  As the event’s top fundraiser, Nina also won a Freewheel Leisurely Loire Cycling Holiday which was presented to her by our General Manager, Phil Cree.

For details of this year’s One Big Bike Ride, see: http://www.loros.com/

Photo by Will Johnston

Our new Burgundy Waterways holiday offers the chance to experience the delights of this wonderful  region from a different perspective.

Cycling along towpaths and past vineyards, your route takes you alongside the tranquil Canal du Nivernais, widely regarded as the most picturesque waterway in France.  Our 6 night itinerary includes the medieval towns of Tonnerre, Joigny, Auxerre and of course the jewel in Burgundy’s crown, Vezelay with it’s half timbered buildings and ancient ramparts.

For more details on our new 2012 cycling holidays, visit http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/

On Phil’s recent trip to New Zealand, he encountered quite an unusual sight. After driving for miles without passing another car, he came across a lone rider dressed in Victorian clothes pedalling into Taupo on a full size Penny Farthing.  Further investigation was required ….

Mr David Wilson is not your average cyclist, for he is the Captain of the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club and he is currently cycling 2000km from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga in order to promote tourism in Oamaru. 

David won’t have the comfort of a gel saddle and Shimano gears, for “Pioneer Spirit” is an 1880s style 54” high wheeled Penny Farthing replica with solid wheels, fixed pedals and a very primitive brake.  There will be no padded Lycra for David either, he will be dressed in 1880’s style breeches and knee socks for the duration of his journey. 

We wish David the best of luck with his journey but this is not something that we will be encouraging our Freewheelers to imitate!

David’s ride started on November 12^th 2011 and is scheduled to end soon.  If you would like to follow the last few days of David’s journey, you can follow his blog here:

http://pennyfarthingexpedition.wordpress.com/2012/01/

The BBC have launched a 3 part series “Sicily Unpacked” exploring the fascinating culture of the island.  Episode 2 airs on Friday 13th and explores the town and traditions of Modica which features in our “Sicilian Adventure” cycling holiday.

Not only is Modica known for it’s Easter celebrations, the residents have maintained the original chocolate making techniques of the Aztecs, mixing cinnamon, vanilla and chili pepper for a mouthwatering flavour. The traditional way to sample the chocolate is by mixing with hot milk - the perfect restorative after a long day of cycling!

For details of our Sicilian Adventure cycling holiday, you can contact us on +44 (0)116 255 8417 or visit http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/italy-sicily 

If you missed the first episode of Sicily Unpacked, you can view it online athttp://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/

Next week sees the return of the London Bike Show and we can’t wait to visit! This is definitely a great day out whether you are new to cycling or a hardcore bike enthusiast.

There will be various cycling demonstrations, competitions and a chance to meet the  cycling experts. There will even be the opportunity to try out Bike Polo, although I don’t think this is something we’ll be introducing to the brochure any time soon! 

The exhibition is open from the 12^th to the 15^th January and you can visit www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk for more information.

If you are feeling inspired after the show, visit http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/ for the latest updates on cycling holidays in Europe.