Solo Cycling Travel: I Just Booked It

Solo cycling travel starts with one decision: don’t overthink it. Just book it. That’s what I started doing- and this blog is where I’ll share what happens…

It started in 2019 with a cycling trip to Mallorca. I don’t exactly remember what pushed me to go—probably the island’s reputation as the cycling destination, plus the fact that my former tri coach was organizing a trip.

Booked. Rode. Ate. Hooked.

That trip also marked the beginning of my love for mid-ride pastry stops. Believe it or not, I used to ride without stopping. I know—questionable judgment.

For those who don’t know me well, my wife doesn’t fly. That left me with a choice: either stop traveling internationally, or just go anyway—with or without company.

So I go.

Since that first solo trip, I’ve made it a point to travel as much as I can. I’ve done two trips to see the Tour de France, including the 2024 start in Italy, and even joined a cycling cruise through Greece—with a some more Italy mixed in. (While I was in the “neighborhood”.)

I keep a mental shortlist of places I really want to ride. But every now and then, something unexpected pops up—a tour, a route, an opportunity—and suddenly “the list” gets reshuffled and I’m all in.

That’s how I roll: a mix of impulsive and meticulous. Once an idea takes hold, it’s basically happening. But when the ADHD-fueled hyperfocus kicks in, I’ll plan every detail like it’s my job. Honestly, it’s a pretty effective combination. I don’t stress the details… until it’s time to. (And trust me, there is some of that too, in between the rides and pastries)

In the meantime, I’m hoping these travel stories—maybe part guide, part rambling—encourage someone else to just go for it. Whether it’s across the pond or down the road, there’s something epic about seeing a place from the saddle and meeting new people and sampling new treats while doing it.

Wherever it leads you, it’s worth the ride.