Relaxed self‑guided weekend getaway
Book a short, self-guided cycling holiday somewhere not too far — a route with cosy towns, decent cafés, and gentle roads letting them ride at their own pace. For example, Europe Bike Tours runs “culture‑biking” excursions around the Czech Republic and Central Europe, combining gentle cycling with local food, charming villages, and easy‑going distance.
Perfect for riders who want escape, not suffering. Bonus: you can customise it as a gift voucher.
Full “bike & boat / multi‑day cycling holiday” in Europe
For those craving a longer escape: companies like Eurobike offer multi‑day cycling holidays across Europe — river paths, coastal rides, or wine‑region tours — sometimes with hotel stays, luggage transport, and flexible pacing.
Think: sun on your back, a bike under you, no heavy luggage — just you, the road, and maybe a local craft beer at the end of the day.
“Gravel + wilderness + adventure” package for the wild‑hearted
For the friend whose idea of fun involves dirt roads, occasional wrong turns, and zero phone signal — a wilderness‑style or off‑road cycling adventure is a stellar gift. Many operators now combine gravel riding with support, lodging, and guided routes — perfect for folks who want to explore beyond asphalt.
Check out the Gravel Bike Holidays network or explore custom tours on Komoot Collections.
Charity or sportive entry in their name
Get them an entry to a well‑known sportive, charity ride or overnight brevet. It’s a ticket to suffering, memories, and bragging rights. Some organised events sell gift‑style entries — like L’Étape du Tour.
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It’s the gift of “I believe in you — go prove it on wet corner #7.”
“Bike tour + local culture” package
Maybe cycling isn’t just about watts for them. Maybe it’s about wine regions, local food, charming towns. A “bike-and-culture” package — ride by day, explore by night — can be a great gift. Eurobike and similar operators often provide such combined tour types.
“Get lost together” group ride voucher
Organise a small group‑ride weekend or sign them up (and yourself) for a group bike tour. Shared saddle‑sore misery builds stronger friendships than any pair of deep‑cleat shoes ever will.
You can even find curated options via Ride25 or create a DIY version with a Komoot Premium account to plan your own custom route.
Complete cycling holiday with logistics handled
For maximum convenience: book something where hotels, lint‑free towels, route guides, and luggage transfer are included. Makes it easier for them to just show up, ride, eat, sleep — repeat.
Tours by companies like Exodus Travels are examples of global‑scale cycling holidays that handle the details.
Adventure that pushes them — but safely
If your cyclist friend thrives on challenge: look for trips with climbs, varied terrain or mixed surfaces.
A great example is Tuscany Trail — a self-supported gravel ride through scenic hell.
A voucher — because the best adventure is the one they choose themselves
If you’re unsure what kind of adventure they want — give a voucher.
Many tour companies, including Eurobike and Exodus Travels, sell flexible gift vouchers or open‑ended bookings. Let them decide when and where, free from your assumptions (and their holiday schedule)!
Ready to give the gift of future suffering (lovingly)?
So this year, skip the bar tape and gift‑wrap existential joy instead.
Give them something they’ll remember — like getting sunburned in April, crying on a vineyard climb, or shouting “IS THIS EVEN A ROAD?” halfway through a gravel detour.
Because nothing says I care about you like surprise elevation gain and a questionable saddle.
Happy holidays, and may your gift result in at least one dramatic WhatsApp voice note from a mountain pass.
