DRYSURE

With the changing time of year, brings an opportunity to experience some of Europe’s best cycling routes in the off season.

Quieter roads, cooler temperatures and transitions of colour, make autumn our favourite time of year to get out on the bike and ride.

Here are our top three pics for autumnal cycling destinations:

Route des Grandes Alpes  - France

Route des Grandes Alpes is a stunning 684km long route through the French Alps, starting at Lake Geneva and finishing in Menton, on the French Riviera in southeast France.  

Popular in the summer months, the route takes in a number of famous climbs that feature in the Tour de France, such as Col du Galibier – standing at 2,645m above sea level.

There’s no doubt the long climbs can be hard work, but the long descents more than make up for it – and makes the well-earned dip in the sea in Menton all the more enjoyable at the end!

Weather conditions are likely to be more variable in autumn but with breath-taking scenery and an abundance changing foliage along the route, it’s a fantastic time of year to explore the heartlands of France away from the summer hoards.

North Coast 500 – Scotland

Deemed the “ultimate road trip”, the NC500 is an ever increasingly popular cycle route, with peak season being May/June/July. Whilst the weather is likely to be kinder earlier in the year - when it gets to autumn - the one thing you don’t have to worry about is Scottish midges!

The route itself is just over 500 miles (insert Proclaimers pun here) and takes in a wealth of historical castles and landmarks, as well as an abundance of wildlife – from deer to dolphins.

Cycling through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-Shire the route starts and finishes at Inverness Castle.

On average, most cyclists will do 65 miles per day over eight days, but this can be shortened or extended depending on your levels of fitness. It’s recommended to allow for the odd bad weather day.

With wild camping legal in Scotland, it also allows the option to sleep under the stars each night – although there are plenty of hotels and B&B’s along the route for those who would like some home comforts in the evening!

Pyrenees Coast to Coast – France/Spain

This route travels from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea, conquering over twenty-five of the most famous passes in the world of cycling.

Starting in Biarritz, France and finishing in Argeles-sur-Mer, Spain the journey takes around eight days to complete – with short, medium and long route options, depending on how much you enjoy climbing.

One of the highlights is cycling through the vineyards of the Languedoc-Rousillon region – not just because of their beauty in the autumn and the opportunity to make a pit stop for a glass of wine - but because passing through the area marks the start of a long decent to the coast – and the finish line!

Drysure has you covered

It’s quite likely that you’ll be caught in a shower or downpour during the autumn months. When cycling multiple days with one pair of shoes, it doesn’t take much for cleats to get wet.

We know there’s nothing worse than putting on a pair of wet, damp shoes the next day – and it’s always better to start your ride with fresh feet!

Our Drysure Active shoe dryers are perfect for helping to dry your cycle cleats overnight and ideal for multi day activities.

Even if you don’t get caught in the rain, a long day on the bike is likely to result in sweaty footwear.

Protect your feet by popping in a pair of Active’s overnight and you’ll be ready to take on the next stage of your journey – without having to worry about soggy footwear. 

Check out the Drysure Active range here, in a variety of colour options.