World Bicycle Day: Best Mountain Bike Trails & Bike Trails

By Suz Pathmanathan

If you are an avid bike lover, World Bicycle Day is the perfect day to get out and find the best mountain bike trails in London, New York and Paris. And the benefits of getting out on the trails are vast. Not only does it allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather around you, cycling encourages:

  • A cognitive boost - Researchers at Illinois University found a 15% improvement in mental testing from a a 5% increase in fitness from cycling. What's more, it boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which activates and regenerates receptors. This explains how exercise helps ward off Alzheimer’s.
  • Stress and anxiety reduction - Exercising boosts serotonin. This neurotransmitter helps prevent depression and anxiety. While the vigorous demands of mountain biking stimulate natural endorphins - a feel-good chemical.
  • A better physique - We all know that defined leg muscles and tighter glutes are a benefit of cycling. But mountain biking also strengthens your abs and core through the effort it takes to stay upright. Climbing and manoeuvring also strengthens your arms. As biking is also a low impact sport it puts less stress on your joints than other popular aerobic exercises activities such as running.
  • Sleep - cycling decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. Doing it outdoors, instead of in a gym exposes you to daylight, which helps to maintain the body’s natural circadian cycle. Just make sure you avoid riding too late. As cycling promotes the release of endorphins, you may be over-stimulated if you ride in the evening.

But where should you go if you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? There are thousands of mountain bike trails and bike trails throughout the world. And if you live in a major city like London, New York, or Paris, head out of the city to experience the beauty of one of these top tier bike trails. Each of these trails provides something unique and exciting for all skill levels.

Trail blazers - bike trails

Sunrise Ride at Grand Army Plaza - US

Yes, you can take this ride at any time of the day, but it truly becomes something spectacular if you head out to take in the sunrise. It begins in Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn) right at the northern tip of Prospect Park, passing Fort Tilden. Take this to Bedford Avenue and ride through some of the most beautiful, and often under-experienced neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. Along the way, you'll pass Brooklyn College and arrive at Sheepshead Bay. Time it right and you'll be able to see the morning boats departing the dock. Riding over Jamaican Bay in the morning is stunning and allows you to lean into the cooling breeze. This ride is longer at 27 miles, but it's not hilly, which makes for a comfortable ride. Plus, it isn't as busy as some of the other trails and parks throughout New York, which gifts you a sunrise to enjoy, virtually undisturbed.

Ocean Parkway - US

Ocean Parkway makes the list of top bike tours in New York City because it was the first actual bike path in the entire United States. Created in 1894, it is seven miles long and travels down Ocean Parkway, beginning (again) at Prospect Park and heading out to Coney Island Beach. This path is away from pedestrians and a shorter route. Plus, it ends at Coney Island, so make sure to stop off for a hot dog or a ride.

Tamsin Trail - US

Fancy an easy trail in London? The Tamsin Trail is perfect as it is 12km and an easier trail that has plenty of built-in stops. There are also a lot of ice cream shops, so if you want to go on a leisurely bike ride in the summer heat, this is the place to be. The Tamsin Trail is London's largest royal park, so you'll be riding through a stunning spectacle of nature, so enjoy the fawn (yes, you may spot a deer or two) and flora. If this path is too easy, hop off and take the National Cycle Route 4's hill climb. This will really work your legs, and is one of the most recognised bike paths in all of London.

Westminster Bridge to Box Hill - UK

This is a longer path of 42km. It's also more of a challenge, so only tackle this bike path if you've been riding road bikes for a while now. In fact, the "Zig Zag Road" portion of the path was part of the 2012 Olympic road cycling route. However, if you do take this longer trail it is well worth it for the views. The trail heads out of London along Richmond Park. You can take the hill, but with this path there's no need to. You'll hit plenty of hills during the path and it's best to not expend your energy at the beginning, as beyond Richmond Park you'll pass Hampton Court Palace and ride into Surrey. When you hit Box Hill you'll climb 120 meters over about the next 2 kilometres. Stop at the base of Box Hill and grab some refreshments at National Trust Cafe - a nice little spot to relax before you set off home.

Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes - France

There are plenty of fantastic bicycle paths in and around Paris, so you'll have your pick. However, one of the best is Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes. You'll start off at Canal Saint-Martin and head past Bastille as you take a left just after Opera Bastille. You'll take this until you hit Viaduc de Arts. You will need to carry your bike up the Promenade Plantee stairs, which gives you a fantastic view from the overpass. You'll then take your bike and finish at Bois de Vincennes. Thankfully, there will be plenty of chocolate shops along the way if you're feeling like rewarding yourself for this bike ride.

Rough riders - mountain bike trails

Lippman Park - US

A proud community asset to the Town of Wawarsing with a name that means "where the stream bends". Lippman Park is a well-maintained mountain bike trail for intermediate to advanced riders, with a singletrack of 14 miles and 301 ft elevation. This beautiful area features a park that plays host to both open and woodland areas, so be sure to stop off to relax once you're done. And look out for the brewery near the park's entrance.

Jura Mountains - France

The Jura Mountains, with its cool green pine forests, secret landscapes and immutable topography. It's the perfect place to get your adrenaline and your Zen, all in one go. The well-marked and maintained routes feature challenging and varied terrain to suit all levels. Find flatter terrain further south if you're a fledgling rider. Follow the trail out of the trees, to the Grande Traversée du Jura to enjoy stunning meadow-scapes, or if technical difficulty is your thing, the northern section skirts the Doubs gorge.

Epping Forest - UK

Just outside of London, Epping Forest is known for its varied and, let's be honest, muddy, mountain bike trails. The route is 95 per cent off-road and 90 per cent singletrack. The highest point is located at Pole Hill, at 91 metres. But be wary: navigation can be difficult due to the trail being largely unmapped. But you’ll never be far from a road or a landmark. The trail is never more than 4km wide and 19km long. Epping Forest is near several car parks located at the edge of the woods. Look out for the free weekend parking on the residential streets. These are just some of the few bike tours to consider for World Bicycle Day if you live in London, New York or Paris. Don't fancy leaving the city? No problem. Celebrate World Bicycle Day by taking a London bike tour! That and a number of other top London attractions are free with The London Pass.

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Our Favourite Things to do in London This Spring

Say goodbye to Winter and get ready for a plethora of fun-filled things to do in London this Spring! With the weather warming up and days getting longer, say hello to the sunshine and embrace the abundance of things to do in London this spring. Check out our top tips for activities to enjoy during your visit to the capital! Springtime blooms Spring signals the start of stunning floral displays: explore one of the many parks and gardens, such as St James’ Park or Kensington Gardens, and see the best Mother Nature has to offer. Alternatively, get your camera ready to snap a few of the striking springtime blooms at Kew Gardens. The annual Orchid Festival is on from now until 5 March, offering a colourful celebration of India’s magnificent plant life. Or visit the famous, and extremely popular, Chelsea Flower Show (23-27 May). Tickets sell out quickly and can be bought online. Image via London Coffee Festival facebook Food and drink London plays host to many world cuisines, and food and drink festivals are a perfect opportunity to sample some of these tasty treats: The London Coffee Festival brings together over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, featuring demonstrations, entertainment and the chance to watch top baristas compete to be crowned Coffee Master (6-9 March). London Beer Week celebrates Londoners’ love of beer, lager, ale and cider. Join in the festivities at bars and pop-up locations across the city (13-19 March). Sample delights from around the world at the family-friendly Surrey Food Festival with over 100 food and drink stalls offering treats for you to browse, try and buy (22 April, Old Deer Park, Richmond). Fun and games With so many things to do in London this spring, there are activities to suit everyone. If you’re not taking part yourself, why not become a spectator at some of the world’s most famous races? The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race has taken place in London since 1836. The course is four miles long and stretches along the River Thames from Putney to Mortlake. Grab a space along the river bank and cheer on the teams (2 April). Join in four days of festivities as the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta brings over 30 ships to the River Thames as they prepare for a 7,000 nautical mile race to Canada. The shops will be anchored at two sites, in the Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich and Greenwich town centre (13-16 April). If you're planning to head to Greenwich, why not leave a an extra hour or two to explore the Royal Observatory and straddle the world-famous Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west, at the home of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)! The London Marathon sees over 40,000 runners race around the capital. Secure your space on the sidelines and cheer them on along the 26-mile course (23 April). All the world’s a stage The Shakespeare’s Globe summer season runs from April to October with Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing and more. Experience these classic plays as they would have been performed in the time of the Bard (from 22 April). The Royal Festival Hall also hosts a variety of festivals, exhibitions and music concerts. Visit their website to see what’s on and enjoy some music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, appreciate special art installations or discover new poetry. Image via Affordable Art Fair facebook Art and photography From contemporary painting to sculpture, prints and photography, there’s something for everyone at the Affordable Art Fair, where you can pick up an exquisite souvenir of your trip (9-12 March, Battersea Park). Called the “UK’s photography event of the year” by the Guardian newspaper, Photo London is a world-class photography fair showcasing talent from London’s dynamic photography community (18-21 May). Magnificent museums Special exhibitions are regular features at the British Museum and this spring’s programme will not disappoint. The American Dream exhibition starts on 9 March and explores sixty years of printmaking, including works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Kara Walker, Julie Mehretu and more. From 25 May, ‘Beyond the Great Wave’ leads you on an artistic journey of several decades of work from one of Japan’s greatest artists, Katsushika Hokusai. Ensure you don't miss out with our guide to the best exhibitions in London this year. If you’re a fan of museum ‘lates’, combining evening visits with a cocktail or two, you’ll love the Museums at Nights festival. Museums, galleries and heritage sites across the city open their doors after hours to showcase their treasures in unusual ways (17-20 May). With an unending supply of things to do in London in spring, there’s literally something to suit everyone. Wishing you a great trip!
Vanessa Teo
Hampton Court Palace.
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Windsor Castle Vs Hampton Court Palace

With just a shade under 2,000 years of royal history between them, it’s little wonder that Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are among the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, with millions of visitors flocking to these palatial piles every year. But how do these titans of British tourism measure up? Which is the world’s largest occupied castle? Which has the most reported hauntings? And which is home to the oldest (and largest) grapevine on the planet? We got up close and personal with these regal residences to find out. Windsor Castle Vs Hampton Court Palace: A Brief History Built in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest and pushing 1,200 years old, Windsor Castle is the older sibling by some margin. It’s remained a favorite royal residence since its 11th-century iteration as a motte-and-bailey fortress under William the Conqueror. Extensive expansion under (primarily) Henry III and Edward III in the 13th and 14th centuries formed the blueprint for the palace today, with Charles II’s post-Reformation renovations lending much of the baroque splendor for which the castle is best known. A favorite weekend retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II for much of her long life, Windsor remains the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle to this day, with great swathes of its extensive grounds, state rooms and historic buildings open to the public. Quirky Windsor Castle fact: it takes around 16 hours to turn all of the castle’s 450-or-so clocks backwards and forwards for daylight saving. Hampton Court Palace is most closely associated with Henry VIII, who in turn is associated with epic medieval banqueting, obesity, gout and, of course, a guillotine-heavy approach to marital separation. In spite of an, um, somewhat bloody history, today the palace looks every bit the fairytale castle, all ornamental brick chimneys and crenelated Tudor towers. It wasn’t always this peaceful though. In fact, back in Henry’s day, it was anything but. Built by Henry specifically for the purpose of all-day feasting (with masons often forced to work through the night by candlelight to complete it), the Great Hall was the scene of many a bacchanalian food orgy. The palace was also where Henry’s third wife Jane Seymour died following childbirth and where Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, was confined prior to her beheading on charges of adultery. The palace was significantly remodeled by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th Century, under the House of Stuart. These alterations erased much of the original Tudor look and replaced it with the fine Palace of Versailles-inspired architecture that still defines this epic edifice to this day. Quirky Hampton Court Palace fact: there have been multiple reported sightings of Catherine Howard’s screaming ghost running along the palace’s aptly-named Haunted Corridor. What to see and do at Windsor Castle You’ll need at least a half day to fully immerse yourself in Windsor Castle’s many riches. Here are some of our favorite must-sees... The Round Tower Originally built by Henry II way back in 1170, the castle keep has been remodeled countless times down the centuries. It’s arguably best viewed from the outside, but you can also take guided tours up the interior staircase to enjoy sweeping views across the Thames Valley to the London skyline. The State Apartments Marvel at the gratuitous gilded opulence of these hallowed halls and ogle the ostentatious displays of unimaginable wealth within! Chief among the riches to be found in the regal State Apartments are masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein and Brueghel, as well as an extraordinary triple portrait of Charles I by Anthony Van Dyck that would make even the most narcissistic selfie-taker blush. St George’s Chapel The final resting place of some 11 kings and queens (including the late Elizabeth II), this grand medieval Gothic confection is one of Windsor Castle’s most photogenic buildings. No wonder that many royals – like Harry and Meghan – have chosen to tie the knot here. Queen Mary's Dolls' House Experience life in miniature inside what might just be the planet’s most famous (and largest) doll’s house. Built for Queen Mary in the first half of the 1920s, it contains tiny pieces fit for a queen from some of the top artists of the day: we’re talking miniature books, paintings, flower vases, wine bottles, vehicles and just about every other Georgian household item you can imagine. There’s even running water, electricity, working elevators and an intricate landscaped garden designed by celebrated horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll. Afternoon entry to Windsor Castle is included with the London Pass®. What to see and do at Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace differs from Windsor Castle primarily through imaginative use of its grounds, partly due to Henry VIII’s penchant for outdoor sporting pursuits (and wine). Here are some of the highlights, both inside and out... Hampton Court Gardens Some 60 acres of gardens comprise a deer park and a recreation of William III’s Privy Garden as well as some of the estate’s most popular attractions. We’re talking the Great Vine, only the world’s oldest grapevine. At over 250 years old, it's now over six feet thick and still produces a small amount of fruit to this day. Then there’s the palace maze: half a mile of paths hemmed in by towering yew tree hedges way too tall to see over, where courtiers have been getting lost since 1690. Good luck in there! The Great Hall Don’t miss England's most impressive medieval hall, which once rang to the sound of raucous all-day feasts and money-can’t-buy entertainment, even hosting William Shakespeare and his company in 1603. From here, peer into the Haunted Gallery where you might just encounter the screaming ghost of one Catherine Howard. Tudor Kitchens Discover how the below-stairs staff lived in these cavernous kitchens that once catered for up to 600 greedy aristos not once but TWICE daily during the Great Hall’s banqueting heyday. The Astronomical Clock Made for Henry VIII in 1540, this 15-foot-high mechanical marvel in the suitably named Clock Court is not to be missed. Not only does it tell the time, you can also check what month it is, which sign of the zodiac we’re currently in and how many days have passed since the last new moon. Handy. The Chapel Royal Within this extraordinary example of baroque architecture, beneath its fine Tudor timber ceiling, is where, in 1540, Archbishop Canmer presented Henry VIII with the letter accusing Catherine Howard of marital indiscretions. And the rest, as they say, is history. Entry to Hampton Court Palace is included with The London Pass®. Fast facts: Windsor Castle Tickets Entry tickets are available direct via the official website. Alternatively, The London Pass® includes entry to Windsor Castle as well as many more London attractions, including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and London Zoo. Opening Hours Open 1 March-31 October daily from 10AM to 4PM (closes 5.15PM), and1 November-28 February from 10AM to 3PM (closes 4.15PM). Getting There Trains from London serve nearby Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside stations. The Green Line 702 coach service has regular daily departures from near Victoria Station in central London. Fast facts: Hampton Court Palace Tickets Entry tickets are available direct via the official website. Alternatively, The London Pass® includes entry to Hampton Court Palace as well as many more London attractions, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Opening Hours Open from 10AM to 5.30PM most days (last entry 4.30PM), with some seasonal variation. Check the official website for the latest opening dates. Getting There Train services run from London Waterloo Station every 30 minutes, calling at Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Maldon, Berrylands, Surbiton, Thames Ditton and Hampton Court. Bus services also operate from Richmond and Kingston.
Stuart Bak
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Plan Your Trip - What to Pack for London

You’ve booked your flights and hotel, your itinerary has been planned and now the only thing that remains is figuring out what to pack for London. Here’s what you’ll need in the English capital! Sorting out what to pack for London should be a fun way to start preparing for your trip. Wherever you’re coming from and however long you’re staying in this great city, there are a few essentials you really shouldn’t forget. Use this handy guide and get your packing right! Umbrella Everything you’ve heard about London rain is true and there’s no way of predicting when the next shower will strike. Avoid the rush to Tesco when the rain clouds start gathering and bring your own portable brolly, one you can slip into your day pack while you’re taking on the town. It’s not a question of if it’ll rain in London. It’s an inevitability. Portable Charger There are so many amazing things to see in the city and don’t let a dead phone battery be the reason you can’t take the perfect shot. Invest in a portable charger and bring your relevant cables along, especially if you’re planning on being out the whole day. Image via Pinterest Easy to Carry Suitcases One thing that takes a lot of tourists by surprise is the fact that the London Underground has very few escalators. This means that if you’ve brought an incredibly heavy suitcase, you’re going to have to lug it up and down flights of stairs to get to your destination. Save yourself the stress and try to travel light. A Thick Sweater or Coat If you’re travelling to London in the colder months, you’re definitely going to need to wrap up warm. In the winter, the temperature frequently drops to below ten degrees and the wind can be biting cold when you’re walking around the city. Layers of clothing are also key. It might be chilly out on the street, but go down the escalator and step onto a Tube and you’ll be roasting in seconds. A quick-on, quick-off jacket with enough wiggle room for an extra jumper underneath should help keep you comfy above and below ground. Good Walking Shoes A lot of attractions are pretty close to each other in London, so sometimes it’s just easier to journey around on foot. For example, The Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge are all just minutes away from each other. A day spent pounding the pavement can wreck havoc on your feet however, so it’s best to leave the heels for another occasion. Capturing memories Ok, this is an obvious one and should really be right at the top of your list. But we don’t just mean the camera on your phone. It might be fine for a selfie with a Beefeater, but London deserves better than that. The panorama from the top of The Shard, Tower Bridge at night, the Houses of Parliament... To really do justice to these iconic views you need a proper camera with good lenses and flash, a tripod if you can squeeze one in, and lots of memory. If you want to learn more about the art form, the Photographs Gallery at the V&A has a brilliant collection chronicling the history from 1839 to the present day. Alternatively, the Michael Hoppen gallery in Chelsea nurtures and promotes new artists alongside exhibitions of past masters of the form. Travel Adapters The U.K. has a three pin 220 voltage system, so if you’re coming with electronics from the States or anywhere else, it’s worth investing in a travel adapter. Nowadays, there are multiple models that support various voltages which is a great choice for the constant jetsetter. Image via Pinterest Pack light London has some of the world’s best shopping, from the designers of Bond Street to the vintage market of Portobello and the hipster boutiques of Shoreditch. If fashion’s your thing, we suggest packing for London with as little as possible so you can shop, shop, shop and take your case home filled with new purchases. Or if your baggage allowance, well, allows, you could bring a whole separate, empty bag. Even if you just fancy browsing a few shops, a canvas shopping bag is still a good idea: a law passed in 2015 means that most large stores now charge a small fee for single-use plastic carrier bags. Reading material There are hundreds of good guide books available to help you get the most out of your trip to London, including your free London Pass guidebook and it’s certainly worth doing a bit of homework before you arrive! But, it’s not all about planning and maps... Why not pack yourself a bit of London-based fiction to read when you get back to your hotel at night? With stacks to choose from, there’s something for every taste: Bleak House (Charles Dickens), Brick Lane (Monica Ali), Mrs Dalloway (Virginia Woolf), Neverwhere (Neil Gaiman) are just a few ideas. Don't forget to check out some of the best literary landmarks around the city!
Megan Hills

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