Until now, planning a long-distance cycle route could take hours of trawling through Google, hopelessly trying to match accommodation providers to your cycle map. Even then, you didn’t know whether they’d have space for your bike, or even welcome you in when arriving soaked through.
Now, thanks to Beds for Cyclists new accommodation route browser, cyclists can simply visit Bedsforcyclists.co.uk, click on the route they want to cycle, and then directly contact any of the cycle-friendly hosts.
More importantly, cyclists in need of a bit of ride inspiration can easily browse routes and find out if it’s suitable for them.
Each route page tells them the distance, difficulty level, route surface and start and finish points, as well as comprehensive accommodation listings. The site only lists cycle-friendly accommodation providers so you know your bike will have a good night too.
John Grimshaw, Sustrans founder and long distance cycle-route pioneer says, “I’ve been involved, for many years, in the creation of many fantastic long-distance cycle routes but this is the first comprehensive resource I’ve seen for cycle-friendly accommodation along them. It’s not only a really useful resource for the riders, but it’s a great tool for demonstrating the potential cycle routes have to support local businesses, a key factor to developing new routes.”
There are currently 28 long-distance routes featured and new trails will be added as they open. Catering for a range of cyclists there is a wide variety of routes to suit.
From the famous and challenging Sea to Sea (C2C) and Way of the Roses routes, to the gentle Norfolk Coast Cycleway or Thames Valley route, beginners and enthusiasts can find a ride to suit them.
Even the two Tour de France’s Yorkshire Grand Depart stages are detailed, for those wanting to follow in the tracks of the world’s elite cyclists.
Sam Howard, founder of Beds for Cyclists says, “This new platform will make it easy for cyclists to find accommodation on any major long-distance route in the UK. Our aim is to have a wide variety of cycle-friendly accommodation for every budget, along every major route in the UK. With more and more accommodation providers seeing the potential of the cycling trade and joining the site, this vision is becoming a reality.”
The cycling season is fast approaching so check out the many brilliant routes on Beds for Cyclists new browser and see which one looks right for you.
