WORLD ON WHEELS A RETURN TO OLD-SCHOOL CYCLING 46 NetJets
CYCLING IS HAVING a moment. The humble bike has transcended sports and fitness to become a status symbol among a certain crowd who proudly rock spandex like designer jeans and invest in advanced bicycles pricier than a Ferrari. Bike sales in 1970 rose so fast that Time magazine claimed it was the “bicycle’s biggest wave of popularity in the sport’s 154-year history”. We’re now seeing a bigger explosion still, and one that extends beyond road riding. Sales of mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrid bikes are off the charts, thanks in part to the pandemic bike boom, but also fuelled by a new wave of high-tech apps, gear, opinionated celebrity athletes and tricked-out cycling shops that double as exclusive clubhouses. As more people prioritise health and fitness as well as time spent outdoors, they’re swapping their annual beach vacation or cruise for cycling holidays. Specialty bike tour operators are seeing people flock to classic cycling spots such as the French Alps and are also seeing growing interest in emerging destinations like the remote Noto Peninsula in Japan. Hotels are taking note. The latest bragworthy amenities aren’t Egyptian cotton sheets or complimentary BMWs. Hotels are catering to cycling fans with fleets of pro-worthy bicycles from cult brands like Ventum, gyms stocked with Pelotons and in-room post-bike recovery modalities like Theraguns. Here, we look at all the aspects of cycling, provide inspiration for amazing trip ideas and training tips as well as interviewing those who are moving the needle in the right direction in the industry. KLEMENS KOENIG NetJets 47
