Login | December 22, 2025
Might this be your cycling adventure for 2026
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: December 22, 2025
Across the years I’ve mentioned how I get jazzed every November-December - precisely because it’s when I start concocting my adventure “hit list” for the upcoming year.
Now most of this occurs as the weather’s turning bitter and I’m comfortably sequestered in my warm little adventure-themed man-cave overflowing with maps, gazetteers and travel photography.
And I must admit that this initial jolt of excitement is sometimes as fun as the actual trips.
What’s more, that anticipation keeps me motivated to exercise and build up my fitness through those cold and dreary days of winter.
Thus, let me provide you with a similar planning opportunity: Three “Pete tested” cycling adventures for your summer 2026 vacation schedule.
Note that this list is confined to cycling because most everyone owns a bicycle - while few own kayaks, canoes and backpacking/rock-climbing equipment.
OTET (Ohio To Erie Trail)
This amazingly beautiful trail (actually a conglomeration of numerous trails) lies in our own backyard.
Yet I hate to admit that I didn’t do its full 326 miles until October 2024.
But am I ever glad I did, because the full route, Lake Erie in Cleveland to the Ohio River in Cincinnati, is absolutely stunning.
There’s so many sections of trail where you’ll be rewarded with feelings of utter solitude while pedaling through the vast swaths of woodland and the miles of pastural, rolling countryside.
What’s more, this trail doesn’t require an expensive touring bike.
Nope, all you really need is a multi-geared bicycle (hybrid, mountain or commuter).
And there’s plenty of camping and credit card offerings (hotels and B&Bs) along the route.
I did the trek in four days/three nights, but you can certainly break it up to fit a mellower riding schedule.
Visit https://www.ohiotoerietrail.org for more info.
Katy Trail
I’ve completed this amazing trail three times. Located in Missouri, the Katy stretches for 240 miles east to west, from Machens up near the Mississippi River to Clinton near the Kansas border.
In between are 26 trailheads and some absolutely stunning rural countryside.
The most appealing aspect of the Katy is the fact that it traverses several of the most scenic parts of the state, with a large part of the trail hugging the banks of the Missouri River - where there’s numerous placards detailing the many Lewis & Clark expedition camps dating back some two centuries.
I would have to vote the Katy as the best trail to do if you’re a first timer to bike touring.
It’s pretty darned flat, well maintained, has awesome trailhead facilities and has plenty of towns nicely spaced along its length.
And just like the OTET, it has a large support infrastructure that can provide drop-offs and pick-ups at all the trailheads. Visit https://katytrailmo.com/ for more info.
Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula Loop
My final offering is one of the most scenic pieces of tarmac I’ve ever ridden. It begins in Mont-Joli, northeast of Quebec City, and loops for 500 miles on Rt. 132 all the way around the Gaspe peninsula.
The route borders the St. Gulf of Lawrence to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chaleur Bay and New Brunswick to the south.
Along this world-class loop are jagged coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, tiny fishing villages, four national parks and endless photo opportunities.
Now this is a seven-ten day trip where you can camp, as I did, or do the hotel/B&B thing.
Do let me warn you though: This is a serious ride - definitely not for beginners - with monster hills, long days in the saddle and hair-raising descents, so make sure you have a properly geared bike along with plenty of cycling skills and fitness!
Visit https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/discover-our-regions/gaspesie for more info.
Well, I hope I’ve motivated you to get cracking with your adventure planning!