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A man cycling along a beautiful coastal road.

Dream now, travel later

It’s rapidly becoming an overworked phrase but undoubtedly 2020 has been a strange year. For many reasons a lot of us have missed out on our summer holiday, whether that is through travel bans, financial worries or cancellations. But, the time will come when we can travel again, and when that moment arrives we will be ready for it with our pre-planned bucket list of cycling holidays!

 

Cheap and easy

Tenerife

Many of the most popular destinations for winter-sun are perfectly set-up for cycling; think Mallorca, the southern beaches of Spain and the Canary Islands. What makes for an easy package holiday also works for cyclists; get out in the morning for some sunny miles, fill up at the all-you-can-eat hotel buffet then relax by the pool or on the beach.

Tenerife is the perfect place to experience this as it is both a cycling mecca – even Team Ineos go there for their warm weather training – and it is well set up for tourists travelling from the UK. Mount Teide, the extinct volcano in the very centre of the island allows you to pedal from sea-level to over 2,300m in one continuous climb, whilst the coastal roads and lower slopes provide more varied terrain.  For a quick, cheap cycling fix there are plenty of budget packages on offer from discount airlines

 

Exotic and far flung

Costa Rica

Home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the world Costa Rica is a fabulous holiday destination and also offers some fantastic cycling. The central mountains of Costa Rica split the country in half and with one coastline meeting the gentle Caribbean and the other the wild Pacific you are guaranteed an ever-changing vista as you pedal your way around the peninsula.

To explore both sides of the continental divide, a place to place holiday, with an organised cycle tour guide will allow you to experience everything Costa Rica has to offer. The cycling is as varied as the scenery with some challenging days in the mountains and some total chill-out rides along palm lined beaches. Follow the Caribbean coastline before crossing to the Pacific via the active volcanoes, hot springs and cloud forest near the centre for a cycle ride that you won’t forget in a hurry.

 

Close to home

Scotland

You don’t have to travel far, or leave the UK, to experience wide open spaces and dramatic landscapes. Cycling in Scotland is a wonderful experience with its rugged coastlines, quiet roads and breathtaking mountains it is a great place to explore by bike. The North Coast 500 has been designed to guide you around the northern edges of The Highlands using the most scenic roads.

It takes you to the most challenging mountain climbs, including the legendary Bealach na ba, the pass of the cattle at Applecross, but rewards you with some unforgettably stunning views. It is perfect for cycle touring with loads of bike friendly accommodation along the way. Starting in Inverness it is easily accessible by train making it a great no-fly option for UK tourists.

 

Mountain challenge

Raid Pyrenean

When cyclists think of mountains their thoughts often turn first to the classic cols of the French Alps; Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier and Le Telegraphe are all both feared and revered but the Pyreneés can offer just as much, if not more to the col-hungry cyclist.

The Raid Pyrenean is an official challenge covering 720km from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, over all the famous cols of the Pyrenees, in 100 hours, from start to finish. You will climb around 12,000 metres, over 18 different cols in a little more than four days so it requires serious fitness and determination. Those successful receive a medal and certificate from the Cyclo Club Bearnais who oversee the challenge. Whilst you can do this unsupported – if you are brave and incredibly strong – you can also travel with a cycling holiday company, who will look after you every pedal stroke of the way.

 

Family fun

Danube Cyclepath

Cycling with your young family is a wonderful way to make memories but for it to be fun for everyone the route needs to be safe, easy and offer enough variety to keep the youngest pedalers amused.

The Danube Cycle path starts at the river’s source in Germany and accompanies it down to the Black Sea, 1,800 miles away. On its way, the Danube crosses half of Europe but the path is most developed for tourism in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Whichever section you pick you will find the cafes, hotels, museums and visitor centres are right on the route and ready to welcome you in. You will also meet many other cyclists travelling the route and because the route is so safe many families use it which can add to the entertainment and feeling of camaraderie. If you don’t feel confident booking and planning your own trip there are several cycling holiday companies who can support you along the journey.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.