Three of the World’s Most Breathtaking Bicycle Trails

After a distinguished career as a trauma surgeon in the United States Air Force, Dr. Jay Johannigman led the trauma care team in the medical center of a large public university. When not fulfilling his duties as a member of the United States Army Reserves, Jay Johannigman enjoys bike riding on trails all over the world.

Traveling by bike is one of the best ways to experience a country. These cycling routes are considered some of the most beautiful in the world:

- Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. This nearly-3,000-mile trail crosses through sleepy mountain towns and national parks in Canada and the Southwestern United States. An average cyclist would take more than a month to complete the route.

- Iron Curtain Trail. Stretching from Northern Finland to the Bulgarian coast on the Black Sea, this 9,900-kilometer trail recreates the division of Europe after World War II. Cyclists can experience the countrysides and vineyards of a dozen European countries, including the Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania.

- Shimanami Kaido Bikeway. Located in Japan, the trail comprises a series of suspension bridges that link the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. The route crosses the Seto Inland Sea and six islands rich with natural scenery and ancient temples.