Where to tour in May? Europe?

[sfa]

When I was touring, I was in Italy during May and it couldn't have been more gorgeous. Sunny weather, beautiful scenery, fun cycling, lots of art and culture and history and food. There's some tough terrain in spots, but I think those spots are easily avoided, especially if you do a self-guided tour through a company.

England was fun, too--very accessible with lots of varied terrain. I was there July through October and lucked out with the weather. Ireland would also be good for cycling, I think. I was just there last month and was wishing I was on a bike. We saw a ton of cycle tourists, too, so you'd probably be in good company.

I was the rare cyclist who was NOT a fan of cycling in the Netherlands. Belgium was very nice, but Holland was a) boring (as far as the cycling goes--flat with headwinds wears me out) and b) sandy. My main memories of Holland (besides cold rain, but I was there in November, so that's not fair to compare with May) involve spending inordinate amounts of time removing grit from my equipment.

Have fun planning! I think that overall you can't go wrong--May is likely to be a good time to cycle pretty much anywhere.

Sarah

[Crankin]

We are planning to go to Spain for a tour in May, also for our anniversary (which is actually in December). We will miss the horrible heat, but it also won't be cold. I am only in the research phase, but I am excited about planning this. However, we will be doing a supported tour, since I want total pampering. Several of the companies I have looked at also do self supported options.
I think you are fairly safe weather wise, with Italy, Spain, or Portugal, maybe Germany or Austria, but England or Ireland might be rainy in May.

[tulip]

France is beautiful in May. I was in Brittany last May and the weather was perfect. I was in southern Brittany--Quimper/Pont Aven area. The northern coast on the English Channel will be cooler.

[crazycanuck]

FBG-although it's expensive to travel to NZ, it's worth it! If you want some GOOD mountain biking, then venture on down! Yes it takes forever but from California, you have it made in terms of flights. Check out the Air NZ or Singapore AIrlines sites.

North Island-The Hunuas, Rotovegas, 42nd traverse

South Island-The Queen Charlotte Track & many many more

[papaver]

I also highly recommend this aria in France:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vosges_Mountains

Especially in May it's really beautiful...