Where We're Riding - November 2026
Where We're Riding — November 2026
Chasing the Sun
November has a way of reminding us just how big the cycling world really is.
Across much of the Northern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, the mornings a little colder, and the familiar riding season is beginning to wind down. But somewhere else, the trails are green, the sun is shining, and a whole new season is just getting started.
This month, we're following that sunshine in three very different directions.
First, we're heading to Madeira, a Portuguese island rising dramatically from the Atlantic, where ancient forests, steep mountain trails and breathtaking coastal scenery make for an extraordinary mountain-biking adventure.
Then we're off to Tucson, Arizona, where thousands of cyclists gather for El Tour de Tucson, one of America's great annual cycling celebrations, surrounded by the giant saguaros and rugged mountains of the Sonoran Desert.
And for our Adventure Beyond the Ride, we're traveling all the way to Queenstown, New Zealand, where spring is arriving in the Southern Alps. Think lakeside cycling, mountain hikes, historic villages, beautiful vineyards and plenty of reasons to put the bike aside for an afternoon.
Atlantic forests. Desert roads. New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Three very different destinations, one shared passion for discovering the world on two wheels.
Welcome to November.
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EUROPE / REST OF WORLD
Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting — An Island Built for Adventure
Madeira, Portugal | November
From the ancient, mist-covered trees of Fanal to open trails across the island's highlands, Madeira offers an extraordinary variety of mountain-biking landscapes.
Some places look as though they were designed with mountain bikers in mind.
Madeira might be one of them.
Rising dramatically out of the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese island is a maze of steep mountains, ancient forests, twisting trails and coastal views that seem to appear around every corner. And while Madeira has long been popular with hikers and nature lovers, it's also developed a serious reputation among mountain bikers looking for something a little different.
The Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting, taking place November 8–15, brings riders together for a week of exploring the island's remarkable terrain.
Based around Porto Moniz on Madeira's northwestern coast, the gathering is more than a traditional race. Riders travel between different parts of the island, discovering trails that cut through mountain forests, cross exposed ridgelines and descend toward the sea.
One of the highlights is the Fanal area, home to Madeira's extraordinary Laurissilva forest. Here, ancient trees, twisting branches and occasional drifting clouds give the landscape an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
And the riding is every bit as memorable as the scenery.
The week combines organized trail sessions with opportunities to discover Madeira's culture, local food and dramatic coastline. There are workshops, social gatherings and even water-based activities. For riders looking for a competitive finish, the program also includes a round of the Madeira Enduro Series on the final day.
What makes Madeira so appealing is the contrast.
One moment you're riding through dense, misty forest. The next, the landscape opens to reveal mountains dropping toward the Atlantic. It's an island where the weather, scenery and riding conditions can change dramatically over just a few miles.
And unlike a traditional single-day cycling event, the Madeira Meeting gives riders time to discover the island, share trails with new friends and experience the place beyond the finish line.
It's the kind of trip where stopping to take a photograph becomes almost as important as the next descent.
Because in Madeira, there's always another view waiting around the corner.
Event Information & Useful Links
Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting — Official Event Listing
https://eventsmadeira.com/en/
Porto Moniz Mountain Bike Centre — Trails & Riding Information
https://www.portuguesetrails.
Visit Madeira — Official Tourism Website
https://visitmadeira.com/en/
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UNITED STATES
El Tour de Tucson — A Desert Classic
Tucson, Arizona | November 21,
Wide desert roads, mountain
There's something special about riding a bicycle through the desert.
The roads seem to stretch forever. The mountains rise in the distance. And instead of forests and farmland, the scenery is filled with giant saguaro cacti standing like sentinels against the Arizona sky.
Every November, that landscape becomes the backdrop for El Tour de Tucson, one of America's best-known cycling events.
Now a long-established tradition, El Tour brings together riders of different ages and abilities for a day that celebrates both cycling and the community around it.
For 2026, participants can choose from 102-mile, 62-mile and 32-mile routes, along with shorter family-friendly rides. Whether you're looking for a serious endurance challenge or simply a memorable day on two wheels, there's an option that fits.
The longer courses venture into the Sonoran Desert, passing saguaro-lined roads and open mountain vistas before returning to downtown Tucson.
But El Tour has never been just about the mileage.
The event has a strong charitable tradition, with riders supporting causes and organizations that matter to them. That gives the day a welcoming atmosphere, where finishing your first big ride can be every bit as meaningful as setting a personal record.
And Tucson itself is a pretty wonderful place to be on a bicycle in November.
While riders farther north may already be reaching for winter gloves, southern Arizona offers the possibility of sunshine, clear skies and miles of open road.
Add in a lively cycling community, plenty of good food and the chance to spend a few days exploring the surrounding desert, and it's easy to understand why people return year after year.
Come for the ride. Stay for the desert.
Event Information & Useful Links
El Tour de Tucson — Official Website
https://eltourdetucson.org/
Routes, Distances & Event Information
https://eltourdetucson.org/el-
Visit Tucson — Destination Information
https://www.visittucson.org/
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ADVENTURE BEYOND THE RIDE
Queenstown, New Zealand — Where the Adventure Never Ends
Queenstown, New Zealand |
Set between Lake Whakatipu
Some destinations are worth visiting for the cycling alone.
Others make you wonder how you're going to fit everything else into the trip.
Queenstown, New Zealand, is definitely the second kind.
Set along the shores of Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is one of those places where almost every direction offers another reason to get outside.
And November is a particularly appealing time to visit.
While autumn is settling across Europe and North America, spring is arriving in New Zealand. The hills are turning green, the days are growing longer, and the landscape is waking up after winter.
Best of all, Queenstown isn't just for hardcore mountain bikers or adventure athletes.
With scenic lakeside paths, purpose-built cycling trails, historic villages, hiking routes, boat excursions and some excellent food and wine, it's a destination where couples, families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together — even if everyone has a slightly different idea of adventure.
RIDE — Lakes, Mountains & the Queenstown Trail
From lakeside paths to
The wonderful thing about cycling around Queenstown is that you don't have to be an expert to experience extraordinary scenery.
The Queenstown Trail offers more than 150 kilometers of off-road riding, connecting lakeside paths, river valleys, historic towns and vineyard country.
You can head out for an easy morning ride beside Lake Whakatipu, explore the countryside around Frankton, or make a longer day of it by following the trails toward Arrowtown and Gibbston.
One particularly memorable option is the Arrow River Bridges Trail, a scenic route following the river through a landscape shaped by New Zealand's gold-mining history.
For families and casual cyclists, the appeal is simple: beautiful scenery without having to spend the entire day sharing roads with traffic. Choose a manageable section, pack a picnic and enjoy the journey.
More ambitious riders will find plenty to keep them entertained too, from longer gravel routes to the region's famous mountain-bike trails.
And because Queenstown has such a developed outdoor recreation scene, bike rentals, e-bikes and guided rides are easy to arrange.
The hardest part may be deciding which direction to ride first.
HIKE — Into the Southern Alps
Eventually, it's worth trading the bike for a pair of hiking shoes.
Queenstown's mountains provide some of the most spectacular walking scenery in New Zealand, with options ranging from relaxed lakeside strolls to challenging alpine adventures.
For an easy outing, follow the paths along Lake Whakatipu or wander through the Queenstown Gardens, where the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop even when you're barely out of town.
For something more ambitious, the trails above Queenstown climb toward sweeping views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
The Ben Lomond Track is a favorite among experienced hikers, offering a demanding day in the mountains and a panorama that makes the effort worthwhile. In spring, snow and alpine weather can still make higher sections challenging, so it's a route to approach with proper preparation.
But you don't have to climb to a summit to appreciate this landscape.
Sometimes a short walk, a quiet viewpoint and a few minutes watching the clouds move across the mountains are more than enough.
It's a good reminder that adventure doesn't always have to be measured in miles.
SAIL — See Queenstown from the Water
Whether aboard the historic
One of the best ways to appreciate Queenstown's setting is to leave the shore behind.
Lake Whakatipu stretches between towering mountain ranges, its deep blue waters reflecting a landscape that seems almost too dramatic to be real.
For a relaxed afternoon, step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship that has been cruising the lake for more than a century.
It's a wonderfully old-fashioned way to travel, with open decks, mountain views and plenty of opportunities to simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
For those who prefer a little more activity, kayaking and other lake adventures provide a closer connection to the water.
Either way, it's a refreshing change of pace after a morning on the bike.
And on a clear spring day, there's hardly a better place to be.
EXPLORE — Arrowtown, Vineyards & the Good Life
Historic Arrowtown and the
After a few days of riding, hiking and exploring the lake, you'll probably have earned a slower afternoon.
Start with Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved former gold-mining settlement just outside Queenstown.
Its historic main street is lined with small shops, cafés, galleries and restaurants, making it an ideal place to wander without much of a plan.
Find a good coffee, browse the shops and settle in for lunch before heading back out into the countryside.
A little farther along the cycling trail lies Gibbston, one of New Zealand's best-known wine-growing areas.
Here, vineyards sit beneath rugged mountains, and cellar doors offer the opportunity to discover the region's celebrated Central Otago Pinot Noir.
A long lunch overlooking the vines makes a pretty convincing argument for taking the afternoon off.
And that's really the beauty of Queenstown.
You can spend the morning on a bicycle, the afternoon exploring a historic village and the evening enjoying a memorable meal — all without feeling like you've traveled very far.
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that leave room for a little spontaneity.
HOW TO GET THERE — And Bring the Bike
Queenstown Airport is the most convenient gateway to the region, with domestic connections through New Zealand's major cities and international services from Australia.
From the airport, Queenstown is only a short drive away, and a rental car makes it easy to explore Arrowtown, Gibbston and the surrounding lakes and mountains at your own pace.
If you're planning to bring your own bicycle, the Allen Smart Suction® GO offers a portable alternative to traveling with a traditional vehicle-mounted bike rack.
Pack GO with your cycling equipment, pick up your rental car and you can have a bike-carrying solution ready for the adventures ahead — without needing to transport a bulky conventional rack.
Just be sure to confirm the rental company's rack policy and verify vehicle compatibility and proper installation before using any bike carrier.
Of course, Queenstown also has excellent local bike-rental options, so bringing your own bike isn't essential to enjoying the trails.
Whether you're riding familiar equipment or discovering the region on a rental, the important thing is making time to explore.
Because in Queenstown, the ride is only the beginning.
Plan Your Adventure — Useful Links
Queenstown Trails — Routes, Maps & Current Trail Conditions
https://www.queenstowntrails.
Queenstown Tourism — Activities, Accommodation & Trip Planning
https://www.queenstownnz.co.
Arrowtown — Historic Village & Local Attractions
https://www.arrowtown.com/
RealNZ — TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises
https://www.realnz.com/
Allen Sports — Bike Racks & Smart Suction
https://allen.bike/
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ONE MONTH. THREE DIFFERENT WORLDS.
Wrapping Up November — And Looking Ahead to December
November reminded us that the cycling season never really ends. It just moves somewhere else.
We followed the lush mountain trails of Madeira, traded forest scenery for the cactus-lined desert roads of Tucson, and traveled halfway around the world to Queenstown, where spring in New Zealand opens the door to an entirely different kind of adventure.
Three destinations. Three very different experiences. And one thing in common: the freedom to discover somewhere new on two wheels.
Whether you're chasing sunshine, exploring a new trail or simply enjoying a familiar road close to home, there's always another reason to get out and ride.
Keep exploring. Keep riding. And every once in a while, remember to look up.
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Coming in December…
As another year draws to a close, we'll be looking for a few more reasons to keep the adventure going.
With winter settling across much of the Northern Hemisphere and summer arriving south of the equator, December offers a whole new collection of places to explore.
We'll discover another international cycling event worth putting on the calendar, find a U.S. ride to keep the wheels turning, and head somewhere special for our final Adventure Beyond the Ride of 2026.
Think warmer days, new landscapes and maybe a little inspiration for the adventures waiting in 2027.
Because the calendar might be running out of pages, but the cycling world certainly isn't.
See you in December!
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