Laos

This two-week cycling tour of Laos is specifically designed for families, and is fully supported so you don't have to carry your kit. There are plenty of rest days, lots of places to swim, plus a day of elephant riding.

• Grasshopper Adventures' (020 8123 8144; grasshopperadventures.com) next tour starts on 5 January and costs from £1,320 for 14 days.

North Sea cycle route

This is the world's longest cycle route, covering 6,000km in a circular route round the North Sea. Thankfully you don't have to tackle the whole thing – instead you can use ferries to access individual sections.

• See northsea-cycle.com.

Costa Rica

In 1561 the Spanish took 20 years to trek across the mountains of Costa Rica. Today, it takes mountain bikers four days to conquer the 389km Ruta de los Conquistadores, an annual race from the Pacific to the Caribbean, which this year starts on 11 November. Any keen mountain biker can enter.

• See larutadelosconquistadores.com.

France

With 11,000m of vertical ascent, eight classic cols and 565km of tarmac, the Chamonix to Nice route is an epic road ride for experienced cyclists.

• GMP10 (07831 189075; gpm10.com) has four-day trips for £895, including guide and a support vehicle to carry your kit.

Scotland

Explore the remote Knoydart peninsula. As well as fabulous views of mountains and sea lochs, you'll get a restorative drink in Scotland's most far-flung pub.

• Mountain Beach (0115 921 5065; mountain-beach.co.uk) runs five-day trips for £699. Next departure is 22 May.

England

If mountain biking through the Lake District isn't challenging enough, how about a weekend of night riding? You'll bike during the day, then decide whether to retire to the pub, or just have a rest, fit your lights, and head out into the hills again.

• £195 for two nights including accommodation with Cycle Active (01768 840400; cycleactive.co.uk).