New cycling holidays for 2007

New cycling holidays in New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Laos and Slovenia have been launched for 2007 and 2008 by adventure holiday specialist Exodus.

For travellers who want the convenience of a package cycling holiday but do not have big budgets, the new Slovenia holiday has challenging mountain bike trails through scenery including the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps from £724.

Other activities available on the trip include rafting, paragliding and underground biking in the tunnels of disused mines.

For those with bigger budgets, Exodus is offering a chance to experience the rugged grandeur of New Zealand's south island with a 19-day trip that also includes whale watching, kayaking and glacier walking from £2,699.

For adventurers keen to see one of south-east Asia's least developed countries first-hand, a truly different travel experience can be had with a 19-day cycling adventure through Laos, which starts from £1,689.

Exodus are also offering an intense Central American cycling trip, spending 15-days going through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama through quiet roads close to the Pan American highway, passing colonial cities, active volcanoes and banana plantations along the way. Prices start from £1,860.

Mike James, cycling holidays programme manager, said: "If you’re concerned that your fitness level isn’t quite up to that of Lance Armstrong, don’t worry, Exodus caters for all, with a wealth of trips graded from A for ‘easy’ through to D for ‘demanding’.

"On the majority of our trips, support vehicles accompany riders, carrying tools and spares, refreshments, your luggage – and if you feel like it, yourself. So you really can enjoy the outdoors at your own pace."

Exodus also offers another 30 destinations for two-wheeled adventures, including Vietnam, a demanding Tour de France-inspired holiday and the beaches and rainforests of Thailand.

Holidaymakers booking an Exodus cycling holiday for 2007 will also receive a ten per cent discount voucher for Evans Cycles.

For more information see www.exodus.co.uk

Other tour operators offering similar cycling breaks include Red Spokes www.redspokes.com, Unique Trails www.uniquetrails.com, Explore www.exploreworldwide.com and Inn Travel www.inntravel.co.uk XXX