Top 20 'Passport-on-the-Pedals' Virtual Cycling Trails to Explore from Your Pain Cave at Home
Let's be honest, staring at the same four walls of your garage or spare room—affectionately known as the "pain cave"—can get a little stale. The hum of the smart trainer becomes a monotonous soundtrack to your suffering, and the motivation to saddle up can wane, especially when the weather outside is grim or life is just too busy. But what if I told you that your indoor trainer is more than just a fitness tool? What if it's a portal?
Welcome to the world of virtual cycling, where your smart trainer becomes a passport to the planet's most iconic, beautiful, and challenging cycling routes. With platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, and FulGaz, you can trade your garage view for the lavender fields of Provence, the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii, or the legendary switchbacks of the Italian Alps. You're not just spinning in place; you're on a global adventure, collecting passport stamps with every pedal stroke.
This isn't just about escaping boredom. It’s about targeted, engaging training. You can recce a real-world sportive course, test your legs on a Tour de France climb, or simply enjoy a scenic spin along a coastal highway on the other side of the world. So, clip in, fire up your screen, and get ready to fill your virtual passport. Here are 20 of the absolute best "Passport-on-the-Pedals" trails to explore from the comfort of your pain cave.
The Ultimate Virtual Cycling Bucket List
1. Alpe du Zwift, Watopia (Zwift)
The undisputed king of virtual climbs. Alpe du Zwift is a near-exact replica of the legendary Alpe d'Huez and its 21 hairpin bends. This is a rite of passage for every Zwifter, a formidable test of physical and mental fortitude that takes you from a lush jungle base to a snow-capped summit.
Each of the 21 turns is numbered, giving you small, manageable goals to tick off as you ascend. The gradient is unforgiving but consistent, allowing you to settle into a rhythm and grind it out. The real carrot at the end of the stick? Reaching the summit and spinning the prize wheel, where you might just win the coveted Lightweight Meilenstein wheels for your virtual garage.
- Pro Tip: Pacing is everything. Don't get carried away on the flatter lead-in. Break the climb down mentally from turn to turn, and remember to fuel and hydrate just as you would on a real-world epic.
2. Mont Ventoux, France (Rouvy/FulGaz/Zwift)
The "Giant of Provence" is a beast unlike any other. Its iconic, barren, moon-like summit is instantly recognizable. Riding Ventoux virtually is a pilgrimage, a journey through lush forests at the base before the trees disappear, leaving you exposed to the (thankfully virtual) wind and the relentless gradient.
Platforms like Rouvy and FulGaz use real-world footage, giving you an incredibly immersive experience of the road surface and the stark, beautiful landscape. Zwift's version, "Ven-Top," is a stunning recreation within their French world. Whichever you choose, conquering this mountain, even virtually, is a massive badge of honor.
- Pro Tip: This climb is long and changes character. Settle in for the forested section, but be mentally prepared for the final 6km from Chalet Reynard to the summit, where the gradient bites and there's nowhere to hide.
3. Passo dello Stelvio, Italy (Rouvy)
If you dream of dancing up mountainsides, Stelvio is your grand ballroom. Famous for its wall of 48 switchbacks carved into the northern face, this Italian monster is one of the most visually stunning climbs in the world. On Rouvy, the augmented reality brings the road to life as you see other riders—both real and virtual—tackling the hairpins alongside you.
The sheer number of turns makes the climb mentally engaging. You're constantly steering (metaphorically, of course), shifting your weight, and anticipating the next ramp. The views looking back down the valley you've just climbed are your reward and a powerful motivator to push on to the 2,757m summit.
- Pro Tip: Use the switchbacks to your advantage. Each turn offers a brief moment of flatter gradient where you can catch a quick breath or grab a drink before the road ramps up again.
4. Sa Calobra, Mallorca (FulGaz)
An engineering marvel and a cyclist's dream, Sa Calobra is a ribbon of tarmac that winds its way down to a tiny port on the coast of Mallorca. Of course, what goes down must come up! The virtual ride captures the breathtaking beauty of the Tramuntana mountains and the famous 270-degree "tie-knot" bend.
This isn't the longest or steepest climb on the list, but it's arguably one of the most beautiful. FulGaz’s high-definition video makes you feel like you're really there, with the sun on your back and the sheer rock faces towering above you. It’s a perfect route for a day when you want a solid challenge paired with five-star scenery.
- Pro Tip: The gradient is inconsistent, so be ready to shift gears often. It's a "rhythm-breaker" of a climb, demanding constant focus.
5. Old La Honda Road, California, USA (FulGaz)
A Silicon Valley classic. This is the benchmark climb for Bay Area cyclists, including many tech titans and professional racers who call the area home. It's a short, punchy, and beautifully wooded climb that serves as the perfect test for a 20-30 minute all-out effort.
The road is narrow and winding, shaded by a dense canopy of redwood trees. FulGaz's video captures the dappled light and the intimate feel of this local legend. It's an ideal route for when you're short on time but want to pack a serious punch into your workout.
- Pro Tip: This is a power climb. Try to stay seated and maintain a steady, high-wattage output. Because it's relatively short, you can afford to push yourself a little deeper into the red.
6. Kona Ironman World Championship Course, Hawaii, USA (Rouvy)
Ever wondered what it's like to ride the most iconic triathlon course in the world? Now you can. Tackle the infamous Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, with its black lava fields stretching to the horizon and the deep blue Pacific on your side. Rouvy’s course lets you experience the long, straight, undulating roads and the notorious crosswinds.
While your smart trainer can't replicate the searing heat or the "ho’omumuku" crosswinds, the relentless, rolling terrain is a challenge in itself. It's a course that demands raw power and mental toughness. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the athletes who conquer this beast every October.
- Pro Tip: This course has very few sharp turns, so it's all about finding an aerodynamic position and holding a consistent power output. Use the long, gradual climbs to test your muscular endurance.
7. Shimanami Kaido, Japan (FulGaz)
If you're looking for a scenic escape, this is it. The Shimanami Kaido is a spectacular 70km cycling route that connects Japan's main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, crossing six smaller islands and numerous magnificent bridges.
This is not a gut-busting climb but a glorious, rolling coastal ride. FulGaz's crisp video footage makes you feel the sea breeze as you pedal across vast suspension bridges and past quaint fishing villages. It's the perfect route for a long, steady endurance ride or a recovery spin where the view is the main event.
- Pro Tip: Just enjoy the ride! This route is less about hitting power targets and more about soaking in the incredible scenery. It’s a fantastic way to de-stress and reignite your love for cycling.
8. The Dolomites - Sella Ronda, Italy (Rouvy)
Why climb one mountain when you can ride a loop around an entire massif? The Sella Ronda is one of the most famous cycling loops in the world, circumnavigating the Sella massif in the Dolomites over four breathtaking passes: Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo.
The scenery is almost comically beautiful, with jagged limestone peaks dominating the skyline. Rouvy lets you experience this bucket-list ride, tackling the series of challenging but manageable climbs and enjoying the thrilling descents. I was recently discussing dream rides with Goh Ling Yong, and we both agreed that the Sella Ronda is near the top of any cyclist's list, real or virtual.
- Pro Tip: Treat this as four separate efforts. Focus on one pass at a time, use the descents to recover, and make sure you have enough in the tank for that final push over the Campolongo.
9. Yorkshire UCI Worlds Course, UK (Zwift)
Home of the unforgettable 2019 UCI World Championships. This course, centered around the town of Harrogate, is a technical, punchy, and relentless circuit that rewards tactical nous and explosive power. If you love the Spring Classics, you'll love this ride.
Zwift's "Yorkshire" world perfectly captures the feel of the course, with its narrow, twisting roads, short but brutally steep kickers, and a fast, flat run-in to the finish line. It’s a fantastic course for virtual racing or for a high-intensity interval session.
- Pro Tip: Power-ups can make or break your race on this circuit. Save an Aero Boost for the final sprint or a Feather for the short, steep climbs to gain an advantage.
10. London's Prudential RideLondon Course (Zwift)
Ride through the closed streets of central London, past iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, before heading out to the Surrey Hills to tackle the famous Box Hill. This route on Zwift mirrors the popular RideLondon sportive, one of the world's largest cycling events.
It’s a fantastic all-around course, with long flat sections perfect for group rides and a challenging mid-ride climb to test your legs. Riding through a traffic-free virtual London is a unique thrill, making it a popular choice for social rides and events on the platform.
- Pro Tip: The Leith Hill and Box Hill climbs are the main challenges. Pace yourself on the flat sections leading out of London so you have plenty of energy for the hills.
11. Cape Town Cycle Tour, South Africa (Rouvy)
Experience the energy and beauty of the world's largest timed cycling event. The virtual route on Rouvy takes you along the stunning Cape Peninsula, featuring the breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive, which is carved into the cliffside, and the tough Suikerbossie climb near the end.
The combination of coastal views, rolling hills, and challenging climbs makes this an incredibly rewarding and engaging ride. You can almost feel the festive atmosphere of the real event as you pedal through one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
- Pro Tip: Suikerbossie is the make-or-break climb. It comes late in the ride when you're already fatigued, so save a little something in the tank to conquer it.
12. Strade Bianche, Italy (Rouvy)
Fancy a taste of Tuscany's famous white gravel roads? The Strade Bianche has quickly become a beloved pro race, and Rouvy lets you experience its unique challenge. The route takes you over rolling Tuscan hills, through vineyards, and onto the iconic "white roads."
While your trainer can't replicate the loose gravel, it will simulate the steep, punchy gradients of the "sterrati" sectors. The scenery is magnificent, and the challenge is completely different from a smooth alpine climb. A seasoned athlete like Goh Ling Yong would tell you that varying your training with challenges like this is key to becoming a more versatile cyclist.
- Pro Tip: The climbs are short but very steep. Attack them with high power, then recover on the descents and flatter sections. It's a classic sawtooth power profile.
13. Col du Tourmalet, France (FulGaz/Rouvy)
No list of cycling destinations is complete without this giant of the Pyrenees. The Col du Tourmalet is one of the most frequently featured climbs in the Tour de France, a relentless grind to over 2,100 meters. Its history is steeped in cycling lore.
Riding it virtually, you get a sense of its scale and difficulty. The gradient is steady and punishing, and the landscape becomes more rugged and sparse as you get higher. This is a pure climber's route, a test of endurance and pacing.
- Pro Tip: This is a long, steady-state effort. Find a wattage you can hold, get into a comfortable rhythm, and focus on your breathing and pedaling technique. Don't be a hero in the first 5km.
14. Innsbruck UCI Worlds Course, Austria (Zwift)
A tale of two parts. This course from the 2018 UCI Worlds features a mostly flat city lap followed by a brutal climb nicknamed "Höll" (Hell). This 7.9km ascent features sections with gradients well over 20%, making it a true monster.
On Zwift, you can ride the shorter "Innsbruckring" loop for a fast, flat race, or you can take on the full "UCI Worlds Short Lap" which includes the punishing climb. Conquering the climb, even once, is a serious accomplishment.
- Pro Tip: On the main climb, gearing is crucial. Even on a smart trainer, you'll want to be in your easiest gear for the steepest ramps. Pacing is key to avoid blowing up before the summit.
15. The Great Ocean Road, Australia (FulGaz)
For a truly zen-like experience, it's hard to beat Australia's Great Ocean Road. This iconic coastal drive offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, famous surf breaks, and the dramatic Twelve Apostles rock formations.
The route on FulGaz is not about climbing but about enjoying a rolling, scenic journey. The high-quality video is so immersive you can almost smell the salt in the air. It's the perfect choice for a longer, Zone 2 endurance ride where you can get lost in the rhythm and the view.
- Pro Tip: Put on some good music or a podcast, settle into a comfortable pace, and just soak it all in. This is your virtual vacation day on the bike.
16. Volcano Climb, Watopia (Zwift)
A Zwift community favorite. The Volcano Climb is an accessible, moderately challenging climb that loops up, around, and through the Watopia volcano. It's long enough to be a solid workout but not so long that it feels like a monumental undertaking.
The glowing lava and futuristic glass tunnels make it a visually stimulating ride. It's a constant and steady gradient, making it perfect for FTP tests or for structured interval training where you need a consistent climb.
- Pro Tip: The descent is fast and winding. It’s a great opportunity to practice your virtual super-tuck and recover before heading out for another lap of Watopia.
17. Epic KOM / Radio Tower, Watopia (Zwift)
Before Alpe du Zwift, the Epic KOM was the original big mountain challenge. This climb takes you up to the highest point in Watopia, and for those who want an extra challenge, you can continue up a punishingly steep dirt track to the Radio Tower.
The main Epic KOM is a winding road with a fairly steady gradient, while the Radio Tower spur is a wall. Hitting the 15-17% gradients on the virtual dirt is a brutal test of strength. Reaching the top provides the best panoramic view in all of Watopia.
- Pro Tip: If you're going for the Radio Tower, make sure you shift into your smallest gear before you hit the dirt. The gradient ramps up instantly and you don't want to be caught out.
18. Temple KOM, Makuri Islands (Zwift)
Zwift's Japanese-inspired Makuri Islands are stunning, and the Temple KOM is the centerpiece climb. This short but beautiful ascent takes you through a mystical bamboo forest and past ancient temples to a serene finish among the cherry blossoms.
Don't let the beauty fool you; it's a proper workout. The climb is perfect for repeated efforts or as a challenging feature in a longer ride around the islands. It’s a great example of how virtual worlds can create unique and inspiring places to ride.
- Pro Tip: The climb gets steeper near the top. Save a little energy for the final push through the temple gates to secure your best time.
19. Bealach na Bà, Scotland (FulGaz)
A taste of the rugged and wild Scottish Highlands. Bealach na Bà, or "Pass of the Cattle," is a legendary single-track road in the Applecross peninsula. It boasts the steepest ascent of any road climb in the UK, featuring punishing gradients and a series of dramatic hairpins.
This ride is all about raw, untamed beauty. The FulGaz footage captures the moody skies and epic landscape of this remote corner of the world. It’s a short but incredibly tough climb that will test the legs of even the strongest riders.
- Pro Tip: This climb is all about grit. The final hairpins are brutally steep. Stay seated to maintain traction (even virtual traction!) and focus on grinding out one pedal stroke at a time.
20. Crit City, Watopia (Zwift)
Let's end with something completely different. Crit City is a dedicated, 1.9km-long criterium racing circuit in Zwift. It’s not a scenic tour; it's a virtual battleground for fast, furious, and tactical racing.
With short, punchy climbs and tight corners, positioning and timing are everything. Races here are short—typically 15-25 minutes—but they are among the most intense workouts you can do on a trainer. It's the perfect place to test your sprint and sharpen your race craft.
- Pro Tip: Stay in the draft! Being in the slipstream saves a huge amount of energy. Use the small hill to attack or move up, and time your final sprint perfectly for the finish line.
Your Adventure Awaits
Your pain cave doesn't have to be a cave at all. It can be a launchpad to the entire world. These 20 routes are just the beginning of your 'Passport-on-the-Pedals' journey. Every ride is an opportunity to explore a new road, challenge yourself on a legendary mountain, and fall in love with cycling all over again.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a destination, fire up your trainer, and start your adventure.
What's your favorite virtual route? Did we miss any of your go-to climbs or scenic spins? Share your top picks in the comments below and let's build the ultimate virtual cycling passport together!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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