Ukraine
Of all the places I’ve traveled, the Carpathian’s of Ukraine is my favorite. Mountain and road biking is unlike any other. The Carpathian’s are remote, the forests are pristine, the culture is uncorrupted by modernization; it’s so different than any other place. I ride new trails and roads, enjoy the beauty of the mountains, and the way and life of this old culture. As I learn more, I discover interesting villages, old estates and churches that serve as relics to the past. Scroll down to see everything or use the quick links to view specific sections.
Photo Gallery
These are photos of places where I've ridden.
Places to Stay
There are a wide variety of lodging options to suit any traveler. In Kyiv, finding the Fairmont or Hyatt is easy enough, but once leaving the city, the best lodging is much more difficult. We have a travel agent and friend whose clients include dignitaries, embassies, corporate executives that can assist in making arrangements, reservations, and flights inside Ukraine. Besides serving an impressive clientele, she will make time for us.
When I go cycling for an extended period, I like to rent a detached house or chalet with 3 or 4 bedrooms and two baths. I can cycle with my friends and the family can sleep-in, explore the area, and do what they want.
Things to Do
Places we recommend
Kyiv
Every time I come to Ukraine I like to spend a minimum of two days in Kyiv. It’s a good place to adjust to the time change and stretch the legs after the flight. If this is your first time, three days will allow you to see the best sites and eat at world-class restaurants. Kyiv is also quite cosmopolitan with women’s fashion boutiques, department stores and malls, and my favorite – farmers’ markets.
Kyiv has an unlimited number of sites to see and things to do. I always enjoy biking through the city avoiding the typical traffic and parking issues that come with cars. What I can see in a few hours, takes a full day on a regular tour. The Gallery provides a good idea of what this fantastic city has to offer.
As I alluded to above, the cuisine is world-class, organic, fresh, and locally grown. Ukraine has been known as the bread-basket of Europe, and is also the largest exporter of organic food to them. Visiting one of the many local markets will leave you hungry.
Lviv
Lviv is a UNESCO World Heritage designated city in the west of Ukraine and a hours drive from Poland. It’s historic churches, buildings and relics date from the 13th century – early 20th century (Polish and Austro-Hungarian rule); There are works by artists of the Vienna Secession, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. For understanding the cultural, intellectual and architectural heritages of this city, we need to know that Lviv (meaning Lion) is named after “Leo”, the eldest son of King Daniel of Ruthenia. It had been the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia (also called the Kingdom of Ruthenia) from 1272 to 1349.
The surrounding area offers countless biking excursions to some amazing churches, villages, monasteries, and estates in the surrounding countryside that are a must-do.
Learn a little about Lviv: https://ukraine.ua/cities-places/lviv/
A longer walking tour can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDWAobR8U0c
From Kyiv, you can travel to Lviv by plane, train, or bus. Or, you can skip Kyiv and fly directly to Lviv. Let us know your preference.
Carpathians
Bukovel is a ski-resort town in the Carpathians, and centralized to great cycling, offering plenty of gravel, MTB, and road cycling options. There are an abundance of other activities such as bobsledding, rafting, zip-lining, chair-lift riding, hiking, ATVing, mushroom hunting, site-seeing, or a 4-wheeling excursion to a Hutsul mountain village. Hutsul’s are the local mountain people whose culture and history is rich in tradition. They are also the primary source of the food offered in the area restaurants. You won’t be disappointed, except for how cheap it is.
Here’s a short video: https://youtu.be/dFMcmnF_kTI and a fun MTB video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dx20P-SYD0 and a funny video with a famous Ukranian actress is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMqt1uwvao0&t=250s
There is nothing like crossing paths with men and women using a scythe to cut hay, cows with bells led along a road to graze, a horse-drawn wagon pulling a load, a herd of sheep grazing on the hill, or locals hunting wild and abundant mushrooms.
Getting Around
We have a travel bus and van available to move you from one city to another, from one cycling drop-off and pick-up to another. The drive time from Kyiv to Lviv is about 8 hours, but air travel is an hour. From Lviv to Bukovel is another 4 hour drive. We can fly you by plane or helicopter to our destinations, or you may decide to rent a car and drive yourself. We’ve done it all.
Great Food
Italian-Tai-Eastern-Indian-Mediteranean-Georgian-French-Ukrainian Fusion, it’s all here. In a country that has suffered as much as Ukrainians’ have, the people demand a little extravagance, and it is food, drink, and dining.
Budget
Ukraine offers the best total value of all European and East European countries. It’s typically 35% cheaper to fly to Ukraine than Paris, Barcelona, and Florence. Hotels, condominiums, apartments and chalets are also discounted 50% and more. Food is also discounted 50% and more. When I shopped at an established market in Kyiv, I was paying $3.00 for a fresh whole duck.