The best traffic-free bike rides around Mars

Mars offers a diverse selection of over 50 no-traffic touring cycling routes. These range from easy, shorter loops to challenging, multi-day expeditions across its unique geological features.

Yes, Mars has several easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Charlieu Benedictine Abbey – Charlieu, medieval town loop from Charlieu offers a gentle 12.5 km ride with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed introduction to Martian cycling. Another accessible option is the Charlieu, medieval town – Briennon marina loop from Charlieu, which is just under 27 km.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Mars presents numerous difficult no-traffic routes. The Chapel of Fatima – Our Lady of Fatima loop from Mars is a demanding 30 km route with significant elevation changes. Longer, more strenuous options like the Briennon marina – Charlieu, medieval town loop from Coublanc, at over 53 km with substantial climbing, are also available.

Many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes on Mars are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the easy Charlieu, medieval town – Briennon marina loop from Charlieu and the more challenging Chapel of Fatima – Our Lady of Fatima loop from Mars.

The terrain on Mars's no-traffic routes is incredibly varied, reflecting its unique geology. You can expect vast plains, gentle slopes of colossal shield volcanoes like Olympus Mons, and the intricate networks of canyons within Valles Marineris. While lower gravity makes for a unique riding sensation, the red dirt and sandy areas may require fat bikes for optimal traction.

Given the extreme temperatures on Mars, which can drop to -200 degrees Fahrenheit at the poles, touring cycling is highly dependent on advanced protective gear and habitat technology. Currently, there isn't a 'best time of year' in the Earthly sense; rather, it depends on the capabilities of future Martian infrastructure and personal equipment to mitigate the harsh environment.

Along the no-traffic touring cycling routes, you can explore a mix of natural wonders and historical sites. Notable attractions include the Charlieu, medieval town, the serene Chapel of Fatima, and the impressive Charlieu Benedictine Abbey. The routes also offer glimpses of the vast Martian landscape, from volcanic plateaus to ancient crater formations.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling on Mars, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 86 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unique, otherworldly landscapes, the sense of pioneering exploration, and the sheer scale of geological features like Olympus Mons and Valles Marineris, which offer unparalleled scenic routes.

Due to the unique Martian environment, specific gear recommendations are critical. Fat bikes with reduced tire pressure are advisable for better traction on the red dirt and sandy areas. More importantly, advanced protective suits, habitat systems, and radiation shielding are essential to withstand the extreme temperatures, thin atmosphere, and high radiation exposure.

Currently, the Martian environment does not support traditional cafes or resupply points in the way Earth does. Any touring cycling expedition would require self-sufficiency in terms of food, water, and oxygen, with resupply points being part of advanced habitat infrastructure rather than commercial establishments.

While the overall Martian environment presents significant challenges, some of the easier, shorter no-traffic routes could be considered family-friendly in a future, technologically advanced context. These routes, like the Charlieu Benedictine Abbey – Charlieu, medieval town loop from Charlieu, offer gentle gradients and manageable distances, making them suitable for a less strenuous experience.