Pedaling Through the Reels: Cinema’s Most Eccentric Bike Trails
For some, a great cycling route is defined by steep alpine climbs or pristine coastal views. For film enthusiasts, however, the ultimate ride is one that crosses the boundary between reality and the silver screen. Combining a love for the two-wheeled lifestyle with cinematic history creates an entirely unique travel experience. Across the globe, several unconventional cycling paths allow riders to trace the exact tracks of iconic movie characters, explore surreal filming locations, and experience the physical landscapes that inspired legendary directors. The E.T. Redwood Run: California, USA
Few images in cinema history are as universally recognized as a silhouette of a boy and an alien flying across a giant moon on a BMX bike. To channel the magic of Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece, cyclists head to the rugged trails of Northern California. While the fictional suburbs were filmed closer to Los Angeles, the iconic forest scenes where E.T. is discovered were shot among the towering giants of Redwood National and State Parks. The Redwood Highway and adjacent multi-use trails offer a misty, otherworldly atmosphere that feels instantly familiar. Navigating through the massive trunks and filtered green light, riders can easily imagine dodging government agents with a glowing extraterrestrial cargo secured in their front basket. Amélie’s Quirky Parisian Circuit: Paris, France
Paris is famously working to become a fully bike-friendly metropolis, making it easier than ever to replicate the whimsical world of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie. This self-guided urban cycling route winds through the steep, cobblestone streets of Montmartre. Cyclists start at the Cafe des Deux Moulins, the actual bistro where the film’s protagonist worked as a waitress. From there, the path weaves past the vintage carousel at the base of the Sacré-Cœur, down through hidden alleys, and along the scenic Canal Saint-Martin. Cycling this route requires a bit of patience due to pedestrian traffic and uneven stones, but it rewards riders with the exact romantic, accordion-soundtracked ambiance that defined the 2001 classic. The Mad Max Wasteland Ride: Silverton, Australia
For a completely different cinematic energy, adrenaline junkies can swap the romantic streets of Europe for the brutal, sun-baked landscape of the Australian Outback. Silverton, a tiny, remote village in New South Wales, served as the primary filming location for Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. A dedicated gravel or mountain bike is essential for tackling the surrounding desert tracks. The terrain is flat, dusty, and vast, punctuated only by low shrubs and the occasional kangaroo. Riding through this harsh environment offers a visceral understanding of the post-apocalyptic desperation captured on film. Local museums even feature rusted, modified vehicles from the production, providing an excellent pit stop for sweaty cyclists. Star Wars and the Tunisian Desert Loop: Tozeur, Tunisia
Perhaps the ultimate pilgrimage for sci-fi enthusiasts involves cycling through the fictional desert planet of Tatooine. Near the oasis town of Tozeur in western Tunisia, the remains of the Lars Homestead and the alien spaceport of Mos Espa still stand preserved in the Sahara. This route demands wide fat-bike tires to navigate the shifting desert sands and high heat. The surreal experience of pedaling past domed plaster buildings, artificial moisture vaporators, and pod-racing canyons is unmatched. The landscape looks so remarkably like a distant galaxy that riders half-expect a pair of suns to set over the horizon as they finish their daily mileage. The Lord of the Rings Volcano Trek: Ohakune, New Zealand
New Zealand is synonymous with Middle-earth, and the country boasts an extensive network of world-class cycle trails that pass directly through Peter Jackson’s film sets. One of the most dramatic rides is the Old Coach Road near Ohakune on the North Island. This historic cobblestone track skirts the edges of Tongariro National Park, which stood in for the dark, volcanic realm of Mordor. As cyclists pedal across massive wooden railway viaducts and through dense native bush, the jagged, menacing peak of Mount Ngauruhoe—known to moviegoers as Mount Doom—looms constantly in the background. It is a spectacular blend of railway history, native ecology, and high-fantasy lore.
Merging the worlds of cinema and cycling transforms a standard workout into a narrative journey. Whether dodging imaginary alien authorities under giant redwoods, navigating the romantic alleys of Paris, or enduring the heat of a desert sci-fi wasteland, these routes offer a tangible connection to the stories that shape global culture. Packing a camera alongside a puncture repair kit ensures that these real-world cinematic adventures are preserved long after the final mile is logged.
Leave a Reply