The best traffic-free bike rides around Mars

There are currently 6 no-traffic road cycling routes listed for Mars, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.

The routes vary in length, with the shortest being around 31 km and the longest extending to about 67 km. Durations range from approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to over 3 hours, depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Rochepaule Pass – Freydaparet Pass loop from Devesset is about 42 km and takes around 2 hours 25 minutes.

Currently, all listed no-traffic road cycling routes in Mars are rated as either 'moderate' or 'difficult'. There are no 'easy' routes available, so a good level of fitness and cycling experience is recommended. Routes like the Tence – Tence loop from Le Chambon-sur-Lignon are rated moderate, offering a less strenuous option compared to the difficult routes.

The more advanced routes, such as the Rochepaule Pass – Saint-Agrève Village loop from Saint-Agrève, are rated 'difficult'. These routes typically feature significant elevation gains, with some climbs exceeding 1200 meters, and cover longer distances, demanding strong endurance and technical skill.

Given Mars's extreme environment, traditional 'seasons' as on Earth don't apply. Future cycling expeditions would require advanced life support and specialized gear to contend with thin atmosphere, extreme cold, and high radiation. The lower gravity might make climbing easier but could affect traction. Any 'best time' would depend entirely on technological advancements and habitat development.

Due to the thin atmosphere, extreme cold, and high radiation, extensive protective gear, including pressurized suits and specialized vehicles, would be necessary. Specialized tires, possibly akin to fat bikes, would also be crucial for navigating varied Martian terrain, which includes sandy areas and dunes.

While the routes themselves offer unique Martian vistas, nearby attractions include several notable bridges and viewpoints. You might encounter the Viaduc de Chabranç or the Iron Bridge of Saint-Martin-de-Valamas. There's also a Viewpoint on the Dolce Via, offering scenic perspectives.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled vistas of unique geological formations like Olympus Mons or Valles Marineris, and the sheer challenge of exploring an alien world. The hypothetical nature of these routes also sparks imagination about future adventures.

Yes, all the no-traffic road cycling routes listed for Mars are circular. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics simpler. Examples include the Saint-Julien-d'Intres loop from Rimande and the Rest area loop from Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.

As road cycling on Mars is currently a hypothetical endeavor, dedicated parking facilities or public transport systems are not yet established. Future infrastructure would need to include specialized landing zones or transport hubs to access these routes.

Given the current extreme Martian environment, there are no established cafes, water sources, or traditional rest stops along these routes. Any future cycling expeditions would require self-sufficiency and advanced life support systems to provide necessary provisions and shelter.