A Guide to Peloton's Scenic Rides: Discover the Best Routes
The first time I rode one of the scenic Peloton rides, I will never forget it. I chose to “ride” through Las Vegas. It’s a place that I have never been to but would love to visit one day. You can take a “tour” of Sin City and keep your Peloton streak alive.
You’d be able to tell if you went on one of the old scenic Peloton rides that they were quite enjoyable. For those who are old enough to recall the Disney World ride, I’m referring to a Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
I was physically trying to get my bike out of harm’s way during the 10-minute Las Vegas Strip Scenic Ride in 2020. It was almost traumatizing.
Peloton scenic ride 2020 is not the same as their 2021 debut. They are actually completely different.
This blog post answers the most important question: What are Peloton scenic routes? Next, I will address technical questions about scenic rides, including where they can be found, what scenic rides are available, and if scenic rides can be done on the Peloton App.
What are scenic rides with Peloton?
What are Peloton scenic rides then? These are rides that you take on your Peloton bike and take you “riding” outside, virtually.
You can also take a ride outside instead of riding in the studio with your instructor. This means you can go “outside” and still feel at home.
Do you recall the Peloton Homecoming that took place in May 2021? It was obvious that Peloton would announce something different and more exciting in their workouts. They did, as they announced on May 4th a major upgrade in scenic rides and runs.
There were always scenic rides, but they were limited to a single workout. The scenic ride overhauls introduced three types of workouts: distance, time-based and travelogues. Want to know more? Continue reading!
Where to Access Peloton Scenic Rides?
It was a buzz announcement for scenic ride enthusiasts with a Peloton tread or bike, but it was not the same for digital app users. Now, they are restricted to owners of Peloton equipment.
Peloton stated that the new scenic rides featured features that utilized the Peloton equipment, tablet, and were only suitable for all-access members.
To access the scenic rides of Peloton, you must have a Peloton bicycle. They are however available via the touchscreen.
All the scenic rides from the past were also removed from the Peloton app and equipment, rendering them unaccessible.
You will find scenic rides among other workout options while you are using the touchscreen of the Peloton workouts. You can then choose your favorite option for the day by licking it.
Types of Scenic Rides on Peloton
Peloton offers the following three types of scenic rides:
- Guided rides (travelogues
- Distance-based rides
- Time-based rides
Let’s take a look at what each ride has to offer.
Guided Rides (Travelogues)
Peloton’s success is due to their enthusiastic and talkative instructors. They not only reduce the workout time but also make it possible to achieve your goals.
If instructors’ motivation is your most valued moment in Peloton, consider guided rides. Here, you will get energetic instructors that you must be familiar with Matt Wilpers, Adrian Williams, and Denis Morton.
They make scenic rides more enjoyable by adding the class coaching aspect and pointing out all the beautiful places you pass. They zoom the video to show you all the beauty around you.
The instructors will also give you suggestions for resistance ranges and the best cadence to use during the workouts.
Distance-Based Rides
Distance-based scenic rides take riders through different locations for rides that cover a specific distance, such as ten kilometers. The music is carefully selected to make your ride more enjoyable and less stressful.
The screen zooms in and is adjusted based on resistance and cadence. This gives you an authentic experience of outdoor cycling.
Time-Based Rides
Time-based scenic rides are short. They are therefore more of warm-ups and recovery, and anything similar.
They are shorter and the playlists that are unique for each workout are even better.
Let me tell you what to expect from these Peloton scenic rides.
Guided Peloton cycling scenic rides
Guided scenic rides sound exactly like they are. These scenic rides are led by Peloton instructors. The description actually says “Ride along your favorite Peloton for a guided tour through scenic landscapes or cities.”
You can view and select all guided scenic rides by tapping the “View All” button on the home screen.
What are the number of guided scenic rides available?
Updated for 2022 Three Four guided scenic rides with Peloton instructor.
They are:
- Emma Lovewell in Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It takes about 30 minutes.
- Adrian Williams, Savannah, Georgia. It takes 20 minutes.
- Denis Morton, Big Sur, California. It takes about 30 minutes.
- Matt Wilpers in Oahu, Hawaii. It takes about 30 minutes.
It is not surprising to see Adrian Williams leading a scenic bike ride. He is best known for being a Tread and strength instructor.
Distance Peloton scenic rides
These Peloton scenic rides are for a specific distance and not for a set amount of time. Peloton describes distance rides as “an immersive scenic ride for an established distance with responsive video.”
What does “responsive videos” mean on a scenic ride? Here’s the Peloton explanation:
“In distance classes, you can move at your own pace.”
If you pedal faster, it makes sense that the scenery will move faster. This is the Peloton scenic route that reacts to changing speeds. These rides are not resistant, but I don’t know how.
What are the distances of scenic rides on Peloton?
There are currently seven scenic rides that cover a distance. They can be either 5 km or 10 km long.
You might be wondering where these scenic distance Peloton rides were shot. These seven rides were shot in California, Georgia and Hawaii. It is possible that these were shot while Williams, Wilpers, and Morton were filming their guided rides.
Peloton chose to measure distances in kilometers instead of miles. It doesn’t show both the kilometers and miles distances. You have the option to change how the bike calculates your mileage by changing your settings. For example, kilometers versus miles.
Time-Sensitive Rides on a Peloton Bike
The Time scenic rides look the most like the Peloton scenic rides. They are all in different locations and take you on different rides. No guide. There are no speed changes. Only pedaling.
What number of these Time scenic rides is there currently? 45 have been counted.
They are filmed in many places. This means that there’s at least one ride in each of the five continents.
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- Oceania
- South America
Below is a complete listing of all the Peloton scenic rides locations: distance, guided and location. Unfortunately, not many scenic rides by Peloton through major cities like London, Paris, and Rome are available at the moment.
Peloton offers rides to all these continents. However, there are some areas where you wouldn’t expect to find a ride. Possibly, yet.
On-Demand scenic rides
All of these scenic rides can be booked on-demand. These scenic rides are not available in live classes. It would be fascinating if this were possible, don’t ya think?
Peloton’s scenic rides were originally all virtual rides that appeared to have been filmed using a drone. Or, a camera mounted on a helmet of someone riding a bicycle. It was impossible to tell.
Peloton changed the entire concept of scenic rides in 2021. They first removed all drone-like rides like the one on the Las Vegas Strip in 2020. They flew in a group of instructors from around the globe to film guided rides. Finally, they loaded the new scenic rides onto their Peloton hardware. They are no longer available for old Peloton scenic rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the scenic rides available on the app?
Peloton scenic rides will no longer be possible starting in 2021 with this overhaul. This was an option previously.
According the support page on the Peloton Website, “The Scenic Experience” is only available to people who have Peloton hardware and are paying for an all-access membership.
If you are wondering if scenic rides can be done on the Peloton App, the answer is no. This is a huge disappointment for those who were able to access scenic rides in this manner previously.
Only for those who enjoy scenic rides on bicycles?
Peloton scenic rides can be accessed if you own a Peloton bike, Bike Plus, or both. Peloton scenic runs can also be accessed if you have a Peloton Tread or Tread Plus. App users can’t access them.
A Bike owner can’t do a Scenic Run with an iPad or computer, even though they technically have a piece.
This seems unfair, as a bike owner such as myself pays for an all-access membership. Shouldn’t this membership include all classes on the Peloton platform, including scenic runs?
Are scenic rides from Peloton countable towards my totals?
These scenic rides may not count. You might be wondering if these scenic rides count if you want to reach a riding milestone with your Peloton.
Guess what? They do. Peloton assured users that the deletions of old scenic rides, including the one on Las Vegas strip in 2020, would not impact their ride count.
It’s as simple as this: When Peloton purges old rides (why, Peloton? Why must you purge old rides ). It doesn’t subtract them form your ride totals. Even if they aren’t in the Peloton database, all of those old rides still count.
What is the best way to find scenic rides on Peloton?
How do you access scenic rides on the Peloton? These are the steps to access Peloton scenic rides by bike.
First, get on your bike. Look at the tablet’s bottom for the figure on a bicycle. Tap that icon.
Three: The next screen will present you with two options: Just Ride or Scenic Ride. Select “Scenic Ride.”
Can you stop a scenic ride?
Just wrote an article on the Peloton Pause button.I found conflicting information about whether you can pause scenic rides. They are not something I do often so I have not tried it. Let me know if this has been done for you.
Are you ready for more scenic rides?
Why am I saying yet? I was able to see social media stories by Selena Samuela in Iceland and Ben Alldis in Iceland. I believe they were filming scenic runs (Selena), and scenic rides in Iceland (Ben).
A lot of teachers were also “vacationing” in Greece, as seen on social media. Jess King and Adrian Williams were among them. Or were they on a vacation with friends, or were all of them in Greece to film scenic classes.
I hope that these scenic classes will expand to other countries. I would love to ride in Ireland. You would expect a scenic ride to Amsterdam, given Amsterdam’s bike-centric nature. Unfortunately, it isn’t. There is however, one ride available in The Netherlands. It runs through Veluwe National Park, Holland.
These rides are missing Antarctica and Africa. Peloton should add them. Ok, Antarctica might not be feasible, but Africa should be.
Is there a virtual ride on Peloton?
This question about virtual rides on Peloton can be answered in two ways. The first is that virtual rides exist. It’s almost like riding outside. The scenice rides are another option.
Two. If you mean virtual, or a ride on your own, without any instructor or scenery, then the “Just Ride” option will be a good choice. Here’s how to “Just Ride”.
- Get on your Peloton bike
- Tap on your profile to the tablet
- Look at the bottom of the screen for the stick figure riding the bike and the words “More”.
- Tap the icon
- You’re now on the home screen to view virtual rides and the “Just Ride” feature
- To start your free ride, tap “Just Ride”.
What does Just Ride mode do?
Simply Ride sounds exactly like it does. You just pedal. When you pedal, Just Ride starts. It will ask you to stop pedaling if you wish to.
Just Ride is what I use when I need to do work and get in my miles. I will put my Spintray on my handlebars and set up my laptop to start Just Ride.
If you are wondering if “Just Ride” counts on Peloton, the answer is “Yes.” This means that if you’re trying to reach your next milestone on the bike, and you choose to do a “Just Ride”, it will count towards that total number.
National Parks and scenic rides on the Peloton
It seems that these outdoor Peloton rides have quite a few National Parks. This makes sense, as our national parks system can be a treasure.
Perhaps a scenic ride through Zion National Park, Utah or Joshua Tree National Park, California inspired you to take it on your own. Below is a list of hotels near each of the U.S.-based parks featured in these scenic rides. This way, if you decide to book a trip you will have a head start in booking a hotel.
Do you offer scenic rides and runs with Peloton?
Yes, scenic runs are also available. You can also do guided scenic runs with Peloton Tread trainers, just like the scenic rides. You can only access scenic runs with the PelotonTread hardware.
These scenic runs can’t be done by simply watching the Peloton app or on your treadmill via a Pivoted or Swivel Peloton screen. You must have the Tread.
It’s a sad thing, because Peloton recently launched a 2-for-1 hike with Emma Lovewell and Bec Gentry. The film was made as a guided hike up Mount Hood in Oregon.
So I think I will need to find a Peloton Tread friend so that I can go on these scenic runs and hikes. Once I have that, I will write another post about Peloton scenice walks, hikes, and runs.
Overall Review of Peloton Scenic Rides
You can take a scenic ride while you are using your Peloton bike. These scenic rides allow you to explore natural scenes like the Hawaiian countryside, various cities, and parks.
It is great because the location changes for each class. It gives you the incentive to return to see what next you will be touring.
Peloton tablets can also adjust to your speed and resistance during rides. This allows outdoor riding to feel real.
All Peloton scenic rides are arranged by length
Below is a list of Peloton scenic rides that you can take. The length of the Peloton scenic rides is broken down.
You’ll also find Peloton city rides included if you are looking. It’s no surprise that New York City is listed as Manhattan.
10-minute rides
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Utah, Antelope Island State Park
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Eifel National Park, Germany
- Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Manhattan, New York City, New York USA
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Palawan, Coron, Philippines
- Pan-Philippine Hwy, Philip, Philippines
- Seville, Spain
- Singapore
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Veluwe National Park in Holland, The Netherlands
Rides lasting 15 minutes
- Utah, USA: Antelope Island State Park
- Avenue of the Giants in California, USA
- Crete, Greece
- Great Falls, Montana
- Murcia, Spain
- Red Canyon, Utah, USA
- Santa Monica, California USA
- Utah, USA: Snow Canyon State Park
- St. Louis, Missouri USA
- Vicentine Coast, Algarve, Portugal
- Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA
- Utah, USA: Zion National Park
Rides lasting 20 minutes
- Adelaide, South Australia. Australia
- Andorra
- Avignon, France
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto, Italy
- Lewis&Clark National Forest in Montana, USA
- Marina Green Park, San Francisco (California), USA
- Guided ride in Savannah, Georgia with Adrian Williams, Peloton instructor
- Valencia, Spain
30-minute rides
- Guided ride in Big Sur, California with Denis Morton, Peloton instructor
- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
- Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio, USA
- France, French Pyrenees
- Joshua Tree National Park in California, USA
- France, Medoc
- Guided ride on Oahu (Hawaii) with Matt Wilpers, Peloton instructor
- Serra De Monchique, Algarve, Portugal
45-minute rides
- Andalusia (Spain)
- Cote d’Or Vineyards, Beanie, France
- South Island, New Zealand
60-minute rides
- Grazalema, Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain
- Normandy, France
- Argentina, Patagonia
- Wyndham, Western Australia. Australia
All Peloton scenic rides locations in alphabetical order
This is an alphabetical listing of all scenic rides that are currently available.
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Adelaide, South Australia. Australia
- Distance ride of 10 km from Aguiree Spring in New Mexico
- Andalusia (Spain)
- Andorra
- Utah, Antelope Island State Park
- Avenue of the Giants in California
- Avignon, France
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Big Sur, California, Distance Ride, 10 Km
- Guided ride in Big Sur, California with Denis Morton, Peloton instructor
- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto, Italy
- Cote d’Or Vineyards, Beanie, France
- Crete, Greece
- Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio
- Eifel National Park, Germany
- France, French Pyrenees
- Georgia distance ride, 10 km
- Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois
- Grazalema, Cadiz, Andalusia,Spain
- Great Falls, Montana
- Joshua Tree National Park in California
- Montana, Lewis&Clark National Forest
- Manhattan NYC, New York
- France, Medoc
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monterey Peninsula, California. Distance ride, 5km
- Murcia, Spain
- Normandy, France
- Guided ride on Oahu (Hawaii) with Matt Wilpers, Peloton instructor
- Pan-Philippine Hwy, Philip, Philippines
- Palawan, Coron, Philippines
- Argentina, Patagonia
- Distance ride of 5 km from Pupukea Forest in Oahu, Hawaii
- Distance ride of 10 km to Pupukea forest, Oahu (Hawaii),
- Red Canyon, Utah
- San Francisco, Marina Green Park (California)
- Santa Monica, California
- Savannah, Georgia Distance Ride, 5km
- Guided ride in Savannah, Georgia with Adrian Williams, Peloton instructor
- Serra De Monchique, Algarve, Portugal
- Seville, Spain
- Singapore
- Utah, Snow Canyon State Park
- South Island, New Zealand
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Valencia, Spain
- Veluwe National Park in Holland, The Netherlands
- Vicentine Coast, Algarve, Portugal
- Wyndham, Western Australia. Australia
- Yellowstone, Wyoming
- Utah Zion National Park
Final thoughts
One thing I can say about the new Peloton scenic rides, especially the guided ones is that the production values are higher. It’s great to ride with your favorite instructors, as they’re actually (or _were_really!) riding the same route. This is a new perspective that I find very helpful.
The Distance scenic rides can give you an idea of the distance you could cover outside. It’s as real as riding a bike inside that doesn’t go anywhere. It’s an exciting and new option for scenic rides.
The Time rides do cover a lot of ground worldwide but there are some glaring omissions. There are only two rides from South America and no one from Africa. Peloton should fill these gaps in the future with scenic rides from these underrepresented areas.
Peloton scenic rides bring a fresh perspective to Peloton rides. They are great for indoor sweating and don’t mind changing the scenery. This is the best option for you if you have the bike plus or the Peloton bike. You can enroll for scenic runs with a tread or tread+. These are just like the scenic rides.
Put on your studio fan, let’s enjoy the outdoors breeze, and let’s get out there and start to make a difference in today’s Peloton paradise.