There’s no pleasure in returning home from a great city and saying to yourself 'what if', or 'if I only had tried' to do that. So when the opportunity came along to try out an Electric Bike, I knew we just had to do it. What I didn't realise was quite how much pleasure and fun it would be. There was no need for any lengthy lessons or special equipment, oh no, you just come as you are, meet the gang that you will be spinning around with and let everything take care of itself.

Our guide was an amazingly informed and really pleasant chap who was patient and humorous from start to finish. What more could you ask for? There are quite a few different kinds of tours that Electric Bike can take care of and all of them offer something which is truly unique. For example, one is aimed at sports fanatics and takes you all around the famous, sporting venues of Prague. Others are aimed at families or couples on a romantic getaway. My friend and I already knew that Prague is famous for its hills and were well aware that we would never scale the side of these hills on our own! However, we were enthusiastic and excited to cycle up one of the hills instead- a bold challenge indeed.  So, how do these electric bikes actually work I hear you ask? Quite simply, there is a motor which carries you effortlessly up the hillside and there is also the possibility to switch it off and pedal for while (we did in fact pedal now and again and so we didn't feel so lazy).

So off we went on the ViewPoint Ride and what a phenomenal adventure it was! Never mind that it lasted for five, unhurried hours. The views were completely worth it and made the sense of achievement feel even greater. Next, we headed for the leafy and tree-lined paths of beautiful Petrin. It was delightful spinning around here and there are many magnificent vantage points to see Prague in all its splendour. There are remarkable views of the river Vltava and its famous bridges, and how integral to the city they really are.  Another bonus was being so close to Prague Castle, one of the most spectacular edifices of the city.We decided to cycle right up to the walls and gaze at it up close. After this dose if history, it was off to the great and famous plain of Letna where we began a superb ride across the river and the city streets to get to the National Memorial on the Vitkov Hill. A lovely effortless ascent took us to the top. A brilliant statue of General Zizka, perched on an enormous horse is what awaited us when we got finally got there.

 It was time for a well deserved rest (letting a bicycle cycle for you can be exhausting…). We needed to prepare ourselves and gather all our strength for cycling the Nusle Bridge which connects the south town with the city centre. It is simply unbelievable and carries on for the best part of 2 kms. But it was the height of thing that we couldn’t believe! The rooftops of the Nusle District and the cars below looked miniature; the view was unforgettable. Next up was the stunning Vysehrad which was the ancient royal headquarters. Today the grounds are still gorgeous, as are the views from the ramparts of the Vysehrad castle. The walls haven't eroded and are incredibly thick and solid. Time was moving on so we headed toward the city centre and had the delightful Dancing House pointed out to us as well as the world-famous National Theatre, the history of which is just amazing.

Still completely fresh and full of life we glided onto a fabulous oasis of calm, otherwise known as Kampa Island. Right beside us was the timeless attraction called Charles Bridge. There was a real buzz and plenty oftourists, vendors and photographers. Before we knew it, our time was up and with a touch of sadness we retreated to the base and returned our smooth and effortless bikes. What a fantastic idea it all had been!

For more information about Electric Bike Tours around Prague, along with a guide to everything the city has to offer, please visit MyDestination.com/Prague

Ales Mach, My Destination Prague
August 2011