Putting Mettle to the Pedal

Many active travelers have taken to bicycle paths both for exercise and to see new destinations from a different perspective. Two operators listed below offer bicycle tours in the U.S. and abroad. All prices quoted are for land only and do not include air transportation to or from the destinations, although both operators can assist in arranging air travel where needed. Transfers from the nearest airports are included in most tours. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include lodging, sightseeing and breakfast and dinner daily.

Holland Bicycling Tours is not limited to Holland but includes bicycle tours of France, Austria, Hungary, Germany and Switzerland. All tours include bicycle rentals, support van for luggage and equipment, tour leader, tips, taxes and entrance fees for places of interest, plus ferry boat fees. Scheduled trips for the fall include:

* Swiss Lakes Tour--July 26 to Aug. 7: $1,950.

* Amsterdam-Maastricht--Aug. 12 to 24: $1,750.

* Southern Germany--Aug. 16 to 28: $1,850.

* Amsterdam-Maastricht--Aug. 12 to 24: $1,750

* Around the Zuyderzee--Aug. 30 to Sept. 7: $1,175.

* One week Loire--Sept. 6 to 14: $1,250.

* Amsterdam-Maastricht--Sept. 20 to 28: $1,175.

For detailed information and itineraries on Holland Bicycling Tours, call (800) 852-3258.

International Bicycle Tours (IBT) offers the following selection of tours. Most are rated easy to moderate:

* Holland--Sept. 18 to 26: $1,390.

* Austria: The Danube River--Aug. 24 to Sept. 6 and Sept. 21 to Oct. 4: $1,780.

* Denmark--Aug. 1 to 14: $1,780.

* France: The Loire Valley--Sept. 9 to 17 and Sept. 16 to 24: $1,490.

* France: Bordeaux--Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 to 27: $1,780.

* Ireland: Connemara--July 28 to Aug. 6 and Aug. 23 to Sept. 3. Price $1520.

* Bermuda--Nov. 2 to 6 and Nov. 6 to 10: $775.

* Chesapeake and Ohio Canal--Oct. 10 to 24 and Oct. 25 to 29: $590.

* Pennsylvania Amish Country: Oct. 16 to 19 and 19 to 22: $450.

For a descriptive brochure with complete itineraries, write to International Bicycle Tours, P.O. Box 754, Essex, CT 06426; tel. (860) 767-7005.