Cycling in Cyprus- recent experience?

menthel

I am off to Cyprus in October (near Paphos) and am wondering if people have experience of cycling in the area? Was thinking of heading up into the foothills of the mountains (or if I feel brave all the way up!) up to Omodos and then back again. Also, what about bike hire? I would probably only have 1 day at most and it wouldn't be worth taking my own bike. I have had a look on this site but all of the threads are at least 2 years old...

menthel

Anyone?

Geo555

I was in Paphos last may, and I'm going again in a couple of weeks. Most bikes available are mountain bikes, there are a couple of places offering road bikes, but may want a 3 day minimum rental or charge for delivery.

http://www.mountainbikecyprus.com/Mount ... ntals.html
http://www.wheeliecyprus.com/racebikehire.html

I rented a mountain bike from these people
http://www.enjoycyprus.com/bikerentalcyprus.htm

olishoosmith

I recently got back from cycling in Peyia just west of Paphos and it was superb however due to the heat most the riding was done in the mornings and evenings. We hired road bikes from mountainbikecyprus.com (really recommend however I think it's a minimum of 3 days, but talk to them they seem flexible) we had no problems with the bikes and were of a good enough quality and condition for comfortable riding with great customer service and advice. We didn't manage to make it out to the Troodos mountains, however had hiller rides up to Kathikas and longer falter rides along the cost, however some of the main roads were busy but there is some much quieter roads just off the main roads. Hope this helps a bit.

menthel

Thanks all, I will have a look at the bike hire- unfortunately I will probably only have one chance, if that!

topcattim

Can't offer you any advice about bike hire, as when I've been, I have flown my bike over. I've ridden a bit in the Paphos area, as I have stayed with work in the military garrison at Episkopi, abou 50k east of Paphos. I would thoroughly recommend a ride up to Omodos - Omodos is a beautiful town, lots of cafes for you to recover in. If you can go on higher, all the way up to Troodos, you won't be sorry - its a great climb.
I suspect you would probably ride up along the road from Kouklia (another beautiful village, lots of very friendly cafes around a village square) through Dora and then Omodos. It is a beautiful road. However, if you have time to make your ride a bit longer, I'd suggest coming back along the back road from Pachna through Anogyra and down to Avdimou. It is one of my favourite roads - sweeping bends, open land.
You'll find the country roads almost deserted (apart from goats!) and the Cypriot drivers much less trouble than UK drivers. Enjoy yourself!

Nesfyl

If you want to mix it up with the locals, we do Sunday rides from Limassol around 70-100km and around 1,500m of elevation. See our Strava club page: http://www.strava.com/clubs/limassol-strava-club
You're welcome to join.

menthel

topcattim wrote:

Can't offer you any advice about bike hire, as when I've been, I have flown my bike over. I've ridden a bit in the Paphos area, as I have stayed with work in the military garrison at Episkopi, abou 50k east of Paphos. I would thoroughly recommend a ride up to Omodos - Omodos is a beautiful town, lots of cafes for you to recover in. If you can go on higher, all the way up to Troodos, you won't be sorry - its a great climb.
I suspect you would probably ride up along the road from Kouklia (another beautiful village, lots of very friendly cafes around a village square) through Dora and then Omodos. It is a beautiful road. However, if you have time to make your ride a bit longer, I'd suggest coming back along the back road from Pachna through Anogyra and down to Avdimou. It is one of my favourite roads - sweeping bends, open land.
You'll find the country roads almost deserted (apart from goats!) and the Cypriot drivers much less trouble than UK drivers. Enjoy yourself!

I know the villages and roads fairly well as my In-laws have a place in Aphrodite Hill, near Kouklia and have been out there a few times. I had mapped out two separate routes, one a there and back to Omodos (agreed its a lovely spot!) via Kouklia and another out the same way but up to Troodos and then back down the way you describe, with a stretch along the coast road to get back! I think the Omodos route is very feasable, I just need to sort out a bike!

brettjmcc

Friend has just been there. I think he was staying near Protoras. He mentioned on Strava a big thank you to Ramo Pro Cycling

richp77

Can't help on the Paphos bike hire as I'm based in Limassol but here's a couple of routes from March's Tour of Cyprus which might be of interest?

http://www.strava.com/routes/903713

http://www.strava.com/routes/902924

menthel

Thanks all. Ramo are at the wrong end of the island unfortunately. I will look at the strava links at home- the work computer is on IE8 and won't show anything!

tourdriving

http://www.mountainbikecyprus.com (ROAD-MTB) Cyprus 8100 Paphos area Free delivery