"A fantastic week that I have strongly recommended to anyone interested in a biking holiday" Ares Tour | recommended by Neil Avery in TBM Magazine
I would like to thank Richard of Exclaim Tours for a fantastic week that I have strongly recommended to anyone interested in a biking holiday.
It was our first visit to Cyprus, and one that won't be forgotten. As promised there was a good mix of riding and culture, though I still think it is only Richard who can see the snakes. I remember in my email that we were experienced riders (ahem!) and could the tour be made a little bit more technical. The reply was "no problem" and a new schedule was sent through which included less mileage, more technical terrain and a day's trials bike riding. A little unsure of trials riding I went along with it as the other two from our party, Gareth and Steve, who used to compete in their younger days, were bouncing at the thought.

On arrival, we were welcomed and driven straight to The Mill hotel in the Troodos Mountains. Now I need to stop and emphasise - it is possibly the best I've ever stayed in. A large converted mill that I find difficult to describe.

Back to the tour, the bikes were literally brand new and the ones that weren't were in very good condition. Being refueled and set-up by Dad who entertained us with stories from back in the day, reminding us of how easy we've got it these days. 
Day one and I thought "my God" when I said experienced I hardly expected to find the only river on the island and see my KTM 525 laying at the bottom of it, in a country that hadn't seen rain for six months, Richard made sure that we were riding in true Welsh weather conditions. A good hour of wrestling and laughing got us all through and onto lunch.
The Cypriots are very pleasant people who all seem to know each other's families and after Richard convinced them that he was some sort of relation, the food arrived and was consumed at an alarming rate. It was then on to the not so wet afternoon consisting of high passes, culture and rest stops.

Back to the hotel for a rest and shower then out for food and beer, a welcome treat after a hard day in the office. Day two was much the same without passing the same point twice, very enjoyable. Then came day three, the trials day. I had never sat on one before and it was like riding a BMX. Chris, the Cypriot ex-trials champion, brought along three nearly new Gas Gas 280 machines and was very helpful and patient explaining to me that there was no need to hold the throttle wide open and launch at everything in sight. We set up a taped off course and spent the morning practicing and chatting and the afternoon riding along an old mine path, still with culture stops explaining of when the mines used to operate. A day I would recommend to everyone.
Day four was the trip down from the Troodos Mountains to the beach, which was, for the most part, light tarmac and off road work for the morning then onto a sandy motocross track which really tested all our abilities. On arrival to the Holiday Inn, again another great hotel, right on the sea front, we rested with a beer, and then it was out for food and more beer.
Day five was rest day and time for snorkelling and relaxing, I recommend anyone to go jet skiing in Cyprus, the guy hiring them out simply said "There's the throttle see you in half an hour" which was time enough to enjoy them.
Day six was the final blast, which included another sandy motocross track, that really took its toll, for anyone who has not ridden in sand before this is a must. Then on to a lap around the Akrotiri military base which also included a huge sand playground. Finally a long trek across cliff tops exploring new areas. We actually took our gear with us and snorkelled at Aphrodite's Rock.

The final night out was a big one, which carried on until the early hours. A relaxing / hung over morning before the flight home. Again all transfers sorted.

A week to remember. Thanks again to Richard of Exclaim Tours.