Blog: Action woman

Action woman goes mountain biking!

I have a mountain bike, although to be honest it hasn’t really been put to much use here and in Edinburgh, where I lived before Cyprus, I rode it more on the cycle paths rather than down mountainsides. The fact that I was meeting with Scott Kennedy and Nick Bayley at the top of the Kyrenia Mountain range ridge road, indicated to me that I might be about to see what real mountain biking was all about!
Although there had been some black clouds hugging the mountains early in the morning, by the time I arrived at Kozan, there were clear blue skies all around, there was also a very keen wind up there and I was glad I had decided to wear my ski jacket, not only would it keep the chill factor out, hopefully the bright colour also meant they wouldn’t lose me!
We had agreed to start from the Kozan Restaurant and Picnic Area (Much to my relief it wasn’t going to be from the bottom of Karsiyaka village, even driving up there is exhausting). Scott was going to cycle with me, while Nick was going to act as photographer and provide the support vehicle as we made our way to Gecitkoy reservoir and then drive us and the bikes, back up the mountain.
Scott has bought a selection of mountain bikes which are stored at the Kozan picnic area and are available for hire. After an appropriate bicycle had been chosen for me; I had strapped on my cycle helmet and spent a few minutes practising with the gears – all 18 of them – we were ready to set off.
As we made out way down the tarmac road towards Kozankoy, I thought, “Well this is easy!� Hah! It wasn’t long until we turned off down a rocky track and I started to experience real mountain biking. (Actually this isn’t entirely true, I have recently learnt from a keen mountain biking friend that experienced bikers actually rock jump down steep slopes!! Hmmm, ok!)
Scott was happily making his way down the slope, while Nick was crawling painfully behind me in his jeep as I edged my way down a steep and rocky path. I actually got cramp in my hands from constantly applying the brakes and eventually decided I felt happier walking down the steepest part.
Once I got the feeling back in my hands I plucked up the courage to climb back on the bike and continue to pick my way through the sharp rocks and hoped I wouldn’t go over the handlebars and land on any!
Once the path gradient eased a bit, I felt more confident and picked up a bit of speed to catch up with Scott, who was clearly enjoying the ride and the spectacular scenery. We stopped for a photo call, partly to capture the view, but also to ensure there were more than just photos of my backside to accompany this article.
We started off again, riding through pines and olive trees and since it was spring, carpets of pink, yellow and mauve anemones spread out on either side of the path.
Although it might seem as if it should be downhill all the way, the path did throw the occasional incline at us, which wouldn’t have been a problem, if I could have remembered which way to gear down. Invariably I clicked the wrong way and would come to an abrupt halt! On the occasions I decided not to do anything and try to brave it through on my current gear setting, the lactic acid soon burnt in my thighs and was followed by several expletives as I once again changed up a gear rather than down!
However, it was a wonderful feeling having the blood pumping through my veins and clean mountain air clearing my lungs, not to mention the mud plastered all up my legs as we splashed through puddles! Unfortunately Nick missed the photo opportunity of Scott getting his front tyre stuck in some mud and somersaulting over his handlebars, although, strangely he did manage to capture me as I fell off!
Six miles and an hour or so after we set off, Gecikoy reservoir came into sight and to the amusement of the Cypriots having their lunch, two slightly muddy cyclists emerged triumphantly from the pathway.
Scott and I had ridden pretty much non-stop (although particularly in my case, not at great speed through the rocky parts) from the Kozan Restaurant to the reservoir, but it would make a great day out, with plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a picnic, the views really are magnificent and deserve a bit more appreciation.
One of the main advantages of using the bikes from Kozan as far as I am concerned, is the pick up service they can provide. I’m sure the serious mountain bikers out there will be happy to make their way back up the mountain on the bikes, well you’re very welcome, I was most relieved to be enjoying the trip back up from the comfort of Nick’s jeep which was followed by a well deserved beer and delicious lunch back at the restaurant, a most pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning if you ask me!

History of mountain biking
Mountain biking originated in the 70s, with riders adapting bikes to the rigors of off-road riding. The first new, purpose-made mountain bike was built by Joe Breeze in 1977. The first two mass produced mountain bikes were sold in 1982, the Specialised Stumpjumper and the Univega Alpina Pro.
They differ from road racing bikes in several ways, they have a smaller, stronger frame and knobbly, wider and higher profile tyres which are mounted onto a rim, stronger than that of a normal bicycle. They also have a larger number of gears to make it easier climbing up steep hills and riding over obstacles. The handlebars are more upwardly rising allowing for more upright riding and they invariably have some form of suspension.

Kozan information
The Kozan Restaurant and Picnic Area lies four kilometres up in the mountains above Karsiyaka. It has been created by Savas Boransel, a veterinary surgeon who is keen to protect the environment and as such is planning to install a wind power system there to provide power to the restaurant. However, with its fantastic views over the
sea, the Kozan is more than a restaurant, among the many activities to be enjoyed are horse riding, mountain walking, camping, games of Boules and of course the mountain biking.
Bikes are available for hire at £10 per day or £60 a week, the team is happy to discuss individual requirements such as: route, whether you may require a pick-up, or be taken to the top if doing a high road route. Suitable routes of varying length and skill levels both on and off-road which users can follow, have been mapped out or riders may wish to make their own way.
Pack lunches can be supplied on request and like the bikes should be booked a few days in advance.
More information can be found on the website at: http://www,kozan.co.nr or to book bikes call Scott on 0533 845 7296 or Nick on 0533 844 7015 or call in at the Kozan.

by Claire on 15:47 on 6th May 2007