The heat of summer is upon us and, for many outdoor lovers, the walking boots have been laid to rest in a cupboard. Even the thought of cycling in the hills around Polis and Latchi makes you head straight for the coolness of the sea or a swimming pool. Certainly, it is not advisable to walk for long distances in the intense summer heat, mainly due to the risk of dehydration and heat stroke, not to mention the exhaustion factor. Cycling, however, can still be enjoyed in the summer months but only if you plan things carefully.

Make an early start, especially if you are planning to cycle uphill. Whilst getting up at 5am may not be everyone’s idea of fun, cycling at 5.30 once the sun is up is really enjoyable. You can get any hill climbing out of the way before it gets really hot AND you have the thrill of the downhill to enjoy with the wind in your hair afterwards. If you decide to start later, then make sure you pick a flat route. This is not always easy as the terrain around Polis and Latchi is very hilly, but the coast road is a popular way to get those legs working without too much pain.

Even so, setting out much later than 9am will still probably see you wilting in the heat, even on a flat surface. So the really easy alternative is to cycle DOWNHILL. If you happen to be staying in a mountain village like Drouseia or Lysos, then this isn’t a problem…except what do you do once you’re at the bottom of the hill and you need to get back to your accommodation? Well there IS an answer.

Get an UPLIFT service! So what’s an Uplift? An uplift is basically a lift to the top of your required destination. If you’ve ever been skiing in the Alps, you will be familiar with the chairlifts that carry skiers to the top of the slopes in winter. These same lifts carry hikers and bikers to the top of the mountain in the summer months, which is why the Alps is so popular with downhill mountain bike enthusiasts. All they want to do is ride as fast as they can from the top to the bottom, as many times as the day will allow.

They certainly do NOT believe in the mountain bike phrase “No pain no gain” i.e. you have to earn your downhill thrills. Whilst ski lifts only exist in Cyprus in the Troodos mountains, you can get an uplift service if you want to get on a bike and admire the wonderful scenery by cycling DOWNHILL. Just contact your local mountain bike specialist to get a lift with them and their bike trailer to the top of your chosen mountain. They will even give you some tips on the best ones to choose! So why not relish in the heat of the summer and feel the wind in your hair to cool you down? Hire a bike and get an uplift service.