Stavrovouni Monastery will be probably be the first thing you see when you leave the airport in Larnaca. I asked my Cypriots friends about it's distance from Larnaca to this mountain and what's on top. They told me that it's the highest peak in the Larnaca district and there is very old Greek Orthodox monastery on the top. If you are more intrested you can read more on Wikipedia. I knew that i must ride there on my bicycle. It was my priority.
I started my ride at 1:00 am and I followed the road to Ayia Anna, before Mosfiloti I turned left on the road to Pirga. When I turned I saw Stavrovouni. Before arriving come Pirga there is small uphill but road is in good condition, so it's to easy climb. If you want to climb remember about drinking water before to avoid dehydration. There are shops at Pirga to fill your bottles before climbing. As I passed Pirga, I saw first signs to Stavrovouni and navigation was easy.
Real climbing starts after passing Gravel Quarry and then military base, in front of me raised up the 641m high mountain. Stavrovouni looks mightily and impressive. Good for me it started subtly which is a good warm-up. When I rode to the first flat part of the road I saw a beautiful landscape of west Cyprus. You need to use high elevations and power for climbing. The views are breathtaking. I recomend to make take stop near helipad. It's a perfect place for a short break before final climbing. After this point the steepest part of the road follows.
When I got on top I saw amazing landscape, my bottles was empty but monks were very hospitable and water supplies were available at the gate of the monastery. I took a 10 minutes break to enjoy the view and I then started downhill ride.
The long, tiring uphill for 100% was worth all those beautiful views. My effort was rewarded by
breathtaking landscape of Cyprus. In my opinion Stavrovouni is one of "the must ride" hills. I encourage you to this. You don't need a professional bicycle. Just take you bike and climb in your tempo, it will be worth you effort.
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