Mountain Biking In Croatia

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

• 

  Simon Baxter

  MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA

  

  Written October 2011

  A great trip seeing Croatia at close quarters and getting to parts not normally seen as a tourist. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Arriving at a mountain pass, a view of the mountains just traversed behind us and a view over the many islands and the Croatian coastline nestled into the blue Adriatic sea in front of us.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  A knowledgeable guy with a great sense of humour but also very consious of his responsibilities of a leader to his charges.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Just enjoy!

   
• 

  Hilary Fox

  MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA

  

  Written July 2011

  A memorable holiday; long, hard and rewarding days cycling in breathtaking mountains and forests with the last two days being contrasting rides out from  a luxurious family run hotel right on the beach. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were many inspirational moments.The mountain hut was stunning; whilst not the most comfortable accommodation we stayed in, the views were endless and watching the sun go down over the mountains, sea and islands, was memorable.

  The cycling itself was the highlight.The route is well planned, varied and interesting, starting in the mountains and forest, and ending on the coast; with some lengthy hard climbs, rewarded by exhilarating long downhill trails . The first day seemed quite challenging at the time, although with the benefit of hindsight, it was the easy day that we were promised. The scenery is spectacular, wonderful forests full of wildlife, flowers and butterflies. Plitvice lakes are stunningly beautiful, and the natural music from the sea organ at Zadar is haunting and memorable.

  Our group chose an optional ride on the last day; a short bus transfer followed by a ride with a steep climb to the most spectacular view of the holiday, over sea , lake and islands.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Vladimir was a good leader and amazing cyclist who supported the weaker cyclists whilst allowing the faster ones to go at their own speed . We were very well looked after, no injuries and  no mechanical problems being a tribute to the great care that was taken. Vladimir is very knowledgeable about the countryside, the history and the various places we visited . The ride was extremely well supported, with a support vehicle following , giving confidence to attempt daunting climbs safe in the knowledge that a bailout was available if required. Retiring exhausted to the after-party in the van with Pjer was fun.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Being used to off-road cycling and having a good level of fitness will greatly add to the enjoyment of this trip, but the support is excellent so the long distances and climbs need not be problematic.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a fabulous opportunity to see some of the less travelled Croatia on a bike. 

   
• 

  Denis Halpin

  MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA

  

  Written June 2011

   An enjoyable and physically challenging trip which provided an interesting insight into a country with a very interesting recent history and impressive natural scenery including torquoise lakes,mysterious forests and jagged mountains. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Descending by mountain bike from the Zavisan mountain hut on a cool clear Summer morning,torn between staying safely on the bike and absorbing the views of the surrounding Velebit mountains,was a memorable moment. A different but equally unforgetable experience was watching the sun sink gently into the darkening blue Adriatic from the terrace of our small hotel in the coastal town of Novigrad.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our Croatian leader on this trip was a strong and confident individual who took his leadership responsibilities very seriously and sometimes ,because of this, came across as being somewhat autocratic. He was also  a very competent mountain-biker who ensured that we all completed the trip without mishap.  

  The assistant leader/vehicle driver was a gregarious character whose English was excellent and his knowledge of  cycling and bikes extensive.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  My advice for potential travellers to Croatia is - Develop your knowledge and awareness of Croatia's recent history and learn a few useful words of Croatian.Ensure that your mountain-biking skills and fitness are of a relatively high standard !

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The local Croatian beer was very nice and the food,generally,was good or very good but take your own favourite nosh when you go to the mountain hut.Iwould also suggest ear-plugs for this overnight! Apart from that and "dodgy" toilets a visit to the mountain hut should not be missed.

  Finally,as a road cyclist and sometimes off-roader I would take issue with the statement in the  Trip Notes "off road experience advisable but not essential" and suggest that it should simply state -"off road experience advisable"   

   
• 

  Lynn Brown

  MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA

  

  Written June 2011

  A fantastic, memorable trip in a stunning landscape - from spectacular lakes and mountains to glorious coastline. The challenging (for me!) cycling was complemented by excellent company and good accommodation (particularly the last three nights in our hotel at Novigrad, right next to the sea). 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Passing through the unspoilt Velebit mountain range, surrounded by an array of wild flowers and clouds of butterflies. Descending the Mali Halan pass in the sunshine, taking in the amazing views on our way to the coast. Visiting beautiful, turquoise Plitvice Lakes - something I have always wanted to do. Just sitting on the terrace at our hotel in Novigrad, with a glass of wine (or beer!), watching the sun set.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was professional, attentive and competent, with excellent local knowledge. The trip ran very smoothly and without adverse incident thanks to his efficiency. The assistant leader was extremely friendly and helpful - always looking out to make sure everyone was OK, and sharing the group's sense of humour. I think we all enjoyed their company.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Echoing Tony (Denis) Halpin's review, bring ear plugs for the mountain hut - and loo roll/wet wipes would be a good idea too as 'facilities' are limited! Make sure your off-road skills are up to scratch as there are quite a lot of slippy gravel climbs and descents to negotiate. Other than that all I can say is 'Come on this trip!' - I thought it was brilliant!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The food, drink and standard of hotel accommodation were really good. The trip notes rather underestimate the daily distances travelled and I would say that the trip veers much more towards the 'challenging' than the 'moderate' grading. But maybe that is just my perception as I am no superwoman! Having said that, it is in my top three holidays ever and I would go again tomorrow if I could!

   
• 

  

  Marcus Nicholson

  MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA

  

  Written June 2011

  Amazing trip. Some of the best biking scenery I have come across. Extremely tough but wonderfully rewarding. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Cycling through the stone towers of Velebit NP before dropping down to sea level and then being able to sit on the hotel veranda with a cold beer and view the farway mountain range we had just cycled from.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Super fit leader, ex-olympian cyclist. I think he was expecting the group to be fitter than we were but his expectations evolved as the week progressed. Great fun to be had from the support vehicle driver.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get youself fit before departing.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Enjoy this trip. So rewarding. Croatia is such a stunning country.