Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was different and memorable in its own way. I particularly liked the off road part but understand that its not for everyone. The wall was tough but once at the top the view made it all worthwhile not to mention the following decent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Michele and Riccardo were excellent leaders. Their organisational skills for coffee and lunch stops and the evening meal meant that we could concentrate on the cycling and having a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The fitter you are the more enjoyable the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the tough climbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leaders were very friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The choice of places to eat seemed very limited. Quite often you are in a hotel in the middle of nowhere and have only the hotel restaurant to eat in. The quality of the food was not great and it was very expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our second day of cycling - as we headed inland after lunch - I was struck by the almost complete silence around me (I could only hear the noise of the bike tyres on the road). Together with the beautiful countryside around me it made for a really memorable moment. Having expected some quite busy coastal roads, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet most that we rode were. Other inspirational moments included the sweeping descent from the Agriturismo, any one of winding the roads along the green-fringed coast passing alongside white sandy beaches, and beautiful warm blue sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leaders Michele and Giovanni were really great. They were friendly and knowledgeable, worked hard and really looked after us. They took turns in leading and driving and both clearly explained each day's itinerary. They provided water and snacks and delicious fruit to keep us going along the way and explained any meal choices and had a great knowledge of the island and its history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The usual: cycling shorts, gloves, sunglasses and a raincoat (in case of that unexpected wet weather or cool descent - we had a short spell of torrential rain one day when we all needed our coats). Always have water with you - not all trips are as well-provided with water and snacks as this one was. I generally take a small first aid kit and mobile phone - in case of emergencies.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day three was the day we were introduced to 'the wall' - everyone in the group was concerned and a little apprehensive, lots of hard work, and sheer determination meant that the vast majority of the group were able to achieve the climb - the inspiration came from those who had to work that little bit harder and the way that the whole group gelled and willed, cheered and cajoled everyone to make it to the top - a great days work and followed by a fantastic down hill section..!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders and they were fantastic - nothing was too much trouble and they went out of their way to ensure we were well and truly looked after - Michele and Michele true gentlemen and a credit to the Exodus team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - don't worry about having the ability and or the level of your experience as a cyclist. Our group had a complete mix of riding abilities, some hardened and experienced riders and some with little or no experience it did not matter as there were plenty of opportunities for individuals to go that little bit faster or sprint and race before we all met collectively again before moving off - it worked a treat

Most Inspirational Moment

It had to be the 7km hill up to the Agriturosmo farm. A very tough section but rewarding in many ways.The Rocce Bianche Farmhouse at the top was just wonderful.Their 0km banquet where all the food was grown on site was wonderful. The next day the 7km descent just as breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders Michele Q and Michele Z were incredible.They worked tirelessly and so attentive to every detail. The evening briefings, attention to safety on the road a priority, and they have excellent local knowledge and history. Every day they arranged lunches, phoning ahead, giving us options. One day Michele Q took the ladies bikes up the top of the hotel hill to start the day and took luggage up to rooms.Michele Z was so attentive, and what a knowledge on local history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggest be in very good fitness for the trip.There were 2 very challenging days on Day 3 and 4 with steep long climbs that I wished I had trained a bit before. However there was always the offered option of sitting out any section in the van.

Most Inspirational Moment

The camadarie of the group, fantastic banter and mock rivalry with a ladies' race for several kilometres. The scenery was stunning, but by the time we reached the hotels in the evening which had pools it was too late to use them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giovanni and Michele were good and took care of us with fantastic stops for fruit, snacks and plenty of chilled water. Both were very personable and cheerful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yep, do ask whether a meat/fish option on the menu includes any carbs or veg, as inevitably it doesn't, which means one lacks in energy the next day! (surprising for Italy I thought!). I personally dispense with cycle shorts and pads as cycling more than about 3 consecutive days in the heat has the same effect as nappies!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the villages and towns always places you nearer the local people and their cultures, but the scenery made the trip for me personally. Visiting the beaches and the salt pools added to the variety of the Mediterranean countryside and a stop for photos of Sardinia's flamingos was always going to be a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikele and Giovanni were very caring and attentive to our needs and worked hard to ensure the whole group were together at important points/ junctions. Their local knowledge was extremely comprehensive and this added to the whole trip. We have to especially thank them for their thoughtfulness towards ensuring that those with special diets were catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it wasn't for the fact that there is so much to see and do in the world I would do it again. If you are thinking about doing it and it all seems within your range, then do it! You will not be disappointed and the coastal scenery in June is beautifully colourful. Be mindful of looking after yourself in the sun( although it wasn't overpoweringly hot ) and you will enjoy the company of like-minded cyclists.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most pleased by my cycling performance. I am 70 and due to have my hip replaced in September. So I was very chuffed by the strong performance I put in on all of the hills. Didn't get off and push on any of them!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leadership of our group was equally shared by two men: Michele Zucca and Michele Queresimin. I have nominated both of them for the Leader of the Year Award because they were superb and equally deserving of that award. They worked their socks off to make sure that our holiday was successful, from start to finish. Very sociable and humorous. Made sure that we stuck to our well-planned and interesting itinerary. Kept us safe and sound, by giving timely warnings of "dangerous, busy roads ahead" , coming steep descents etc. Very much alive to our possible needs and requirements. Always offering choices and possibilities. To think of what it would have been like to do this holiday without them (self guided?) is too horrible to consider.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing in a very hot temperature an 8 km steady steep hill...the most difficult moments are always the most inspirational ones. J'aime les parcours qui offrent des defis...et les montées sont parfois difficiles en Sardaigne. MIs c'est ce qui rend le voyage inoubliable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had to guides with totLly different styles...and that was great because we could relate to one of them depending on our spirit of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Biking or taking spinning classes is a must to fully enjoy this trip. And don't forget your bathing suit...the beaches are exceptionnal.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing solid historical remains of cultures which existed 2-3 thousand years BC.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders who brought a great mix of knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and conscientiousness to a group whose ability and age range varied.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Learn, at least, a few words of Italian,make sure you've got your sun cream (or block) and practice braking with your right hand !