Greece Week 2. 1st to 7th Oct

Our 2nd week in Greece, Lesvos Island on Thursday 1st October started with a ride from Kalloni To Vatera on the southern coast on the eastern side of the Kalloni Gulf. This was a relatively easy ride with less hills than usual. Flat along the gulf with great views. Then a rough road along the coast. The one big climb was very steep for about 2 miles with gradients up to 13%.We stayed at the Vatera Beach Hotel right on the sea front

27 miles for the day and 1158 ft of climbing for the day.

The next day Saturday 2nd October we moved on to Plomari only about 10 miles along the coast but no direct road. To avoid a much longer diversion on roads to the north we took a route along the coast, then inland to Kato Stavros for elevenses. Then it was a steep uphill climb for 5 miles on a dirt road to 1300ft. Jan who dislikes rough stuff was not at all happy. At the end of the track Arthur pretended to be the Pope and knelt down to appear to kiss the tarmac.

25 miles for the day and 2207 ft of climbing.

We stayed 2 nights at Plomari and on Sunday 3rd October explored some of the pretty cobbled streets of the town.

On Monday 4th October we rode east from Plomari to Mytilene. We split into 2 groups. Most of the riders took a more direct route via Perama and a ferry across the Gulf of Gera.

Richard and I took a longer and hillier ride to the north. First it was a long steep climb out of Plomari for 6 miles to Megalochori the highest village on the Island at 1500ft. After elevenses in the village we took a very steep dirt road for 3 miles with great views of Mount Olympus and reaching a high point of 2762ft.

Then it was down to the scenic mountain town of Agiasos and a Baclava stop. Then a good 12 mile descent.

33 miles for the day and 3005ft of climbing

On Tuesday 5th October we explored the extensive Castle at Mytilene not far from the Hotel Orfeas where were staying. In the late morning and afternoon we did a circuit of the peninsula to the south with quiet scenic roads after leaving the heavy traffic of Mytilene. 21 miles and 1295ft of climbing.

On Wednesday 6th October we rode 7 miles from Mytilene to our first Hotel the Hotel Votsala at Pyrgi Thermi. Richard and I extended the ride with a gentle climb into the mountains to Pigi and then Komi and back. 20 miles and 950ft of climb. In the afternoon the bikes were packed.

Thursday 7th October the bikes were loaded on transport provded by the Hotel to get them to the Airport..

I am writing this at Mytilene Airport in the middle of a 6 hour delay to our flight due to a 4 hour Greek Air Traffic controllers strike. Hopefully we will get home sometime today.

Edwin