Sunday 1 October. Ormos Bay Circuit.

Today was another rest day or non moving on day staying at Andros town. Ernie and Nicola had an easy day riding close to town. Peter rode with us to elevenses and then went back. Phil and Mary, Richard and I rode a very mountainous circuit via Ormos Bay on the east coast.

Weather was warm and sunny all day with temperatures up to 24C but with a gale force NE wind.

We rode west out of town up the valley to the west coast. When we stopped for a short break we met what I thought was a local at first but turned out to be a chap from Somerset who had moved here 10 years ago.

We continued to the junction 900ft above the west coast of the Island and took refuge from the wind in a slate built bus shelter for a picnic elevenses. Then onward and upward to a high point of 1250ft with the road following the mountainside with great views down to the coast.

The road then turned inland and twisted and turned among remote mountain villages for a 6 mile descent to Ormos Bay on the East Coast. We stopped for a picnic lunch, swim and sunbathe.

Then a great long climb to the north with gradients reaching 13%. As we climbed with multiple switchbacks Ormos Bay became smaller and smaller below us. The top was reached at 1536ft.

The climb was followed by a great 7 mile descent. We swooped down the ravine of the Vouni valley with every turn opening up more amazing views of mountains and seascapes and some great views of Andros Town.

32 miles for the day with 3340ft of climbing.

Edwin