Greek islands and an old XT600

Parked by me on the ferry was a huge Swiss overland truck, looked brand new and very, very expensive. The guy said it was 6 years old and no, not been to Africa or off east as yet, just Europe and Iceland. I very much doubt he’ll ever take it to the places it’s been built for or is capable of going to. I mentioned that he could easily ship it to Namibia but he looked a little horrified at the thought.
Today’s plan was very simple, there was no plan. I got off the ferry, had a quick look at the map and decided to head up the island (the ferry came in at the south end) until I got to the fat bit then I’d turn right and see where I got to.
That was all fine until I saw a lump moving over the road, as I passed I realised it was a tortoise so I did a U-turn and went back. It had stopped right by the white line and wasn’t going to last so I picked it up and put it in the bushes.
Then I fancied a coffee so, going through a small town, I spied table and chairs on the pavement, clearly a cafe so I pulled over. Buggers wouldn’t sell me a coffee though but they would happily sell me a chair. It was a chair shop.
So I went next door and got a coffee.
I also managed to drive past a ferry without feeling compelled to get on it so that’s a bonus.
Then I found one of the best roads I’ve ever been on. IMG_0227.jpeg

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I went right and, not surprisingly on an island, got to the coast so I followed it for a bit. The towns on Evia feel utilitarian, not touristy, and are busy with the associated businesses, buildings materials, hardware stores, hairdressers, even furniture shops.
Along the coast I got to the port town Kymi then up a wonderful 5km to the hill town of the same name. I stopped and bought snacks for lunch and decided to head along the twisty looking road that would eventually head west.
From the start it was a magnificent road, the scenery was amazing, the road twisted and climbed over ridges, dived down into valleys and did it all over again and again. Mile upon mile of brilliant riding. Well done Evia and all on a random choice of direction. Come to Evia and ride this road.
I got to a town called Steni and decided I’d rather stay here than down on the busier looking coast so here I am, the very smart looking Hotel Steni gave me a room with breakfast for €60 so happy with that.
Now see what I can find for grub.
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Northern jock said:
I went right and, not surprisingly on an island, got to the coast so I followed it for a bit. The towns on Evia feel utilitarian, not touristy, and are busy with the associated businesses, buildings materials, hardware stores, hairdressers, even furniture shops.
Along the coast I got to the port town Kymi then up a wonderful 5km to the hill town of the same name. I stopped and bought snacks for lunch and decided to head along the twisty looking road that would eventually head west.
From the start it was a magnificent road, the scenery was amazing, the road twisted and climbed over ridges, dived down into valleys and did it all over again and again. Mile upon mile of brilliant riding. Well done Evia and all on a random choice of direction. Come to Evia and ride this road.
I got to a town called Steni and decided I’d rather stay here than down on the busier looking coast so here I am, the very smart looking Hotel Steni gave me a room with breakfast for €60 so happy with that.
Now see what I can find for grub.
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Scenery is fantastic Alistair.
 
Micky said:
I hope the tortoise didn't say "Fuck me, he's put me back at the side of the road I started from ... " :blast

Good one Alastair ... keep it coming :thumby:
:beerjug:
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He was lucky, I had matches, plenty of dry tinder around and he had his own casserole pot with him. I just didn’t have any onions and garlic
 
Northern jock said:
As I mentioned in my first post, for nearly 20 years I’ve wanted to ride my bike off the Skopelitis onto Iraklia and today I have done just that. One happy man.
The Skopelitis is the lifeline of the islands it serves, operating all year round and bringing everything needed to sustain life and tourism.


I rode down the pier at 1300, departure was 1400 and watched perhaps 30 to 40 vans, trucks, cars and scooters arriving, reversing on or parking by the ramp and depositing boxes for different islands. Then a truck with building materials reversed on, plus 3 cars and a pickup and one minute before departure I was waved on into a wee corner. Much efficiency amid apparent bedlam.
I was met, guided to my room which overlooks the harbour and costs €40 a night. Then onto the post office where you can buy a cold time of beer and he will give you a glass if you want to drink it there. I’ve been doing just that for many years so I sat in one of my favourite spots on planet earth and enjoyed a cold, utterly peaceful beer. Or was it two?
Photo of myself today and one and the same spot a year ago. It’s a habit.
Wee taverna this evening, hopefully goat on the menu then tomorrow I will ride the roads of the island, all 5 km of them.
Contented man. It’s taken me a while but, after an imperfect year, it’s worth the wait.

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Wonderful stuff. Congratulations.
 
harry the cat said:
Good stuff Alistair! So it is possible to survive without spending your time poring over a garmin and studying hotel websites! I bet you haven’t even got any butter in the fridge :D
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Go the old way
Restaurant serviettes with maps printed on them are coming back in vogue 🙃😉🤩
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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