The unexplored island of Crete, Greece

[markas]

[markas]

A last photo before departure. Time is 14:30 and time is precious because the sun sets around 18:00.


















The ride down the slope is not easy (Kiriaki had follow us a bit on foot) but soon the road got better and we went fast enough.

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After reaching Odigitria monastery we turn right (left if you come from the asphalt road) and head towards the sea

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We reach the sea and check the map again...

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Kali Limenes and Kefali Hill





The quality of the road is descent enough and riding is quiet enjoyable but the twists don't let us accelerate as much as we like.

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Once we arrive at the port of Lenta village we stop to catch our breath after two hours of riding.

[nikosp]

Hello
i think you must tell them about 100 villages in one day,with SYMOSKA

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We are tired but our morale is thriving. yns checks the surrounding area while i convert a half sunk boat into a playground and soon get noticed by the port guard (in the picture coming towards us).






We have a small chat and decline (another) offer for a snack and a few glasses of Raki.
At this point i think i must warn you! If you ever say yes to an offer of a Raki and snack in isolated areas you are in GREAT danger. Your ride is practically ruined, you will get away half drunk IF you are lucky. If you are not so lucky they will find you a place to sleep and let you go (perhaps) the next morning
I know what i am talking about, this can really happen. Once we where 7-8 bikes and some shepherds took our keys, gave us food Wine,lots of Raki and held us for nearly 6 hours till we managed to escape half drunk... Really dangerous folks
(one of our next reports will be about that ride)
Well, we politely refuse his offer for Raki and get on our bikes after one last photo.

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The road leads us for a few km's north, away from the sea but offers us an excellent view.









Soon we turn south again and after a while...







...we reach the sea again at the mountain slopes of Asterousia mountains.

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We reach a nice isolated beach (Tripiti) and follow the road north. You see, this is the only Canyon in Crete that can be ridden through with a bike or 4x4! Not just a small part of it but around 300-400 meters through the stream bed. Usually the stream has no water but sometimes a few drops come to the beach. In extremely rare occasions the water rises up to one meter or more in the narrow parts of the canyon but i don't think we might be so unlucky this time.

[markas]

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[yns]

This is Nikos..



and me



at the last part of the canyon.

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Well, now the ride is almost over. We head back home and make it just in time before dark. The way back is less adventurous than this morning. The clouds where mostly gone and the road clear of any snow.