Greece Coast to Coast Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - September
My Big Fat Greek Cycle Ride
Bike Adventure
Join us on this brand new challenge for 2019; a ride through rural northern Greece. We'll ride for 4 days through untouched mountain scenery, traditional rustic villages, along unspoiled coastline, experiencing a part of Europe that most tourists have never seen. But also dropping in at some of Greece's most historic and stunning natural and cultural highlights.
Our adventure begins on the idyllic Ionian Coastline at Preveza. With convenient flights it will make outbound travel simple for riders. Upon arrival we'll have an evening to explore the waterfront before prepping our bikes ready for the ride out the next morning.
The ride starts proper as we head away from Greece's popular and well known coastline - but we are heading inland. We'll begin our gradual climb up into the Pindus mountains, through ancient villages, endless olive groves, and of course the occasional hairpin. We'll be using primarily singletrack roads, ensuring that we should have the tarmac to ourselves, only sharing with the occasional goats as we get deeper into this wild mountain range. Our first night will be spent in the fortified town of Ioannina, on the beautiful lake of the same name.
Day two sees us climb up to the highest point on the ride, before cruising down an epic descent to the other-worldly landscape of Meteora and its world famous cliff-mounted monasteries. This is certainly a highlight of this ride - as we have the chance to ride the circuit of the stunning rock formations.
The next day is spent leaving the mountains behind us, crossing the coastal plains all the way to the Aegean sea and its myriad of pretty fishing villages, all in the shadow of the iconic Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods. Our overnight is in the pretty trailhead village of Litoxoro, often used by mountain trekkers and climbers.
Our final riding day takes us along the coast, through rolling vineyards and olive groves, all the way to the historic city of Thessaloniki. A cultural crossroads, and legendary port from the days of ancient Greek mythology. We'll finish our adventure by exploring what this incredible city has to offer, especially its fantastic food and wine!
Itinerary
Day 1 - : Arrive to Preveza. Check Bikes.
Day 2 - : Depart Preveza - then ride to Ionnina. +1850m 109km
Day 3 - : Ride to Kalambata + 2700m 135km
Day 4 - : Ride to Litochoro. + 2400m 126km (including the lap of Meteora and the monastries)
Day 5 - : Ride to Thessaloniki. +300m + 142km
(Please note distances and height gain are approximate)
Day 6 - : Fly home.
Accommodation
We will be accomodated in comfortable hotels in twin and triple rooms. Single supplements are available, please ensure to request these at time of booking.
What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.
Special Notes
Due to the nature of rural Greek mountain roads, we recommend a minimum tyre size of 28mm - with puncture protection, as there will be sections of rough tarmac, and possibilities of short gravel sections.
Visas / Redtape
Non EU citizens should seek advice.
Included In Trip
Pre event support (training plans and guidance).
5 nights comfortable hotel accommodation in twin / triple rooms.
5 breakfasts.
Adventure Cafe cycle leader (mechanic + first aid). (Subject to group numbers)
Adventure Cafe support vehicle.
Adventure Cafe support driver (mechanic + first aid).
Baggage transfers between hotels.
Excluded From Trip
Lunches
Evening meals (we will reserve a table for the group each night).
Flights.
Airport transfers (dependant on flight times Adventure Cafe will be able to collect you and your bike from the airport).
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
Helmets are compulsory.
Please ensure you have had your bike serviced before departure.
Weather
We can expect calm and clear weather; make sure you pack sunscreen and sunglasses. As with any trip, we always hope for the best but plan for the worst. Particularly in the mountains the weather can change quickly; make sure you bring waterproofs and a warm layer for the descents.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events