Home » Greece » Training Camp in the Greek spring(2002)

As the winner of an article-writing competition in the Hungarian Bringa magazine, I could spend 11 days together with the Hungarian MTB squad in a training camp 80 kms from Athens, between 12 and 26 march 2002. We were in the friendly Hotel Bakos, in Loutraki, situated 3kms from the Korinthos channel and the Peloponnesus peninsula and at the foot of a 1300m high mountain. Although on ascents I prefer cycling looking around, taking pictures and making videofilms than cycling in a hurried style. So I was the odd one out from 24-26 head team. My goal was not to spend a good 11 days training, but to make nice cycle tours, enjoy the nature of Greece and to discover the north-east Peloponnesos.

Training Camp in the Greek spring(2002)

Ggg
2004-09-13 12:48:50

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Because Loutraki was only 78 kms from Athens I wanted to visit it not only by bus, but by bike too. The road next to the highway was not too hilly, the exception under this was the 15 km before Megara. This part was built on the sides of the rocks, but right next to or above the sea. While I haven’t gone through so many ascents than between the mountains, because of the wind this tour wasn’t an easy 165 km. In Elefsina I chose the not too busy road through the industrial area – it was shorter than the other – which went into the main road after the factories. There was no other road so I cycled on the 2-3 lane roads. Maybe the policemen also knew this; I didn’t have any problems with them. Turning away from the gulf which was busy because of the ships I went up 2-3 km, then on the other side of the hill I could roll down into the city of Olympia of 2004, Athens. Watching the tables I managed to find the Acropolis. On this day (18th of march, 2002) I could have a great experience, because it was the last day of the carnival time, so because of tradition a lot of people were walking up to the Acropolis or the mountain of Lykabeos to fly a kite. I enjoyed it very much.
On the next day I visited Athens by bus. For the return bus ticket I had to pay 10 EUR, in Athens the daily ticket cost 2,93 EUR. Walking up to the mountain of Lykabetosz I could enjoy the panorama of Athens, I also visited the marble Olympic hall. It was interesting to see the guards in nice clothes before the residence of the president. After looking around the temple of Zeus I walked up to the Acropolis and I visited the Agora. I finished my sight seeing tour at the special atmospheric Plaka, with its thin streets, and full of sellers with nice souvenirs.

The two week in Greece gave me a lot of unforgettable pleasures. It was nice, I enjoyed to travel in the spring and to enjoy the mild weather. To discover unknown areas, to glance into the ancient Greek culture through ruins and museums. On our 29 hour long homeward travel we remembered the nice moments, tours, but we had some homesickness. I heard with curiosity the talk between some bikers and the leader of the MTB squad, the arguments about the competitions, about the system how to chose the man who will represent Hungary in Athens, about training methods, etc. These were things I have read only in newspapers, it was an other thing to hear the guys who represent Hungary in world-competitions. Arriving home from this unforgettable training camp, the federal captain said at last: „Next year with you, at the same place !”

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