Home » Greece Italy » Cycle to the Summit Part 5 - Senigallia to Athens/Pireas

Having promised ourselves that we would spend Christmas 'somewhere warm', we were delighted to make it to Greece to celebrate the festive season in the sunshine. We took the opportunity to ease back on the mileage, relax and take in some of the sights of Athens, before meeting up with Toby and a replacement bicycle.

Cycle to the Summit Part 5 - Senigallia to Athens/Pireas

Toby Hammond
2006-06-25 18:48:25

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source: http://www.cycletothesummit.org.uk

Sunday 23 December - Senigallia to Ancona 32km (Ancona - Patras - boat)

As the ferry pulled out, Ancona - a natural port sheltered by a hilly promontory - disappeared quickly on another hazy Italian afternoon. We felt we had earnt the lazy day relaxing in our plush but confined cabin. We congratulated ourselves on the mileage covered and the fact that we could spend Christmas in Greece after all. Compared to the previous weeks it had been almost entirely focused on hard cycling. We were certainly looking forward to some warmer weather that we had been promising ourselves since we crossed the Alps.

Monday 24 December Ancona to Patras boat Patras to Egio 48km

There is something very therapeutic about waking up to the hum of an engine and the sway of a boat in water. We didn't quite hear the waves lapping on the Blue Star I's hull, but instead got up to see the waves crashing against the bow. We passed the Greek Island of Cephalonnia (of Captain Corelli fame) where I had spent a week with my mum during the summer -and infact where I dedicated much thinking time and planning to this trip. Disembarkation was swift and after getting some leaflets from the tourist information we jumped back onto the bikes and headed off too see accommodation for Christmas. We took the longer but more scenic route along a small road that hugged the coast through orange and lemon trees and looked up at the snow capped mountains to our right. There was a distinct change in temperature and it was the first day I could remember for quite some time that I didn't opt for the double-layered-sock approach. In fact, before two kilometres were on the clock, we had both packed away our fleece, waterproof and gloves all of which had all been essential daily kit up until now. We arrived in Egio by mid afternoon to allow us ample time to stock up ...