I Was Shattered

The alarm rang at 5am (I left it on for a little longer than necessary the surrounding campers had made noise till late)

I made coffee, it was very dissatisfactory, I’m going to have to practice. Then 2 kiwi fruit for breakfast, pack and put the gate at 6.05.

The sun is just up snd the temperature could not be more conducive to cycling. 3 flashing lights at the back snd 1 at the front. I hope I’m seen.

As I cruised into Chalkida having already stopped for a mpougatsa. I suddenly realised all my plans of getting a small bit of bike innertube from the shops wasn’t going to happen everything is still closed at 7am I rode on.

My big find near a garbage bin was an old umbrella that I cut a section from. I’ll stick that to the bottom of my bag that’s waterproof.

I have ridden this route before and despite my previous knowledge I didn’t fill up with enough water or eat anything else. So when the route turned left and took me up the rough off road track I crossed my fingers in hoping there would be food and water somewhere.

Up and over (no pictures, look at the spring blog). As you go down the other side the views are spectacular but the road takes me through the weirdest of towns usually there is no one there. But a more thorough search threw up a cafe. The woman easily persuaded me to have 2 toasties.

At this point, 10.30ish, I assessed my situation 59kms in and I was thinking another 50 more. I

I met 2 cyclists who had cycled from Poland and were heading for Athens then turning back.

I pushed on to a campsite I had selected. I thought early but I had ridden 118kms so that is OK.

I put some Sugru inside and outside of my front bag, hopefully later I will stick the umbrella material over the top. I also put some Sugru over my mug handles so I can pick it up off the cooker.