Today’s ride may prove to be the hardest ride of the tour. I hope so. With 6,400’ of climbing I just 38 miles, it seemed like we were always climbing. Not really though - at least 8 miles were downhill.
This ride to Omalos, a mountain village near the base of the White Mounains, wasn’t part of the original plan. It’s a bailout creation brought about by the cancellation of yesterday’s ferry due to high winds. The winds seem even worse today, so I imagine the ferry was down this morning also.
Although it was an improvisation, we were both very happy with it. The scenery was incredible the whole way, and riding conditions were excellent - sunny, not too hot, not too windy. Toward the end of the day, above 3,000’, we were actually getting a bit chilled.
The ride consisted of two very similar climbs - both long gradual ascents averaging about 5%, each gaining about 2,500’ in about 11 miles. In between, a 1,300’ drop. Quiet virtually the entire way, except for an unusual biking tour group we kept crossing paths with - unusual in that the6 were riding rowing bikes, a contraption I’ve never seen before. It operates much like a rowing machine, powered by both arms and legs. On a long climb like these, it looked like torture to me.
There are some other things to be said about the day, but I’m not going to say them. I’m tired, and ready for bed.
The sky is a bit odd today - hazy, and with poor visibility. Also very windy. It’s a good thing we changed our plans, since the ferry was down today also.
Bruce LellmanThis is so amazing to me because I always thought these plants preferred moist, hummus-rich soil and shade. I can't believe where they are growing on Crete. Also, you are lucky to see them blooming. The long and smelly spathe only lasts a couple of days. This one is an outstanding specimen. Reply to this comment 6 years ago
Scott AndersonTo Bruce LellmanYou’re right about habitat, I think. They’re quite common here in the right conditions, but mostly shaded and dampish. What a dramatic plant though! Reply to this comment 6 years ago
Near the top of a saddle we look back at the tortured road we’ve climbed. Note between the trees the tandem rowing bike - the first time I’ve seen one of these contraptions. Reminds me of the pushmi-pullyou from Doctor Doolittle.
Andrea BrownThere are a zillion euphorbias but if this is native then it's probably Euphorbia characias. Reply to this comment 6 years ago
Scott AndersonLooks just right. I know I’ve seen this plant often in the Mediterranean, but never bothered to look it up. This is so much easier - thanks again! I think I’ll remember it better as a Mediterranean spurge though. Reply to this comment 6 years ago
After our eleven mile climb, we dropped through this gorge before another twelve mile climb up the other side, finally passing through the notch in the center of the range.
We stared up at this array of windmills for about an hour as we climbed out of the gorge to the left. Finally we reached them, curved around the lip of the gorge, and kept climbing.
Tired as we were by now, the final few miles of the climb were a delight. We had a good tailwind for the first time, and lots of company to keep our spirits up.
I was pleased with this photo, because I thought I was too late to capture the huge swarm of gulls that rose from the basin. In case you wonder about the mottled pavement, note that the plateau has a huge sheep population.
The White Mountains. Below is the pathway for the Samaria Gorge hike, one of the most famous gorge hikes in Europe. Just drop down to the low point, and then turn right and keep falling until reaching the sea at Ag Roumeli.
