May 8, 2012
Moni Arkadi
For our layover day in Rethymnon, we took a loop ride to Arkadi monastery in the hills to the southeast. This was more or less a rest day, easing up a bit before crossing the island to the south. The route to Arkadi was a gradual 1700 foot climb that began as soon as we left the coast at Platanias. On the way back we bumped up and down a bit back to the coast at Stavromenos and then enjoyed a flat but busy ride back to Chania along the coast highway. Again we had fine but warm weather - we really have arrived at an excellent time for cycling. The monastery itself, a national monument to Cretan resistance to Turkish rule, made an interesting destination.
One unexpected highlight of the day came at Adehe when we crossed paths with Ken and Maria Cohen, a pair of fellow Bike Friday tourists. They were nearing completion of their loop of western Crete, and we enjoyed swapping notes with them. We felt a bit humbled though, seeing the loads they were hauling behind them in their suitcase/trailers. Hardier (and younger) stock than we are, I'm afraid!
Today's ride: 41 miles (66 km)
Total: 202 miles (325 km)
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