The end of the ride - arrival in Chania

A full week has passed since Frank and I completed the cycle portion of the trip. We're missing the bikes, and could have quite happily continued, but very happy to now be spending time with David and Rosita in Chania and area.

The ride planned for the last day


So last Monday we rode the 66km from Sougia on the south coast, through the mountains to a campground in the city of Chania. We expected a hard day, but were pleasantly surprised that the 900m of net elevation gain was nicely spread over the distance and never got too steep. The first 30km was uphill. Once on top of the pass, it was a sweet 30km of downhill to the north coast.

Another reminder of Crete's tragic history. Just outside Sougia,
a memorial for residents who ended up in German concentration camps

Pleasant riding through villages



Local produce at roadside stand, includes
 local honey, grapes, raki and chestnuts



The route took us through an ever-changing landscape. It was all pretty rocky and dramatic but as we got higher, the ubiquitous olive trees were joined by pine trees, and as we got even higher, that's when the big chestnut trees started. Water became more available and there was actually green grass under the trees, so finally the goats had something more lush to eat.





Lines of beehives. You see them everywhere in Crete,
big honey producers


Getting up into the clouds, and chestnut trees



Almost at the top of the pass



On the descent once we dropped down to a couple of hundred feet elevation, the land changed to lush orange and lemon groves with walnut trees and vegetable farms. Various flowers all along the way kept things interesting.

What was great about this ride was that, once again, there was hardly any traffic. It wasn't until we got within about 5km of Chania city that the road got busier. The tranquility of the country roads was wonderful.

At camp in Chania. Feline company always provided

The crowds have left the campgrounds!
Beers were only €2 in the campground bar!


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