View Full Version : The Dekatria Project - Greece 2013: a 4400 mile ride to the Underworld
DekatriaProject
15/02/2013, 18:28
282135
Thousands of miles through Europe, from the Netherlands to Greece and back
Welcome.
Forgive me if this is in the wrong place on your forum - my knowledge of the Greek language leaves to be desired, but I figured this was one good way to pick a few things up along the way :)
Let me just tell you what this is about - the story is as important as the ride itself.
In 1996, when I was 10 years old, my best friend from the neighborhood (aged 11) committed suicide. When something like that happens at that young an age, you’re sad for a few months, and afterwards you go on happily with your life. Just like everything else happening to you as a kid you reckon that something like that is normal to happen, and don’t give it any further thought.
Until you become an adult, that is. Thirteen years later, in 2009, I had to do some college research into mourning high school students. I had picked the subject myself as I figured that with my own experience, it would be a doddle to do.
However, as I spoke to school counsellors about the subject, I came to realize that a death of someone close at a young age is not something normal. I suddenly understood I had been wrong for the past thirteen years, and that what happened in 1996 wasn’t done with me yet. Subsequently, a bomb went off inside my head, and eventually it threw me into a deep depression. This period seemed so endless, I more than once thought of putting an end to it myself.
Thankfully, both my close friends and family gave me all the love, support and attention I needed... it took lots of hard work and perseverance, but in May 2010, six months later and just weeks before my older brother got married, the storm finally settled. I had been lucky enough to go through hell, and come out the other end unscathed and stronger than ever... all thanks to those dearest to me.
Because of this, the number thirteen (the amount of years I lived in ignorance about probably the most important moment in my life) has become a symbol of endurance to me. To never surrender, to celebrate family and friendship, and commemorate those who haven’t been able to live their lives as they wished to. After all, it’s when the going gets tough that we really need someone close to us... and there’s alot of people out there who aren’t as lucky as I have been.
The Project
Now, ever since I was a kid I’ve been inexplicably obsessed about everything Greek, and subsequently it’s been a dream of mine to see your country itself one day. So coming out of that darkest of times, I thought it was about time I went and did something about it. I was going to get my motorcycle license, and ride to Greece. This became The Dekatria Project.
The project took off in October 2010 when I passed my Theory Exam. Almost exactly one year later I passed my final Driving Test, in July 2012 I did a 3500km (~2200 miles) training trip through Great Britain (twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2010/10/tour-of-great-britain.html) and now, it’s time for the big one. It’s time to bring all this preparation into practice, and turn the dream I almost took away from myself into actual reality.
The route (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.com/2011/05/route.html) will take me from my home in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to the southernmost point of continental Greece: Cape Tenaron, the mythical gate to the Ancient Greek Underworld where people would go if they wanted to visit the deceased.
After that I turn around, to go back home through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Altogether the journey will be around 7000km (or 4400 miles) in length, but I’ll probably go over it. I’m departing the 19th of July, hopefully entering Brindisi in Italy around the 27th. I then board the ferry to Greece, and from there on in I’ll probably take as much time as I want to, probably spending the first week of August in Greece before crossing the border into Albania.
[Continued in next post]
DekatriaProject
15/02/2013, 18:32
More than meets the eye
I also wanted to let the project always be part of something bigger than just my own dreams. I did the Tour of Britain (twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2010/10/tour-of-great-britain.html) in honour of my grandfather whose last wish it was to see Scotland, and for this trip, I contacted ‘To Write Love On Her Arms’ (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/helmet-plan.html). They’re a non-profit foundation from the US, dedicated to providing help to those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. On the trip, I’ll ask the people I meet to write the thing or person they love most in their lives on my helmet. Upon returning home, the helmet will then hopefully have become a written map of the journey, and it will subsequently be auctioned off during an auction night on Friday the 13th of September. The proceeds will then go to To Write Love On Her Arms.
Now, I’m aware that getting to this auction is a pain in the backside for any people overseas (which most of you probably are), so the week prior to auction night, I will also auction off three different project shirts on Ebay. Likewise, all proceeds will go to TWLOHA. (Further info will be posted on the site and in this thread in due time).
So, now that you know about the whole shebang, I hope you’ll enjoy reading the lead-up to (and report of) what has thus far proven to be the largest and most definitive undertaking of my life. As I’ve said to my own friends and family on numerous occasions: Thanks for being here, I really appreciate it.
Visit the website (http://www.thirteenreasons.nl) for The Road So Far, the Route, pictures and videos. If I can add some on the way photo-updates, they will be posted on the Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/thedekatriaproject) :D
Oh, and if you live somewhere on the route and would like to tag along, help out with accommodation or have got any tips you'd like to share, feel free to let me know :)
All the best,
Greg
Links:
The project website (http://www.thirteenreasons.nl)
The project on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/thedekatriaproject)
The project planning thread on ADVrider (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735942)
The Ride Report of the 2012 Tour of Great Britain (twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2010/10/tour-of-great-britain.html)
To Write Love On Her Arms (http://www.twloha.com)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJGDcdC48O4
282136
Cpt. Haddock
15/02/2013, 18:42
Welcome to the forum Greg, don't worry you 've posted in the right section of it. Good luck with the preps and all, we 'll keep following your journey down here (and back up). If you have any questions, please ask. Lots of us have been to the rest of the Balkans as well so we can provide you with further tips.
Cheers
Elias
:beer:
Welcome to moto.gr Greg, we are looking forward to welcoming you in Greece as well.
Since you plan to visit Athens, we could arrange to also meet in person with some of us...
It would be nice to "tag" you with a moto.gr sticker, wouldn't it?
There's enough time to organize things until July, I'm sure many of our e-friends will respond.
Thomas
:beer:
Welcome aboard Greg :beer:
DimChios
15/02/2013, 19:00
We all welcome you to the forum Greg and we are wishing you the best for your project!
Also, we 'll keep in touch to meet with you when you arrive in Athens!
:beer::beer::beer::beer:
Hello Greg! Welcome to Moto.GR. I wrote you also to advrider.com . If you need anything regarding the island of Crete you can contact me here or in advrider.com (I write there with the nick MikeTheMechanic). Also if you need any info about the country you can also contact me. By the way I believe you should also pay a visit to Crete, here is the southest point of Europe :D
So, keep us informed here!
:beer: :beer: :raki_power:
road spirit
15/02/2013, 19:26
Welcome aboard!
I've been watching you :smokin: , since the beginning of the "the dekatria project" thread in advrider.com.
Lioulios
15/02/2013, 19:28
Ηi Ggeg.
As the others said ...Wellcome here and as Mike said ,if you 're planing to visit the island of Creta ,you 'll not regreat it .
Good luck to the dekatria project of yours and have a nice whatever ...
:wave2:
DekatriaProject
15/02/2013, 19:54
Thanks for the kind words everyone :) nice to see you here too Mike, I just followed the link in your sig @ ADVrider :D
Since you plan to visit Athens, we could arrange to also meet in person with some of us...
It would be nice to "tag" you with a moto.gr sticker, wouldn't it?
There's enough time to organize things until July, I'm sure many of our e-friends will respond.
Seems like a great plan to me! I'll most likely enter Greece by the end of July, and arrive in Athens during the first week of August. Already looking forward to it!
spyrakos35
15/02/2013, 20:07
Dear Greg....
we will be watching and personally i hope to be able to ride with you in your greek route (at least at a part of it)....
we ll be in touch through the forum....
till then, :beer: mate!!!!!!!!!!!
RaGe_Raptor
15/02/2013, 20:09
it's really inspiring...the way u pick your projects...
DekatriaProject
15/02/2013, 20:34
Cheers spyrakos & gixxerman :cool:
Even though riding has been pretty much at a standstill for the past weeks due to the amount of frost passing over the Netherlands, the preparation is still chugging along nicely. I've got a cooling vest in, the replacement of the Drift has earned its first stripes, the first provisions for the trip are in as well and tomorrow the Alp is going to the garage to get the steering stem bearings replaced.
Luckily, the frost seems to have entered a 3 day lapse which is perfect to bring the beast back to life and get it to its garage appointment.
The beast itself had some trouble waking up after a 6 week nap (who wouldn't - 't was probably some moisture in the carbs), but eventually it fired up and all was well. I took the liberty of shooting the first on-board images with the new cam, and the Ghost is doing a top job. The sound is way better (you can hear alot more with alot less windnoise) and the images themselves seem alot crisper too. I'll put a up a short clip on the Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/thedekatriaproject) tomorrow give you an idea :deal
There's a few things I keep thinking about when it comes to this Summer's trip, apart from all the things that still need to be done.
Ever since the project took off in 2010, I've been thinking about how it would feel like riding off the ferry into the country I'd dreamt about for my entire life. A moment which will probably stick with me for the rest of my days.
I can only really compare it to the moment I rode back into Harwich this Summer after a harrowing 2200 mile journey through Britain; I can't really describe what happens to you - you just feel that everything you sacrificed, everything you had to endure up until that moment was completely worth it... and you cannot help but be overcome by a strange ecstatic mix of emotions. Last Summer I subsequently had to do my very best to keep the beast on the road.
Seems to me then that the eventual disembarkment this Summer will probably result in a crash of some kind, hahahaha (*knocks on wood*).
Five months to go. It goes quicker than I thought.
Ever since the project took off in 2010, I've been thinking about how it would feel like riding off the ferry into the country I'd dreamt about for my entire life. A moment which will probably stick with me for the rest of my days.
.
Very very VERY slippery.
Roads here are nothing like you 've used to in NL, or what you saw in GB. They are much worse, so have that in your mind.
ps
Welcome mate
zandesiro
15/02/2013, 20:49
Hi Greg.....
I am very glad to see your post here in moto.gr!!
I hope to see you in Halkidiki-Polygyros if your way comes through there!
Do you have my greetings from Wandering wosly (stevens) brother??I hope you do!
You know that Steven stays in my house for one night when he has in his way back home from around black sea?
Cheers, zandesiro....
DekatriaProject
15/02/2013, 20:57
He said hello for you to me, yeah :) good to see you here Giannis!
Not sure whether I'll pass through Halkidiki, but it soudns awefully tempting :D
blackbusa
16/02/2013, 01:14
hello mate...for further infos contact this user...http://www.moto.gr/forums/member.php?u=2417...he lives in Utrecht...;)
Hello!
Nice having you here!
I wish you the best on your trip and life in general.
Near your departure date be sure to ask for contact details on this thread, I'm sure many members all around Greece will come to your aid if needed.
Happy planning!
Hi Greg!
Are you planning to visit Ancient Olympia? I'll be there hopefully at 12th August.
If you want a private tour just let me know.
Cheers, Babis.
Cpt. Haddock
16/02/2013, 06:11
hello mate...for further infos contact this user...http://www.moto.gr/forums/member.php?u=2417...he lives in Utrecht...;)
Not anymore ;)
DekatriaProject
16/02/2013, 07:22
Hi Greg!
Are you planning to visit Ancient Olympia? I'll be there hopefully at 12th August.
If you want a private tour just let me know.
Cheers, Babis.
I'm thinking of going there, but I'll probably be there a week earlier. A private tour sounds great though :D
spyrakos35
16/02/2013, 07:55
keep in mind that in greece its warm....hot....
especially all the way from kalamatas - tenaro and back due to the lack of the trees may be hot as hell (the whole area is called mani)........
so i would suggest you to have summer motorcycle clothes with air vents (both pants and jackets)....
also....
watching the map, you pass by wonderful places that you should meet....
may be you should let someone (or cooperate with someone) try to make you a map with points that are must to be visited....
MG-KTiNoS
16/02/2013, 08:30
You wellcome!
:beer:
hi Creg, welcome aboard.
regarding your plans i m amazed.
respect for the way you r dealing with life!
jealousing for the way you r making your decisions!
please keep us informed about your moves, and as was previous told, we ll be happy to meeting you and helping you with your plans as long as you arrive here and further.
so KEEP ON ROKKING, you and your gorgeous Alp!!!
bring the beast back to life
Greg, i think you're exaggerating a little...:tooth: :tooth:
welcoming you in Greece!!!!:beer::beer::beer:
DekatriaProject
16/02/2013, 09:40
Once again, thanks for the kind words everyone!
keep in mind that in greece its warm....hot....
especially all the way from kalamatas - tenaro and back due to the lack of the trees may be hot as hell (the whole area is called mani)........
so i would suggest you to have summer motorcycle clothes with air vents (both pants and jackets)....
Way ahead of you :) my apparel for this Summer consists of a light, heavily vented suit with a cooling vest underneath. The only thing I still need to work out is a drinking system - the bottle I keep in my tankbag won't be sufficient, but I don't really like riding with a backpack so using my Camelbak in the usual manner doesn't seem like a good idea. Rest assured, I'm surely not expecting this to be anything like the climates I've ridden in so far :)
watching the map, you pass by wonderful places that you should meet....
may be you should let someone (or cooperate with someone) try to make you a map with points that are must to be visited....
Great idea! So far, the route through Greece will start in Igoumenitsa, then go down over the West coast toward Tenaron, after which I got up again through Sparta and Nafplio to Athens. After that, I only have Delphi, Thermopyleis and Marathonas in the planning... it sorta depends on how things go then. I'm all open to suggestions though :) Mt. Olympos seems a good one.
Greg, i think you're exaggerating a little...:tooth: :tooth:
Probably, but that just makes it more fun :D
spyrakos35
16/02/2013, 10:00
how many days you plan to spend in greece....
from igoumenitsa (arrival date, time?) to the last night (where you plan to spend the night?)....
also, whats the point?
to get to the places you wanna meet the faster/easier way (autoroutes) or to get there by the "local roads"?
just to have a clue for the map....
DekatriaProject
16/02/2013, 10:10
The way I liked it in Britain last year was that I would have set destinations for the day, and the way of getting there was something I'd determine on the way. As you all probably know, roads can be just as (or even more) important as the things they lead to :) good riding roads, or roads that go through good scenery are all worthy additions!
So if you've got any good roads to suggest, I'm all ears!
Welcome to the forum Greg! I hope you enjoy your long journey throughout Europe!! Since you arrive in Igoumenitsa there are a lot of scenic routes for you to follow. Be carefull of the main surfaced roads in west Peloponnese coast because of the bad grip. Be particularly careful when driving in rainy conditions. It is not unusual to fall into a puddle while driving in a secondary road :eek:. Also lack of signage is something common in greek roads and should keep you aware! Hope your dreams for this journey come true!! :)
Cheers!! :beer:
sapila racing
16/02/2013, 11:06
Welcome to moto.gr Greg.
I'm sure you will feel really welcome when you arrive here!
Please take seriously the warnings about the roads and the drivers, it's different than in Holland or UK.
Have a nice trip! :beer:
DekatriaProject
16/02/2013, 11:27
I've seen some footage from bikers in the area, where I could see the backwheel just skidding away as if the road was made out of soap. Looked scary I must say, hopefully I'll be OK. Any tips on handling such road conditions?
It surely isn't gonna keep me from coming though :)
I've seen some footage from bikers in the area, where I could see the backwheel just skidding away as if the road was made out of soap. Looked scary I must say, hopefully I'll be OK. Any tips on handling such road conditions?
Use tyres in good condition, low gear position on slippery roads as a skidding countermeasure and don`t overdo it! ;)
It surely isn't gonna keep me from coming though :)
Now you get on the right track for this journey!! :a18:
Any tips on handling such road conditions?
I think we've scared you enough, so you'll be ok. :lol:Just keep always in mind that greek roads suck..
Welcome to moto.gr :beer:
I've seen some footage from bikers in the area, where I could see the backwheel just skidding away as if the road was made out of soap. Looked scary I must say, hopefully I'll be OK. Any tips on handling such road conditions?
It surely isn't gonna keep me from coming though :)
Its not so bad Greg but you should be alerted especially if you ride on secondary roads. Thousands of motorcyclists travel across Greece every summer without problems.
PS. No worries about the water. Yes, its hot during August but you'll pass through villages during your trip, so you can buy bottled water (cheap) or fill up from a fountain
nice to see u here also Greg,good luck with your project.
of course u will survive from our roads but u should also be worried about the other users of the roads [car drivers,motorcyclists,pedestrians(!)].
unfortunately,we'r not as conscious as we should when we r driving/riding/walking here in Greece.
anyway,looking forward
:wave2:
AUFGEBRACHT
16/02/2013, 12:12
Welcome to moto.gr Greg :wave2: the motto of Rotterdam's city "Sterker door strijd" has become your personal motto too... we are looking forward to seeing you in Greece
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpsH1HcaDY0&feature=feedu
:D
Welcome aboard Greg.
:beer:
akis_trevor
16/02/2013, 13:44
welcome greg!!!for any help near patras we are here!!!:beer::beer::beer:
DekatriaProject
16/02/2013, 14:04
Its not so bad Greg but you should be alerted especially if you ride on secondary roads. Thousands of motorcyclists travel across Greece every summer without problems.
PS. No worries about the water. Yes, its hot during August but you'll pass through villages during your trip, so you can buy bottled water (cheap) or fill up from a fountain
Allright, cool. I merely mentioned it as the only problem is the amount of water I can take with me ofcourse - the Camelbak takes 2L, and then there's a 2L jerrycan in one of my panniers for any other uses. The bottle I took with me in Britain was 0.5L, which ofcourse is not even nearly enough.
nice to see u here also Greg,good luck with your project.
of course u will survive from our roads but u should also be worried about the other users of the roads [car drivers,motorcyclists,pedestrians(!)].
unfortunately,we'r not as conscious as we should when we r driving/riding/walking here in Greece.
anyway,looking forward
Good to see you here too! I hope that by the point I enter Greece, I've become a bit more streetwise from those mental Italians...
Welcome to moto.gr Greg :wave2: the motto of Rotterdam's city "Sterker door strijd" has become your personal motto too... we are looking forward to seeing you in Greece
It sure has :) thanks!
welcome greg!!!for any help near patras we are here!!!:beer::beer::beer:
I'm actually passing through Patras at some point. Any help is more than welcome!! :D
john the son@
16/02/2013, 15:28
hi greg and welcome to moto.gr
I hope yoy have a great time in Greece.
If you pass through Thrace it would be great to meet you to have a coffee or to ride at Thrace mountains.
Cheers
Hello Greg and good luck with your project from me, too!
For any help or question for north Greece and especially Thessaloniki and Halkidiki you can ask me at any time!
All motorcyclists from here would be glad to meet you!
Hope you'll make a small change to your route plan and pass from Thessaloniki ;) but in any case ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!
:beer:
dimmie_72
17/02/2013, 02:33
I've seen some footage from bikers in the area, where I could see the backwheel just skidding away as if the road was made out of soap. Looked scary I must say, hopefully I'll be OK. Any tips on handling such road conditions?
It surely isn't gonna keep me from coming though :)
Hopefully and particularly since you plan your way back trip thgough Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, :eek:
any backwheel handling considerations, especially in summer months, look like preparatory course for what you are going to be facing afterwards........:rolleyes:
I'm thinking of going there, but I'll probably be there a week earlier. A private tour sounds great though :D
I'm sorry mate but i won't be there earlier. If my plans change i'll let you know...
spyrakos35
17/02/2013, 21:01
look for
mystras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras)
spilaia dirou (http://www.greeklandscapes.com/greece/peloponnese05_diros.html)
agia theodora (vastas arkadias) (http://www.neromylos-nikola.gr/Saint-Theodora.htm)
HERCAKOS
18/02/2013, 02:57
welcome to moto.gr
since my family is from the village pirgos dirou which is the village where diros caves are. im thinking since your project has to do with the mythology of hades and the underworld you should visit the caves as there it was suposed to be the entrance.
http://www.greeklandscapes.com/greece/peloponnese05_diros.html
DekatriaProject
18/02/2013, 09:29
Thanks again for all the warm welcoming guys, it's appreciated :)
Hopefully and particularly since you plan your way back trip thgough Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, :eek:
any backwheel handling considerations, especially in summer months, look like preparatory course for what you are going to be facing afterwards........:rolleyes:
I've heard a thing or two about the roads there yeah.. proceed with caution seems the name of the day :D
since my family is from the village pirgos dirou which is the village where diros caves are. im thinking since your project has to do with the mythology of hades and the underworld you should visit the caves as there it was suposed to be the entrance.
http://www.greeklandscapes.com/greece/peloponnese05_diros.html
That's a great tip, thanks! I'll make sure to make a visit when I'm there :)
spyrakos35
18/02/2013, 10:30
look for
mystras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras)
spilaia dirou (http://www.greeklandscapes.com/greece/peloponnese05_diros.html)
agia theodora (vastas arkadias) (http://www.neromylos-nikola.gr/Saint-Theodora.htm)
..........
That's a great tip, thanks! I'll make sure to make a visit when I'm there :)
you didnt notice the links, did you?
DekatriaProject
18/02/2013, 10:53
you didnt notice the links, did you?
Sorry I must've missed them by mistake :dizzy: quite some interesting places I didn't know about, so those are more than welcome :D
DekatriaProject
26/02/2013, 17:02
These past two weeks I was on the search for some extra information regarding Greece, but what followed exceeded my wildest expectations - I have been truly overwhelmed by Greek people not only supplying me with new sights to see, but also willing to lend a hand, spreading the word as they do so. This true testament to the Greek hospitable nature has quite left me speechless, and leaves me wondering what awaits me when I arrive there.
Now even though it will still take months for the journey to start I thought a sneak-preview was in good order, so here's a glimpse of the helmet I am to wear. It bears an appropriate quote from one of my favorite books, Petrarch's Canzoniere.
I salute you. Glad you're here.
283280
Drake Ramore
26/02/2013, 17:22
Welcome mate!
Have a safe journey!:beer:
DekatriaProject
27/02/2013, 09:58
Welcome mate!
Have a safe journey!:beer:
Thanks mate, I'll make sure I do :)
leaves me wondering what awaits me when I arrive there.
Beware of raki, tsipouro, ouzo and all these transparent liquids, and you'll be fine :D
DekatriaProject
27/02/2013, 13:45
Beware of raki, tsipouro, ouzo and all these transparent liquids, and you'll be fine :D
My first encounter with ouzo was of such a nature that I swore never to drink any spirits again... so I guess I've already learned it the hard way :D
My first encounter with ouzo was of such a nature that I swore never to drink any spirits again... so I guess I've already learned it the hard way :D
We have done that also, many many times...:lol:
chr1s_86
27/02/2013, 19:28
:welcome:
DekatriaProject
27/02/2013, 21:04
We have done that also, many many times...:lol:
Hahaha I can imagine :D wine is OK, but when it comes to that lighterfuel it's just a step too far really :lol:
And cheers Chris!
jorge's garage
01/03/2013, 00:41
Welcome friend.If you come in athens try to arange a coffee meeting with the members of moto.gr (as much as possible :) )! I will be at nederlands-maastricht from 10-20 march to 10-20 of aprill, if you want come by for a coffee there too ;) cheers mate!!!!! :beer: :beer::beer:
DekatriaProject
01/03/2013, 09:50
Welcome friend.If you come in athens try to arange a coffee meeting with the members of moto.gr (as much as possible :) )! I will be at nederlands-maastricht from 10-20 march to 10-20 of aprill, if you want come by for a coffee there too ;) cheers mate!!!!! :beer: :beer::beer:
That meeting in Athens has got to happen I reckon... I was planning to stay there for a two nights, to get a good look of the city and shake some hands while I'm at it :D
Maastricht is quite a long way by the way, but if the weather's nice, who knows :)
Lioulios
01/03/2013, 16:32
I just wanted to inform you , that its not an option to visit the country without drinking spirits .
spyrakos35
01/03/2013, 19:04
I just wanted to inform you , that its not an option to visit the country without drinking spirits .
a Cretan speaking!!! :lol:
DekatriaProject
01/03/2013, 21:16
I just wanted to inform you , that its not an option to visit the country without drinking spirits .
You do know I also have to ride back to Holland again, right? :lol:
Lioulios
02/03/2013, 00:29
Yea , but you aint gona spend all of your time riding ...
... You 're going to run out of gas , couse it will not be possible to find gas that time ...you 're going to miss your boat couse it might be a strike ...you never know .
What you 're planning to do ,the time that you decided to do it.... will be realy an adventure for you .
After all theese ...You need a shot with spirit to calm you ...I belive .
:evil:
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 00:42
Yea , but you aint gona spend all of your time riding ...
... You 're going to run out of gas , couse it will not be possible to find gas that time ...you 're going to miss your boat couse it might be a strike ...you never know .
What you 're planning to do ,the time that you decided to do it.... will be realy an adventure for you .
After all theese ...You need a shot with spirit to calm you ...I belive .
:evil:
So after having bluffed myself through a striking ferry workforce I enter a country without gas stations, on roads where I don't even need other people to be in danger, all to go to a shadeless place in the middle of summer where people want to get me drunk.
Sounds like the perfect holiday then :lol:
Lioulios
02/03/2013, 01:11
Just put in your bagage your bigest smile .
Take care yourself and be carefull on the street and the street as they told you before . Everything will go good !!
...And whenever you 're going to face problems ,open the bagage , take out your bigest smile and start spiritING ... The only way not to loose your mood .
...You'll see.
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 10:19
Oh don't worry there - I've been working toward this for 3 years, I'm not going to surrender this easily :D
Over the years, alot of people around me raised doubts at my plans to go to Greece as most news bulletins reported of the social unrest and whatnot. Others tend to make the (increasingly lamer getting) joke 'that I'm bringing even more money to Greece'.
I don't care what people say -there's only one Greece, and they'll have to kill me if they want to keep me from going there.
Oh don't worry there - I've been working toward this for 3 years, I'm not going to surrender this easily :D
Over the years, alot of people around me raised doubts at my plans to go to Greece as most news bulletins reported of the social unrest and whatnot. Others tend to make the (increasingly lamer getting) joke 'that I'm bringing even more money to Greece'.
I don't care what people say -there's only one Greece, and they'll have to kill me if they want to keep me from going there.
I meet people across Europe who heard the same prejustist reports from news and TV. Some reports especially from Germany, UK and Holland similarize Greece with the uprising and the civil war of Syria, Lybia Egypt etc which is not true of course.
Thousands of Greeks have staged a protest against the government's austerity measures especially last year, and a lot of clashes between them and police around the Greek Parliament occured, because Greeks lost 30-40% of their salary in a year, and the country typically bankrupt.
It has nothing to do with tourists. We are poorer in money terms, but we remain as we used to be.
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 17:14
I meet people across Europe who heard the same prejustist reports from news and TV. Some reports especially from Germany, UK and Holland similarize Greece with the uprising and the civil war of Syria, Lybia Egypt etc which is not true of course.
Thousands of Greeks have staged a protest against the government's austerity measures especially last year, and a lot of clashes between them and police around the Greek Parliament occured, because Greeks lost 30-40% of their salary in a year, and the country typically bankrupt.
It has nothing to do with tourists. We are poorer in money terms, but we remain as we used to be.
Oh you don't have to tell me :) over here they haven't drawn any parallels between Greek unrest and the Arabic Spring in the news, it's either 'take-a-look-at-all-the-riots' or 'yet-more-money-is-sent-to-Greece' which spark the remarks I get from some people.
Bottom line, I couldn't care less what others say. It's not gonna keep me from going :D
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 18:40
Fresh update (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2013/03/kicking-it-oldschool.html) by the way :cool:
Oh you don't have to tell me :) over here they haven't drawn any parallels between Greek unrest and the Arabic Spring in the news, it's either 'take-a-look-at-all-the-riots' or 'yet-more-money-is-sent-to-Greece' which spark the remarks I get from some people.
Actually, its a long term loan and we have to pay interest payments annually as we did a few days ago. ECB and France agreed to channel profits from the SMP programme back to Athens but the rest of our lenders kept the profit of these bonds. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch as our friends in Europe believe.
A couple of months ago, I met some guys from Luxemburg and Belgium and they 've been told that Athens was (almost) a war zone :tooth:
:beer:
Fresh update (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2013/03/kicking-it-oldschool.html) by the way :cool:
Why dont you return home through FYROM, Serbia etc, instead of Albania? It would be easier i believe.
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 19:25
Why dont you return home through FYROM, Serbia etc, instead of Albania? It would be easier i believe.
Albania interests me in some way, mainly its history. It's another one of those countries I just want to see for once, I guess :D
Albania interests me in some way, mainly its history. :D
You mean WWII history or as a part of Othoman empire? Albania has 100 years history Greg, but know better :wave2:
DekatriaProject
02/03/2013, 21:22
You mean WWII history or as a part of Othoman empire? Albania has 100 years history Greg, but know better :wave2:
Ofcourse Greece is unparalleled when it comes to history :p But as far's Albania concerned it's mainly post WW2 - the stories about Hoxha and how Albania has been trying to recover from that past I've always found fascinating. Besides that, not an awful lot of people I've spoken to seem to know alot about the country, sparking my curiosity even more :)
DekatriaProject
19/03/2013, 17:20
Fundraising the roof! (Fundraising the roof!l)
How's that for a horrible pun? :D
With four months until lift-off, I thought it would be nice to make the fundraising a little more concrete. Henceforth, I opened up a 'Donate'-section on the site (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.com/1996/11/donate.html). Amongst other things, it shows you the way to the all new StayClassy fundraising page (http://www.stayclassy.org/thedekatriaproject) where you can already contribute with some of your precious hard-earned cash. When the Ebay auctions start in September I will put all the respective Ebay links on the Donate page as well. So spread the word!
Speaking of which, I've also made the decision to make the helmet auction an international affair, and put it on Ebay alongside the other auctions. This way, all of you followers abroad will have a chance to pitch in as well, and maybe earn yourself the helmet. How awesome is that? :)
285199
In other news, riding has sort of resumed the past week... the only bad thing is that the Spring here in the Netherlands seems to have trouble waking up. Temperatures continue to balance around zero degrees, making the riding a tiptoe kind of thing as one of my golden rules for riding safety is not to bother when temperatures get below zero. Too much risk for slippery surfaces and road salt. I can deal with rain, hail and everything else the weather throws at me, but freezing temperatures are just a big no-no.
So I expect some rising temperatures the coming days. This has gone on for long enough!
DekatriaProject
02/04/2013, 20:40
My Greek compadres, it seems that I'm in need of assistance.
During my drive through Great Britain I noticed that my rear tire wore more rapidly than expected - upon arrival home the tire was right down (and just over) the legal limit. It had done 8000km, 4200 of which had been fully loaded. It's currently on a fresh set and prior to the trip it'll get new shoes again, but I know that this Summer I'm likely to run into the same problem eventually... so I've tried looking for substitutes which would be able to survive 7000-8000km fully loaded without a problem.
It seems however that when it comes to tires Michelin's Anakee 2 is the best I can manage for my bike. Others have worse road behavior and/or worse wear.
This brings me to the following - it is then likely that when I get to Greece, I will be in need of fresh rubber. The front will probably last for the entire trip, but the rear probably won't... so I need a pit stop. This can be anywhere in Greece as far's I'm concerned, as long as they can supply the tire I need (Michelin Anakee 2 120/90 -17 64S TT) and they're willing to change it. I can remove the wheel from the bike myself, the rest will be decidedly more delicate.
Any thoughts? Ευχαριστω.
My Greek compadres, it seems that I'm in need of assistance.
During my drive through Great Britain I noticed that my rear tire wore more rapidly than expected - upon arrival home the tire was right down (and just over) the legal limit. It had done 8000km, 4200 of which had been fully loaded. It's currently on a fresh set and prior to the trip it'll get new shoes again, but I know that this Summer I'm likely to run into the same problem eventually... so I've tried looking for substitutes which would be able to survive 7000-8000km fully loaded without a problem.
It seems however that when it comes to tires Michelin's Anakee 2 is the best I can manage for my bike. Others have worse road behavior and/or worse wear.
This brings me to the following - it is then likely that when I get to Greece, I will be in need of fresh rubber. The front will probably last for the entire trip, but the rear probably won't... so I need a pit stop. This can be anywhere in Greece as far's I'm concerned, as long as they can supply the tire I need (Michelin Anakee 2 120/90 -17 64S TT) and they're willing to change it. I can remove the wheel from the bike myself, the rest will be decidedly more delicate.
Any thoughts? Ευχαριστω.
As long as this will not happend around the middle of August there will not be a problem to change the rear tire
DekatriaProject
02/04/2013, 21:11
As long as this will not happend around the middle of August there will not be a problem to change the rear tire
First week of August most probably.
First week of August most probably.
You will have no problem finding and putting on the tire you want. Also you can post here when the day comes and for sure somebody will help you. Athens is full of motorcycle tire shops.
First week of August most probably.
Ι dont think you should worry about that. We will find an open tyre shop, at least in Athens.
DekatriaProject
02/04/2013, 22:24
Alright, thanks for the reassurance guys :)
DekatriaProject
12/04/2013, 18:01
In the latest update, I'm giving a rundown (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2013/04/cloths-of-heaven.html) of my clothing apparel for this Summer. If you have any suggestions for additions to be made, feel free to let me know! :)
DekatriaProject
05/05/2013, 22:32
With the motorcycle season finally in full swing here in The Netherlands, time for some fresh poetic motorcycle propaganda! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzhnIVSpfL8
OnePiece
06/05/2013, 22:34
Hello Greg and :welcome:
I find your project really interesting, and in some way I envy you :)
I wish you a good trip and of course to reach Greece safely.It's going to be a tough trip and a loooong long trip.I hope that you'll enjoy the trip in our country.You chose the best season to visit Greece.
BUT.....be carefull not to get dehydrated due to the high temperatures :lol: And as the others said...beware of the roads( country roads especially :uplate:).Oook I think that I scared you enough :lol:
I know that you've already arranged your route through Greece but let me give you some tips-advices-suggestions.First of all,since you're going to Igoumenitsa, it would be nice if you could visit Corfu,and especially its' capital Kerkyra.
But,more importanlty you shouldn't miss,by NO means Meteora.Probably one of the best places you can see in Greece.You won't regret it and I think that every Greek can guarantee about that :D It's not that far from Ioannina after all,or so do I think :a30:
Hopefully,you'll enjoy your visit in our country and "spread" the good word for us ;) You see, the media of our "friends" in the EU have spoiled our image.They present Greeks in a way that doesn't represent our true characters,our true identity.We are not thieves,nor lazy and of course there's no war or civil war or whatever.Although being in a way "poor",we continue to live the way we used to :)
Once again have a pleasant and safe trip.I live in Patras and I'd really like to ride alongside you(since Patras is on your way) until Olympia and then leave you in the safe hands of HERCAKOS(member of the forum) but the problem is that I'm 17,I'm still going to senior highschool and have no motorcycle...yet :lol:
I just wrote a big message with no essential informations.I hope you didn't get tired or bored reading it :rolleyes:
Here's a picture of Meteora 289168
DekatriaProject
06/05/2013, 22:59
Let's hope hat when I'm there, you'll have at least a motorcycle of your own :)
Thanks for the info!! Meteora looks stunning.
DekatriaProject
09/05/2013, 19:13
Here's the second part on equipment (http://twowheelsthirteenreasons.blogspot.nl/2013/05/a-beast-fable.html); this time I'm taking you through the gear on the bike. Suggestions are welcome! :)
OnePiece
15/05/2013, 22:25
Nice :a30:
DekatriaProject
25/05/2013, 12:13
My Greek brethren! I've made a loose schedule of when I'm going to be where in Greece this Summer - if you'd like to tag along or have possible accommodation available around said destinations (all I need is a place to pitch my tent), please feel free to join in :)
Arrival: 30th of July, Igoumenitsa (accomm. sorted, thanks alot Angelos!)
31st of July, ride towards Patras area (riding alongside Angelos)
1st of August, ride towards Kalamata area
2nd of August ride towards Cape Tenaro
3rd of August, ride towards Athens
4th of August, ride towards Lamia/Thermopyleis
5th of August, ride towards Thessaloniki
6th of August (open to suggestions!)
7th of August, cross border into Albania, towards Durrës
Let me hear ya! :D
spyrakos35
25/05/2013, 12:32
if you plan getting to Cape Tenaro you ll need to spend one more day to "kalamatas area". once you get to the cape, you have to walk for about 45minutes to get there.... and dont forget.... will be summertime
a more precise schedule would be more helpful
DekatriaProject
25/05/2013, 12:35
Ah, good suggestion. I changed it around a little bit.
spyrakos35
25/05/2013, 12:39
good....
now, let us know your from athens to igoumenitsa route to get an idea....
DekatriaProject
25/05/2013, 14:05
good....
now, let us know your from athens to igoumenitsa route to get an idea....
That's just the thing, as far's I'm concerned I'm all open to your suggestions on that one. Meteora and Thessaloniki maybe?
Here is a suggestion. From Grevena you can go to Kastoria or Prespa Lake, Saint Achilios small island in the lake. Then from Krystalopigi you can go to Albania.
http://goo.gl/maps/1J1cV
DekatriaProject
25/05/2013, 14:47
That's also a good one - a Serbian colleague of my father's recommended doing a short leg into Macedonia, past them two big lakes around the Albanian border. I think however I'm going to have a run from Lamia toward Thessaloniki, and continue from there :)
I can see now that the most difficult thing will be choosing between all of the beauty in Northern Greece. So much to see so little time, hahaha!
spyrakos35
25/05/2013, 17:14
............ I think however I'm going to have a run from Lamia toward Thessaloniki, and continue from there :)
what for?
the route suggested by Mikeg is a really good one!!!
DekatriaProject
25/05/2013, 17:20
what for?
the route suggested by Mikeg is a really good one!!!
I didn't say I was going to skip his route entirely :D I really want to see Meteora, so I'm going to do my best and make a visit.
DekatriaProject
31/05/2013, 17:15
Right guys, it seems I might need some assistance around Thessaloniki the 5th of August. The Alp will need some new tires then, and possibly I'll spend an extra day there. So if anyone's got a space for me to pitch my tent or spend the night, let me know :)
Right guys, it seems I might need some assistance around Thessaloniki. The Alp will need some new tires then, and possibly I'll spend an extra day there. So if anyone's got a space for me to pitch my tent or spend the night, let me know :)
Go pitch a tent somewhere in the area of "A" on the map below.Then,first thing the next morning is riding to a shop in Thessaloniki for the tyre change (It's only a one hour ride).
Make sure to make some calls a few days earlier of your arrival if you have specific preferances in tyres.
291794
DekatriaProject
31/05/2013, 23:01
That area looks filled with camp sites. Should be a good alternative :)
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