The Dekatria Project - Greece 2013: a 4400 mile ride to the Underworld

[DekatriaProject]

Fundraising the roof!

How's that for a horrible pun?

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. Amongst other things, it shows you the way to the all new StayClassy fundraising page 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?



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]

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.

[Sapadak]

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]

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.

[MikeG]

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.

[byron]

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]

Alright, thanks for the reassurance guys

[DekatriaProject]

In the latest update, I'm giving a rundown of my clothing apparel for this Summer. If you have any suggestions for additions to be made, feel free to let me know!

[DekatriaProject]

With the motorcycle season finally in full swing here in The Netherlands, time for some fresh poetic motorcycle propaganda!

[OnePiece]

Hello Greg and

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 And as the others said...beware of the roads( country roads especially ).Oook I think that I scared you enough
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 It's not that far from Ioannina after all,or so do I think

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
I just wrote a big message with no essential informations.I hope you didn't get tired or bored reading it
Here's a picture of Meteora

[DekatriaProject]

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]

Here's the second part on equipment; this time I'm taking you through the gear on the bike. Suggestions are welcome!

[OnePiece]

Nice

[DekatriaProject]

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!

[spyrakos35]

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