Greek islands and back, bike/rock climbing trip

[Ennerdale]

Hi all

 

I am.starting to plan a long tour to celebrate my retirement, this is my current pipedream.

 

Spend late set, early Oct making my way to Athens for a ferry to Kalymnos for a few weeks climbing. Leave the bike with a friend on the island and fly home late Nov.

Fly out late March for another period on the island, then ride home. This would avoid the worst of the weather.

My aim would be to pick up a few climbing spots on each journey. One journey would be through Italy and ferry to Greece, the other through the Balkans. I am flexible as to which to use outwards and return.

Has anyone done anything similar?

Any pitfalls in my plan?

Helpful hints?

Suggestions as to which route is best suited to outbound/return?

[bonio]

I'm not sure I'd consider crossing the Alps between mid September until the start of June; between those dates you're more likely to meet bad weather on the mountain passes. If you're happy to use the tunnels, you'd get yourself another month or so each side, but I can't see there's a lot of fun in breathing in everyone else's fumes for so long. You could avoid the Alps, though, by heading on down through France and crossing into Italy at Menton. Then you'll have warm weather all the way down to Bari (even if you get a few thunderstorms). I've not ridden in Italy; people say that, outside the mountains, the straight roads make it a bit dull. Dang Romans.

Your other route is to keep further north, heading east through Germany, and then over the Carpathians - they're half the height of the Alps, so easier to cross.  Aim for the hills in Germany, like the Harz mountains, and this could be great route.

Kalymnos is magical. Please don't tell anyone about it. (no, I'm not a climber).

Edited November 3, 2024 by bonio
Monpelier -> Menton

[Ennerdale]

Cheers, I hadn't considered that the Alps could be Snowbound then. I don't mind a tunnel one way, it would add some novelty value but, as you say the reality would be worse than the idea.

 

Don't worry, the secret is safe with me

[bonio]

Won't actually be snowbound in October, but it will be cool to cold, and you could find yourself in icy and snowy weather. The passes typically close in November, and open in May.