DAY 2 - Kato Pyrgos to Kakopetria

Duncan Vulcan!
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Next stop after Kato Pyrgos would be Kakopetria in the Solea Valley. Only one problem. Because we weren't allowed through the area occupied by the Turks we would have to detour via four (or five?) rather high passes. Once over each pass the road would fly down to the river and we were faced with yet another ascent to a pass and so on. It was a tough day - it was hot and water would be in very short supply as there were no villages in sight for miles!

Several members of the group were disappointed to find that the track had been replaced bay a tarmac road. To be honest, this disappointment was tempered somewhat by the realisation that the cycling would be easier so the 'purists'  didn't mind too much after all!

How many passes?

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Duncan made the most of one of the rest stops to remove the chainguard from his back wheel - with the aid of countless Swiss army tools and an assortment of other gadgets he was finally successful - in impersonating a Vulcan that is (see photo).

Colin, Paul and myself pushed on ahead of the rest of the group - a foolish move on my part as Colin and Paul made short work of even the steepest of climbs! I was glad of my granny gear!

Just as we were approaching meltdown, having run out of water and snacks we came across a taverna with a much needed energy boost of coke and a makeshift sandwich of bread, feta cheese, olives and tomatoes.

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We continued up the towards the Mill at Kakopetria - a 79km trip instead of the estimated 60km. The others had opted to be picked up from the main road - unbeknownst to us, we would be fined for our heroic attempt as the end point had been officially changed to the junction with the main road!

The Mill was bliss. The rooms were fantastic and Colin, paul and i made fulluse odf the en suite jacuzzis - at least those of us who could work it. I managed to soak the bathroom as I hadn't filled the bath above the jets - oops!

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This was the last night of real luxury but nmy god it was good!

Colin (the youngest) retired to watch a footy match but fell asleep before the end - obviously a serious fineable offence.