12 days, 3,500 km, 5 countries, and a 999: Greece - Poland, Aug. 2007 - Ducati.ms

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 3:19 am

So, the time has come for me to write about my little trip around Europe this past summer; it may be quite small by a seasoned biker's standards, but for me it was a great big adventure!

Where do I begin?
From the joy of riding on open roads?
From the incredible sights in so many countries?
From the endless winding roads snaking through lush green forests and mountains?
From the WONDERFUL people I had the pleasure of meeting?
From the hospitality and the care they graced me with?

I think I'll start with a BIG THANK YOU.
This trip was a gift for me, but most of all it restored my faith in people. They welcomed me with open arms, they put me up in their homes, they gave me their time and attention, and all of that without asking for nothing in return! For them, just going there was enough. For me it was their smiles!

I hope through the following pictures and story I will be able to take you traveling where I did.

I hope through the following pictures and story I will take you traveling where I did.

So put on this wonderful song by The Suede, and enjoy...

Notes, comments and anything else are highly encouraged!

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 3:51 am

They say that every great journey starts with a small step.
For me this was a dream I had ever since I was a kid and I watched all the bikers with their big tourers go though small cities in the summer... One day I would do this!

But this was also a personal matter to me. Having had a bad year so far, I wanted to get away from it all; just me and my bike! And who says superbikes don't travel? It was time to prove to all naysayers that anything is possible, as long as you want it.

And Poland seemed as good a destination as any; Pawel, my mate in Wroclaw had been insisting on me going there for ages, so why not?

So, after month spent route planning, ferry ticket buying, and bike preparing, the time had come! I was actually going to do it! I almost couldn't believe it. I would leave home, but not for a blast around the twisties as usual, but for a great big 12-day long adventure!

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 3:54 am

Baggage all packed, a final check though the bike's papers, passport, wallet, mobile phone, emergency numbers, cameras, MP3 player - everything was ready.

I was just starting to load the bike, when the phone rang.

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:12 am

It was my mate, Panos:

- Hey! I got an idea. Since you are going to Igoumenitsa (some 550 km to the north of Athens) to take the ferry on Tuesday, why don't we go to Corfu (famous island right across Igoumenitsa) for the weekend? You can leave directly from there!

- Good idea! I'm in! I'll meet you half way there, in Patra!

I finish up with the checks and I'm off! En route, I realise I have a great big smile stuck on my face!

I don't know if I can describe this feeling, but there is something really special when you set off for a big journey... You are heading for an adventure out there and it is just .....incredible!

I meet up with my friend and continue riding towards Igoumenitsa. The plan is to get to the port and from there get across to Corfu by ferry.
The route is wonderful with a lot of twisties, on which I now have to be somewhat careful, due to the baggage; they are not upsetting the bike's composure much, but I don't want to up the pace for fear of something falling off!

As we started late to begin with (my fault) we end up reaching the port at 11.30 pm. A quick check at the ferry's timetables tells us we have a bit of a problem, since the next ferry is at 3 am.

Oh well, so be it! We grab something to eat, and we do a little leg stretching as we wait for the time to go by.

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:28 am

At 3 am we get on the small ferry and we crash on the little sofas on the main deck. Finally, and at about 5 am we reach our final destination -dead tired, but very happy knowing that we will finally rest!

The weekend went by nicely, but my mind was on what lay ahead... Corfu island was packed with tourists and just hanging out with mates gave me a long needed rest.

Monday night comes and it is almost time; Tuesday morning at 6 am the ship is leaving port and I need to be on it! My mate's friends are making supper and I'm loading the bike once more -this time I need to be extra careful! Having stuff flying off in the middle of the Alps is the last thing I need!

I look over the bike, wax the chain, check oil! She's looking as good as ever!
When everything was ready, it was like a heavy load was lifted from my shoulders! In a few hours I was beginning my big trip!

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:33 am

Day 1. Corfu - Venice

The sound of the alarm at 5 am brought a wide smile on my face. I got up and started putting on my suit.
My mate came downstairs to see me off:
- Be careful.
- Always mate!

I walked outside enjoying the early morning chill. My black beauty was glimmering in the dark, all ready for our adventure!
I start her up and we move slowly in the empty avenues of the town, enjoying the morning breeze and the quietness of the moment. "It's just you and me now baby"....

Lars · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:40 am

And?

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:40 am

In the port, there's a lot of people waiting for the ship, and in the front of the queue I spot 2 bikers on a blue Suzuki SV650. I stop next to them and they smile:
- Ciao! Nice bike!
- Thanks! Your's is nice too!

The guys are from Italy and they were on the island on vacation. They ask me where I'm headed. On hearing that I'm going to Poland and that I'm riding solo they stare and say "Mamma mia! Big trip!"

We laugh and I tell them that this is something I owe to myself to do, and they immediately nod in understanding. Sometimes you got to do, what you got to do....

It's dawning, and the ship is coming in. I stop and let the moment sink in... The colours, the smells, the sounds...

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:44 am

I secure the bike and go upstairs. In all the hallways, staircases and just about everywhere, I see hundreds of sleeping bags and all sorts of people. Some are sleeping, some are talking, some are listening to music or goofing off... It's like a big party!

I reach the open deck, get myself a cup of coffee and sit back on the benches as I watch the land fade into the distance. Next stop, Venezia!

Traveller · Nov 18th, 2007, 4:50 am

Anyone who had to travel by ship will tell you that the hours waiting to reach shore are the longest and most boring hours known to man!

I look around the ship... People are splashing around in the swimming pool and I half regret not bringing my bathing suit for a dip. Oh well! At least the nice, butt naked girlies laying around make up for it! :lol:

The time continues to drudge on... Thankfully my trusty MP3 player is keeping me good company, as I just gaze at the sun setting in the ocean...