ACT Greece unpaved - UGR240A

9 friends from Canada decided to hit the ACT Greece track and accepted the challenge. All experienced riders that travelled a lot together on several tours all over the world. The choice between booking the Pyrenees and Greece was not easy. Just the weather situation in mid September forced to decide for Greece. Good choice!

**First Riding Day: Patras to Kalavrita – Start of an unpaved adventure** Our unpaved motorcycle adventure through Greece kicked off in the best possible way, with nine friends from Canada ready to take on the backcountry from Patras to Kalavrita. Excitement was in the air as we geared up, ready to leave the coastal town of Patras behind and head for the mountains. We set off heading east out of Patras, cruising through a few easy kilometers before the real fun began. Soon enough, we found ourselves on the rugged trails of the Greek mountains. And that’s where we had our first unexpected encounter: a group of local hunters. We weren’t sure if we should continue further into the mountains, but they quickly reassured us with a friendly wave, saying it was safe to keep going. So, with their blessing, we powered on. The roads started to get a bit more technical, winding through the mountains, offering us incredible views of the sea and the Gulf of Corinth below. It was the kind of scenery that makes you stop and appreciate just how vast and beautiful the world can be. The contrast between the rough trails and the smooth waters in the distance was simply stunning. Our route took us deeper into the Panachaiko mountain range, and the terrain became noticeably tougher. The rocky paths and sharp ascents demanded every bit of skill we had. We climbed from sea level all the way up to 1,800 meters, tackling tricky sections and pushing our limits. But every challenge was worth it for the thrill of the ride and the views that came with it. After a well-deserved late lunch stop, we were back at it. The final climb of the day took us up to the top of some rolling hills, giving off a bit of a Mongolian plains vibe—wide open and free, with a breathtaking horizon stretching out in front of us. It was one of those moments that makes you feel completely alive and at peace with the world. Our last stretch of the day took us down into Kalavrita, where we arrived tired but completely satisfied. We sat together with cold beers in hand, reflecting on the beauty and challenges of our first day. It was just the beginning of our adventure, but we knew already it would be a trip to remember.

It was really hard to leave this lovely family owned hotel in Kalavryta. We could have stayed there for a while. Local food, a beautiful scenery and fantastic regional wines are only two arguments for another visit. But the mountains are calling! Todays track of 132 kilometers started on tarmac, showed us a mid difficulty level nice offroad section and ended at the gulf of corinth.

**Day 3: From Nafpaktos to Karpenisi – 235 km of Pure Adventure** Our third day on the road in Greece promised to be a long one, with 235 km of riding ahead—split between paved and unpaved routes. We started our journey from the picturesque harbor town of Nafpaktos, with the sound of the sea still in our ears and the morning sun gently warming the air. Spirits were high, and we were ready for whatever the day had in store. We kicked things off with a leisurely ride along the coastline, heading towards Glyfada. The stretch was easy and beautiful, with the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Corinth to our right and the green hills rolling up on our left. But the real adventure began when we turned off into the hinterland. The smooth tarmac quickly gave way to dirt, and soon enough, we were kicking up dust as we tackled the narrow, winding hairpin bends. The road was challenging, with loose gravel and steep climbs, but the payoff was immense. Each turn brought us higher into the mountains and closer to the breathtaking views we had come to expect on this trip. As we made our way deeper into the rugged terrain, the impressive Mornos Lake came into view. The sight of the deep blue water, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, was a welcome break from the rough roads. Crossing the dam wall over Lake Mornos was a surreal experience. One minute we were riding on loose gravel, and the next, we found ourselves on a stretch of smooth asphalt, with the lake’s calm waters on one side and towering cliffs on the other. The contrast was striking, and the beauty of it all reminded us why we love these kinds of trips. After a well-earned lunch, we got back on the bikes, hunting for more gravel roads to take us north. As we ventured further into the mountains, the roads became a maze of twists and turns. Gravel flew beneath our tires as we wound our way through endless bends, the landscape shifting from rugged mountains to rolling hills and back again. As the day wore on, Tymfristos, the highest mountain in the region, appeared on the horizon like a silent giant watching over us. It was a sight to behold, and we knew that at its foot lay Karpenisi, our destination for the night. The small town, nestled in the shadow of the mountain, promised a warm bed and a chance to rest after a long, challenging day. Rolling into Karpenisi just before dusk, we felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. The day's ride had tested our skills, with its combination of unpaved mountain trails and twisting asphalt roads. But it also rewarded us with incredible scenery, from coastal views to mountain lakes, and finally, the towering presence of Tymfristos. As we parked the bikes and settled in for the evening, we couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’d come and how much more of Greece was still out there to explore. With each day, this adventure was becoming more unforgettable. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new landscapes, but for tonight, it was time to relax and enjoy the company of friends after a day well spent on the road.

For those who want to relax a possibility to start the day with a later breakfast and having a massage. We splitted the group into to teams. Those who want to take the full day for riding and those who want to chill a little bit and take the second half of the day for a shorter ride to the skiing area with a smaller detour into the mountains. Karpenisi is a smaller village and got totally destroyed by a stonesledge in the 60s. It counts about 13.000 inhabitants.

We are leaving the lakeside of neochori and follow our track to Metsovo. This busy little village is a well known skiing area in Greece. The day starts with perfect motircycling weather and the group is looking forward to another enjoyable riding day. We take our first coffee at the ancient stonebridge of Pyli and follow the mountainroads.