Reunion

November 2, 2024

This reunion is simply beautiful.

I feel deeply happy and grateful to my mom and brother for making the long journey to visit me.

I take a day off from cycling, and together, we explore the Lefkada Peninsula, including the breathtaking Porto Katsiki beach, nestled beneath a towering cliff. Other highlights include an early-morning visit to the quaint island town of Etoliko, scenic coastal roads, the bridge to the Peloponnese, ancient temples, and the iconic Corinth Canal.

During the day, I cycle while my mom and brother follow in a rental car. We meet up along the way for coffee, lunch, or a refreshing swim in the sea.

With all my luggage in their car, I only need to carry day provisions. At first, I feel strangely unburdened, almost as if I’ve forgotten something important. But I quickly adapt to this lighter setup. Thanks to the car, they help me bypass obstacles like the cyclist-restricted tunnel in Preveza and cross the Corinth Canal via the highway, as the only bicycle-friendly bridge is currently impassable.

I take on the role of travel guide for my visitors, frequently researching activities in the area that I can’t join because of my cycling schedule. By now, I’ve become quite adept at travel planning, and they enthusiastically take up many of my suggestions.

Step by step, we move closer to my second major milestone after Trieste: Athens. This is where my European journey will end.

Sofia plans to visit me here, arriving on the same day my mom and brother are scheduled to depart.

Three days before reaching Athens, a new challenge arises: I find myself battling a relentless headwind.

Then, in the middle of nowhere, my tire bursts. It’s the third flat tire I’ve had in recent weeks. The pump attachment I need is in my family’s car, and they’ve just messaged me to say they are already on the ferry to the Peloponnese. Help from them isn’t an option.

The nearest town with a bike shop, Mesolongi, is an hour away on foot. Left with no other choice, I start walking. Opting for the main road, I hope someone might offer me a lift.

After about 20 minutes, a car with room for my bike stops and takes me to the bike mechanic.

My rescuer, a former basketball pro, explains that he’s heading home from work to spend a few hours on his own bike. I thank him warmly.

Once my bike is repaired, I realize my helmet is still in the car of my rescuer.

Unbelievable! Could my luck get any worse?

Fortunately, the bike mechanic knows him and manages to contact him through Facebook. Amazingly, just before heading out on his ride, the basketball player returns with my helmet. Another unexpected but joyful reunion.

After a surprisingly free ferry ride to the Peloponnese, I decide to take a photo with my bike and the spectacular bridge in the background.

I carefully place my iron Wilma near the seawall.

As I adjust the camera for the perfect shot, the handlebars tip over.

I rush to save Wilma just in time, stopping her from plunging into the seawater - a heart-stopping moment.

The next day, I experience another reunion. On the Peloponnese, I run into Lina, whom I lost track of a few days earlier during a ride (see blog post Light Show). We clear up the misunderstanding that had separated us.

Saying goodbye to my mom and brother after crossing the Corinth Canal is deeply emotional.

We’ve shared unforgettable days together. After one last group photo, I continue on my journey.

Through a series of short ferry rides and island crossings, I edge closer to Athens. The city proves far from bike-friendly.

I do not see a single other cyclist, and I occasionally receive puzzled stares, as though I have landed from another planet.

Despite the challenges, the thought of reuniting with Sofia keeps my spirits high. Her visit will be the perfect conclusion to this chapter of my journey - a reunion I eagerly anticipate.

Two

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