Travelositive [old]

The route is approximately 72km, took the metro to station "Pallini", cycled towards the sea, from Rafina to Nea Makri following the coast, then to Schinias Olympic Rowing center. From there inland through the mountains to Marathonas village and further more inland to Marathonas lake and dam. Finally a few more mountains to go down to Kifisia and take the train back home. The altitude gain was not bad, mostly downhill for the 1st 20km, then flat for another 20km, uphill for the next 20km with 400m. gain and the last 12km a few ups and downs. It was mostly the heat of 40 degrees Celsius which melted everything :)  Reaching the sea from the inland road I was situated north of Rafina and  this was the 1st beach I saw, placed between a bar named "Cavos" and a greek eatery taverna named "Argyri Akti" After having a short rest had to keep on going A bit further there was a beautiful marina with another small beach ...

Athens is situated in the basin of four mountain, Mount Aegaleo to the west, Mount Parnitha to the north, Mount Penteli to the northeast and Mount Hymettus to the east. Hymettus stands at around 1.000m high and its a nice, beautiful and easy bike ride to the top.  On the way we passed by Kaisariani Monastery which dates back from the Byzantine times, constructed around A.D.1100, now in its restored form.  Monastery grounds were full of curious cats :)  Around halfway to the top found these funny birds which were quite bored to fly (!) but were going around walking :D  Another monastery from the 11th century A.D. named "Monastery of Taxiarches Asterion" is found at 545 meters, more than halfway to the top, a nice place for rest.  Almost to the top and we could see the radio antennas.  The view of Athens from the top was really great, had some rest and then headed back down as the rain was on its way... :)