My Motorcycle Greek Odyssey – London to Athens and back. Setting off in just over 2 weeks.

Embarking on a Greek Motorcycle Odyssey: A Personal Journey from London to Athens and Beyond

Introduction

Adventure awaits as I prepare for my inaugural motorcycle tour, a journey that will take me from the bustling streets of London through the heart of Europe and into the historic landscapes of Greece and Crete. This trip marks a significant milestone for me — it’s not only my first motorcycle adventure but also my first experience traveling solo over such an extensive route. With just over two weeks remaining before my departure, I am filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation, eager to embrace the open road and the countless memories that lie ahead.

Planning and Flexibility

One of the core principles guiding my journey is flexibility. I’ve only booked accommodations for my first night at the German border and secured some ferries where timing is more rigid. Everything else is tentative, serving as a framework rather than a strict itinerary. My approach is to start each day by assessing how I feel, checking the weather, and evaluating my route options. Some days I may encounter sideways rain or feel under the weather, prompting me to shorten my riding distance. Conversely, on days when I feel energized, I might take the opportunity to push through and cover more ground. This adaptable mindset allows me to stay spontaneous and enjoy each moment on the road.

Proposed Route Overview

Below is a rough outline of my planned route:

• Starting in London, UK
• Heading to Strasbourg, France
• Traveling through Innsbruck (via Lindau), Austria
• Crossing into Italy at Monfalcone/Trieste
• Coastal ride to Starigrad in Croatia, then Baska Voda (avoiding staying in Split)
• Continuing along the Croatian coast to Kotor and Budva in Montenegro
• Moving into Albania to Vlore
• Riding through Greece to Ioannina, via the scenic Llogara Pass
• Reaching Athens, exploring sites like Meteora and the historic Thermopylae
• Taking a ferry to Crete, enjoying a week with friends and family

Post Crete, the journey continues as I make my way back:

• Patras, to catch an overnight ferry to Italy
• Traveling through Italy to Lake Como and Basel, Switzerland (via St. Gotthard and Furka passes)
• Returning across France to Calais
• Returning home to London

Preparation and Anticipation

In preparation for this adventure, I’ve dedicated significant time to motorcycle maintenance and packing. Upgrades include