Now that I've had a chance to relax, here's my assessment and praise for those who deserve it regarding the first cycling brevet held in Kythira and Laconia: Following the model of “it all started with a joke” by Thanasis Giannopoulos (where two people who barely knew each other ended up becoming film producers after a few drinks), it all started when I accidentally found out that another Koukos (Spyros Koukos) was a cycling brevet organizer. This time, no drinks were needed; within half an hour, the planning of a 200-kilometer cycling marathon had begun. Nothing original, you might say, but in this case there were some innovations. On the one hand, it was the first time something like this had been done in the area, and secondly, the crossing of the Kythira Strait was inserted between the two legs, with all that this entailed in terms of organizational difficulties, but mainly as an additional challenge for cyclists on an already difficult terrain. As we expected, this discouraged many, and in combination with certain circumstances (which are of no interest to anyone), it did not allow for large participation. Fortunately, this did not ’kill’ the idea, as the impressions of the participants were particularly positive, even though only two (!) managed to finish within the time limit, which says a lot about the difficulty of the route as it was designed and as it unfolded. To give you an idea, the race started at 3 a.m. from the islet of Kranai in Gythio and the route passed through Skala, Glykovrysi Asopo, Sykea, Monemvasia, and from there via the new road to Neapoli. In Kythira: Diakofto, Aroniadika, Potamos Karavas, Agia Pelagia, Aroniadika, Fratsi, Avlemonas, Fratsi, Araioi, Mylopotamos, Pitsinianika, Drymonas, Livadi, Chora, where they were supposed to finish at 4:30 after 200 kilometers and approximately 2,900 meters of cumulative elevation gain. Before I begin my thanks, a statement: the Koukos learn quickly and are persistent. So, I suggest you get ready for the second, sexier, improved, and even better organized Kythira brevet of the year on May 18, with multiple participants and greater visibility. We would like to thank: Spyros Koukos for organizing and contributing in general. Kiriakidis Cycling Repair for the service and assistance. Kiriakidis Nikos Naga Saki for the beautiful poster. Our sponsors Triton Ferries, Kasimatis Cycling Mazzipetti Karavas Bakery Outdoors Activities, Cafe Astikon, Koukos Bar, Louradou Brothers The Arachto Poulio Coffee “n” Alcohol Stories and the Arachto Poulio in Avlemonas. The Cafe in Halikokou For the warm welcome in the square of Chora: The Kythira Association-Kythira Cultural Center and the shops Astrolavos, Andronikos Eugenia, Vengeras, Mercato, Sochora, Portego for the sandwiches and sweets The supermarkets Tina and Nea Agora for the fruit The Municipality of Kythira for the water and soft drinks Theodoros Karavousanos and Eleni Alevizopoulou for the kiosk Video-photos: Photo Cerigo The restaurants and accommodations that offered discounts to cyclists (Chryssopsaro, Tratamento, Alatarea, Kapari, Nostos Apartments, Castello, Evgenia Harou, Aronis Apartments, Zathea Apartments, Stella’s Houses, CeriGo) Volunteers Despoina Petta Evgenia Charou Nota Gralista And, of course, everyone who cycled with us for their friendship, good spirits, and kind words. Version 2.0 loading
