So how did it all begin?
It was late 2013 when I got my first motorcycle, a Tenere 660, but it was time to go to sea, and I hadn't managed to make my first trips beyond going from Athens to my family home in Astakos and some short rides from there.
So returning from the sea shift somewhere in '24, with no company, I decided to leave for Patras, stay at a friend's house, and install a center stand on the motorcycle that I was going to buy there. After that, I would head up through Nafpaktos, Karpenisi, Trikala, and Meteora.
So everything goes well, I leave Astakos, install the stand, load up everything I had, and head out for my first adventure.
First stop from Nafpaktos towards Thermo at the Bania Bridge.
I continued heading up towards Thermo and stopped at Proussos.
A stop at the "Kleidi" location after Proussos.
And many other short stops along the beautiful route
Arriving in Karpenisi was the first time I would learn that you must be prepared for everything. Going up Velouchi, I got caught in a downpour. Fortunately I had rain gear, but not good enough to keep me from getting soaked to the bone. I could literally feel the water passing through everywhere and I reached a breaking point where I almost gave up on everything and turned back to Astakos.
In the end, I gritted my teeth and kept going, and at the end of the day, it paid off. I reached Meteora, which was destined to become one of my favorite places in Greece. So, the evening wrapped up with good food and a cold beer! Off to sleep early in the tent since I was exhausted, and had an early morning wake-up to take photos.
Early morning wake-up, coffee, and I set off to avoid the tourists and the crowds. A stop every 10 meters for photos.
After Meteora, Trikala was next with a stay at relatives' houses. Another favorite stop that I still make at least once a year, for walks and food.
After Trikala, it was time to return.
Another stop at Meteora for some final photos!
Following the route towards Pyli with Arta as the destination, a stop at the Pyli Bridge.
But also a bit further down at the Paleokarya Bridge, where I NEVER STOPPED, and that's when I learned that while it's good to set off without a plan, you can miss beautiful places if you don't. The photo is from a later ride.
Coffee at the bridge of Arta and return to my native land, Astakos.
That was the defining moment when I knew what I wanted to do with my life. To travel, to take photos, to have a good time, to sleep under the stars and cook in the forest, and then return, remember, and tell my stories.