Day 79
I had already forgotten about the flat tire last night, and only when I roll my bike from the beach to the street I realize that I still have a bit of work to do. When the thorns are pulled out and the work is done, it is already 10:30. Late enough for a second breakfast at our favorite supermarket!
Once pedalling we make good progress. Remarkably Lucas is faster uphill, whereas I tend to speed to much on the flat parts of our route. Either way we're finding a good rhythm. A bit after noon, we cross a large river and take the opportunity: the water is ice cold and extremely refreshing! A real energy boost for both of us.
We arrive at Lagos later, extremely hungry and cook our pasta dinner on a square next to the market where we purchased the ingredients. Much welcome also the chance to stock up on ice cold beer (Chris) and raki (Lucas).
Day 80
Our route today should lead us to Alexandroupolis, that's the plan. In the afternoon around 2pm we pass by "Venna", an abandoned train station. Exploring the site we realize that this was in fact not only a train station, but also served as some kind of prison. When I search for the site later I find out that it was in fact a "migrant detention center" which was closed some 5 years ago due inhumane conditions.
We prepare our lunch, spaghetti, as is tradition. The new recipe, adding lime to the tomato sauce, really gives it an interesting twist!
In the distance we can see a thunderstorm approaching. Time to get going! Easier said than done because: I just have another flat! Lucas' time to check my tires now, I don't trust my eyes anymore. He again pulls out a dozen of thorns, some glass and a tiny piece of metal.
Seems we're losing the fight against the storm though. We don't make it very far and have to hide in a gas station only 1km away, when it starts pouring down. The pump operator is visibly shaken and gives me an angry look when I make use our lost time and disturb him during nap time to have my MSR fuel bottle filled with not even 500 ml of gasoline...
An hour later the rain show is over and we roll quickly and happily ever after ... GODDAMNIT my rear is losing air AGAIN! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THOSE TIRES!?
It is, as usual, a thorn. Definitely a new one. I'm only wondering how I'm getting thorns stuck in my wheels all the time while Lucas is not -- we're riding on the same roads after all and he is sporting the same tires as I am!
At least it's not raining anymore. But the whole ordeal (waiting for weather, flats) has cost us so much time that we will get really late into Alexandroupolis.
On the hilly road we meet a German-Greek guy who tests the limits of his Audi on his "private race track" as he calls it (aka public road). He drives past us a few times and stops for a quick chat and gives us a protein bar from a German brand.
An hour later in Alexandroupoli: a quick bite of Chicken Souvlaki, a stopover at Lidl and we head out of the city again, setting up camp some 20 minutes East of the city in pitch black, in an olive grove at 21:00.
Once more our presence is not the the liking of a dog which stops by at 1 am to join into the nightly barking choir of the valley dogs. And, after being chased away, returns at 4am for round 2.
I need to get a gun...