Kesan to Alexandroupoli

Monday October 10

Kesan to Alexandroupoli  86km, Total 3463km

We started out on a dirt road - nice a quiet, but we've been warned about the dogs in northern Greece and it didn't take long to experience them.

We'd already bought some pepper spray while in Istanbul.  Dermot go ahead of me and the dogs decided to go for me - even though their owner was calling them.  I tried the spray, but unless they're right at you and the wind's blowing the right way it doesn't seem that effective.  Fortunately the dogs got distracted by a rabbit!

At the next town, we managed to buy some plastic pipe that we now each have strapped to our bikes.  When another dog came out at one stage, just raising the stick seemed to scare it off.  Phew.

The border crossing was simple.  Glad we were on a bike though as the queue was huge and we just rode to the front.  Lots and lots of trucks from all over Europe.  I'm not sure why the border was so crowded though except that there must be increased security with the recent bombings and movement of Syrians.

We rode along the freeway (max speed 130kph) for the next 10km, but no issue as almost no traffic because of the border hold up.  Eventually onto smaller roads where we had a very pleasant ride.  Dry agriculture country.

Stayed at a lovely hotel in Alexandropoulis - Dias Hotel, which I'd found on Google maps last night.  Dinner at a really nice fish restaurant.

Risoni with prawns, mushrooms and truffle oil - delicious, along with a glass of ouzo