{"id":1309,"date":"2023-05-31T21:10:56","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T21:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/?p=1309"},"modified":"2026-09-08T10:18:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T10:18:45","slug":"the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kefalonia Loop and Mountain of the Gods!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On the Road &#8211; Distance 100km \/ 62 mi | Elevation 2,247 metres \/ 7,373 feet <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please watch my Relive video here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vRO78RnzEK6\">https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vRO78RnzEK6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An amazing day on the bike. On our arrival yesterday we had a glimpse of the waters the island is surrounded by, today we got the full tour! A 10%  limb up and down from our hotel on cobbles or broken concrete makes fro a challenging departure!<br><\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/271f66cc-c506-4e4b-8fc9-d867dfb33a6f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/271F66CC-C506-4E4B-8FC9-D867DFB33A6F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Hotel terraces glowing at twilight above Agia Efimia on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/807edde4-f5dc-4634-ac1c-c2391fcd5e2e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/807EDDE4-F5DC-4634-AC1C-C2391FCD5E2E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Morning view over Agia Efimia rooftops and the bay on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/b0a04d6c-46d3-4982-ad36-676201f535ce\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/B0A04D6C-46D3-4982-AD36-676201F535CE-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two Odyssey bike tour cyclists pausing at a railing overlooking the Ionian Sea on Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We climbed  across the island, back towards Myrtos Beach. Hugging the cliff line, we rode with some of the most amazing views you will see on the bike. We were 1000\u2019s of feet  above the beaches and Ionian Sea, cycling on perfect roads as we headed south ducking in and out traversing these rugged hills. <br><\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/9968de75-446c-4a7d-ac4a-7f0d5626a0d2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/9968DE75-446C-4A7D-AC4A-7F0D5626A0D2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Agia Efimia village and bay seen from the climb above on the Kefalonia loop, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/66db12c5-a641-47a3-9f52-995f92d607aa\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/66DB12C5-A641-47A3-9F52-995F92D607AA-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Valley running down to the sea with Ithaca beyond on the Kefalonia loop ride, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/87aa3bcd-9098-45ce-a48c-417a1008ad26\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/87AA3BCD-9098-45CE-A48C-417A1008AD26-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist climbing the coast road high above the Ionian Sea on Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/2811be1c-738e-4249-a39d-50a76b945b06\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/2811BE1C-738E-4249-A39D-50A76B945B06-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Steep cliffs dropping to the deep blue Ionian Sea on the west coast of Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/b3bd2a73-998a-4c38-91d9-be5025e65931\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/B3BD2A73-998A-4C38-91D9-BE5025E65931-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Love locks on a railing above Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/f1ba8dc5-34c7-450e-aba3-9b7590cc8018\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/F1BA8DC5-34C7-450E-ABA3-9B7590CC8018-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"White crescent of Myrtos Beach and its turquoise water seen from the cliff road, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/ec5f7786-7668-4181-9931-b564c8296adc\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/EC5F7786-7668-4181-9931-B564C8296ADC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders at a clifftop viewpoint railing on the Kefalonia loop, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/a2f27476-52a8-47d1-99fc-7fbc093732c3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/A2F27476-52A8-47D1-99FC-7FBC093732C3-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sheer white limestone cliffs above Myrtos Bay on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/30396cac-ab16-4a88-8ea6-f56010580fc7\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/30396CAC-AB16-4A88-8EA6-F56010580FC7-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"White cliffs of a distant peninsula across the blue Ionian Sea from Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/a8e9f596-acbc-4db2-9bf3-d210801a7007\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/A8E9F596-ACBC-4DB2-9BF3-D210801A7007-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Coast road clinging to the cliffs high above the sea on western Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/863cf0b3-2bc4-42ea-9a86-ecb7361e62c9\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/863CF0B3-2BC4-42EA-9A86-ECB7361E62C9-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Red-domed roadside shrine against the hills of Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/81d51f94-7647-4f32-b268-d684aa9cf782\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/81D51F94-7647-4F32-B268-D684AA9CF782-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two Odyssey bike tour cyclists riding the Kefalonia coast road through olive-dotted hills, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/da5e835d-6f29-4d11-a515-305fa7c7530b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/DA5E835D-6F29-4D11-A515-305FA7C7530B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Deep blue bay and low headlands on the west coast of Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/9c54b049-7da4-4754-89f6-176f6d7a1eed\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/9C54B049-7DA4-4754-89F6-176F6D7A1EED-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rocky hillside with yellow shrubs above the Ionian Sea on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/8027cf69-d896-41a1-8aea-b5f413b56140\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/8027CF69-D896-41A1-8AEA-B5F413B56140-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Fish farm pens in the Gulf of Argostoli seen from the coast road on Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/d2c748e8-5583-49c9-bd25-1c2bccf8f327\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/D2C748E8-5583-49C9-BD25-1C2BCCF8F327-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Narrow coastal road with a stone wall above the Gulf of Argostoli on Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/aa5e15aa-94f2-41ce-a841-5fe51484f204\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/AA5E15AA-94F2-41CE-A841-5FE51484F204-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Cream-coloured church with a bell tower beside the road on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We  headed to Agristoli, Kefalonia&#8217;s capital. As we rolled over the pedestrian bridge into town we looked for turtles that are common here but I didn\u2019t see any\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/54ff5fbd-6860-4889-a06e-066b1de16b0e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/54FF5FBD-6860-4889-A06E-066B1DE16B0E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Stone De Bosset pedestrian bridge crossing the lagoon into Argostoli, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/121e9471-0c9c-478b-82b0-f4c0e112555f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/121E9471-0C9C-478B-82B0-F4C0E112555F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Obelisk monument beside the De Bosset Bridge in the Argostoli lagoon, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/9c984733-f0af-4b39-9564-fec748a773bd\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/9C984733-F0AF-4B39-9564-FEC748A773BD-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Argostoli waterfront seen across the lagoon from the De Bosset Bridge on The Odyssey bike tour, Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/5ab50d9d-509c-4b26-bcd1-9296b78a731f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/5AB50D9D-509C-4B26-BCD1-9296B78A731F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Calm lagoon reflecting the hills beside the De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/1fc86cf4-9e3f-49ac-9b30-ebcc10164a4e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/1FC86CF4-9E3F-49AC-9B30-EBCC10164A4E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour bikes parked along the waterfront in Argostoli, Kefalonia, at the coffee stop, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/92286f92-f6d0-45c1-99b3-9ab45fbf2a5b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/92286F92-F6D0-45C1-99B3-9AB45FBF2A5B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sign of the De Bosset cafe bar on the Argostoli waterfront, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/b8d9fb5f-2e51-498d-9387-41bf3e04f6a2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/B8D9FB5F-2E51-498D-9387-41BF3E04F6A2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Clouds mirrored in the still Koutavos lagoon at Argostoli, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/2701f0fa-4c76-45a7-b114-555d2a0a821e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/2701F0FA-4C76-45A7-B114-555D2A0A821E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders at the coffee stop under red umbrellas on the Argostoli waterfront, Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After coffee here we headed  inland, needing to bridge across again to the northern coast. It is here we had a big decision to make!\u2026.who wants to attempt Mt Ainos, 24 km @ 9% and pitches as high as 15%.  Dubbed The Mountain of the Gods, see more below. Five of us said let\u2019s do it, I was definitely the slowest but did Gittrdun! and felt great with my accomplishment!<\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/903944b0-c4a7-42d4-8e26-cfb68e5db345\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/903944B0-C4A7-42D4-8E26-CFB68E5DB345-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Open road climbing towards the summit ridge of Mount Ainos on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/eb1f2b42-15bf-470e-b827-2b16ba4c55ce\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/EB1F2B42-15BF-470E-B827-2B16BA4C55CE-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Road bike leaning on a railing above Argostoli and its bay on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/99ee59f3-0705-4914-9c44-65589099720d\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/99EE59F3-0705-4914-9C44-65589099720D-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Hairpin bend among fir trees on the climb of Mount Ainos, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/6dca569f-3103-452c-b177-51a5a9acb114\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist climbing Mount Ainos with Argostoli bay far below, Kefalonia, Greece\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-230x230.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-350x350.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114-480x480.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6DCA569F-3103-452C-B177-51A5A9ACB114.jpeg 1244w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/6b3b4e19-ab24-4f67-8500-c1f46828ca2f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/6B3B4E19-AB24-4F67-8500-C1F46828CA2F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Wide view over Kefalonia&#039;s valleys and villages from the slopes of Mount Ainos, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/afe0dff9-a7d9-4036-9d99-69b2b772a632\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/AFE0DFF9-A7D9-4036-9D99-69B2B772A632-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Stone-walled mountain road with clouds above the Kefalonia interior on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/b90bc11e-2cfd-421e-bac8-7ddc0689a730\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/B90BC11E-2CFD-421E-BAC8-7DDC0689A730-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Lone tree on the bare upper slopes of Mount Ainos, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/9ce96726-3338-40ef-a2ff-b8c2374860c1\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/9CE96726-3338-40EF-A2FF-B8C2374860C1-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"High rocky plateau and distant sea from Mount Ainos on the Kefalonia loop, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/25b05912-f0c3-4968-88d0-05d8ab12d679\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/25B05912-F0C3-4968-88D0-05D8AB12D679-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Kefalonian fir trees lining the road in Mount Ainos National Park on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/e7242533-b283-4548-8956-00adedc47f3b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/E7242533-B283-4548-8956-00ADEDC47F3B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Bike computer showing the climb profile and distance to the top of Mount Ainos on The Odyssey bike tour, Kefalonia\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/e64303a3-7063-4585-a3d9-a0d06a8445f4\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/E64303A3-7063-4585-A3D9-A0D06A8445F4-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist in a pink jersey reaching the top of the Mount Ainos climb on Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/12cd1b35-2632-4758-b066-b0fe49a6c3d2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/12CD1B35-2632-4758-B066-B0FE49A6C3D2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist in a pink jersey riding the mountain road on Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course what goes up must come down\u2026the ride to the summit of Mt Ainos was an out and back( Ootnbak in Canadian), so 24 km descent at 9%. When we finished this and before heading to the hotel we stopped and had a tour of an underground river in a cave\u2026stalagmites, clear water to depths of 60 ft.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/1fb6899c-7433-44f9-b51e-97edcee6effe\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/1FB6899C-7433-44F9-B51E-97EDCEE6EFFE-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rowing boat inside Melissani Cave with sunlight on the underground lake, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/570b15a1-a374-442c-8355-f828dda1beac\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/570B15A1-A374-442C-8355-F828DDA1BEAC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Open roof of Melissani Cave above its clear blue lake on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/83ec28ad-c3f9-4073-8d2d-cbad496648d6\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/83EC28AD-C3F9-4073-8D2D-CBAD496648D6-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Brilliant turquoise water beneath the rock walls of Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/66d1b735-d9cc-4e49-9f8c-ca858bcccc91\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/66D1B735-D9CC-4E49-9F8C-CA858BCCCC91-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Crystal-clear blue water of the Melissani underground lake on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/56e6b130-4766-4bd2-a7ff-7496777c93a3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/56E6B130-4766-4BD2-A7FF-7496777C93A3-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tunnel entrance leading down to Melissani Cave on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/e2865646-97fe-4fc0-9ffe-55e373521907\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/E2865646-97FE-4FC0-9FFE-55E373521907-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rock ceiling and stalactites lit orange inside Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/07c62180-f070-4b3c-b196-f65e1f256257\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/07C62180-F070-4B3C-B196-F65E1F256257-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sunlit blue lake below the layered limestone walls of Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>And if that wasn\u2019t enough, we shuttled to Myrtos beach to go for a swim in the Ionian Sea\u2026.no sand here but small round bright white pebbles making for a clean beach, no messy sand between your toes! It is 2 km @8.5% down from the main road!, we rode by it earlier in the day and looked down.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-1309 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/c33b0c17-7283-4547-8353-3be99efbc3cc\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/C33B0C17-7283-4547-8353-3BE99EFBC3CC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"White cliffs towering over the pebble shore of Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/2f68c450-9b19-4162-8aa4-6bf814f9378b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/2F68C450-9B19-4162-8AA4-6BF814F9378B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Panorama of Myrtos Beach and its surrounding cliffs on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/a9988294-daa3-4d90-843f-389355f7fc6f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/A9988294-DAA3-4D90-843F-389355F7FC6F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders relaxing on the white pebbles of Myrtos Beach after the Kefalonia loop, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/a5dec959-f42b-4254-99ef-df6bcab31b41\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/A5DEC959-F42B-4254-99EF-DF6BCAB31B41-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"White pebbles and turquoise water at Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/05\/31\/the-kefalonia-loop-and-mountain-of-the-gods\/16bdeab8-44eb-4fd8-8092-7f7f1a6234b3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/05\/16BDEAB8-44EB-4FD8-8092-7F7F1A6234B3-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Myrtos Beach seen from the cliff-top road with turquoise sea below, Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mount Ainos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kefalonia can be distinguished from a great distance as it is dominated by Ainos, the massive, \u2018Black Mountain\u2019, lost in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highest mountain in the Ionian, Enos takes its name from the black pine (Abies Cephalonica) that once covered it completely and grows nowhere else. It has been a national park since 1962, known for its wealth of wild flowers. It\u2019s also home to a special breed of pony, Equus cabalus. It is also a UNESCO protected International Dark Sky Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Somewhere to the east and a little lower than the summit that touched the heavens, a sanctuary was built where sacrifices to Zeus were offered. It was the perfect place for it as the word \u201caenos\u201d (\u03b1\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2) itself means \u201cpraise\u201d, \u201cglorification\u201d, that is praise to the great father of Gods and heroes.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the ultimate monumental backdrops\u2026.Mount Ainos, dedicated to Zeus, second only to Mount Olympus for the king of the Olympian Gods. The last human (according to mythology!) to attempt climbing a god&#8217;s mountain was Bellerophon, the son of Eurynome and Poseidon, who tried to reach the top on a different stead! One day, after casually killing a fire-breathing Chimera, he decided to fly the winged horse Pegasus up to Mount Ainos (claimed by Mount Olympus too)! Zeus was furious at his actions and sent a vicious fly (yes just a vicious fly!) to bite Pegasus. The fly did as required, causing the horse to throw its rider from its back, sending Bellerophon tumbling back to Earth and he was killed! Lucky we will be on bicycles!<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Little bit of trivia: the town of Sami on Kefalonia, a town used as a location extensively for the filming of\u00a0<em>Captain Corelli\u2019s Mandolin<\/em>. \u00a0<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tomorrow we head to the  <a href=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/tours\/the-odyssey\/\">Big O<\/a>\u2019s kingdom, the island of Ithaca!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Life is good on Kefalonia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On the Road &#8211; Distance 100km \/ 62 mi | Elevation 2,247 metres \/ 7,373 feet Please watch my Relive video here: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Kefalonia Loop and Mountain of the Gods! 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