{"id":1373,"date":"2023-06-02T04:14:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T04:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/?p=1373"},"modified":"2026-09-08T10:18:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T10:18:47","slug":"finally-home-he-cried","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cFinally Home\u201d he Cried!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"si-event date\" data-event-id=\"55571616\">\n<div class=\"si-event-content\">\n<h3 class=\"si-event-title\">On the Road &#8211; Distance 54km \/ 34mi | Elevation 1528m \/ 5013ft<\/h3>\n<div class=\"si-event-notes\">\n<p>Please watch my Relive video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vMv8gVNGDNq\">https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vMv8gVNGDNq<\/a><\/p>\n<p>ITHACA!<br \/>\nIt has all led to this&#8230; and to be fair, what a ride! It had \u00a0private speed boats, spectacular scenery, challenge, culture, perfect surfaces and more. It genuinely will be up there in one of my \u00a0greatest rides ever! No wonder Odysseus yearned and toiled to return!<\/p>\n<p>From our hotel this morning, we jumped \u00a0in speed boats to dash directly across the Ionian Sea to Ithaca landing at Pisaetos.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/883013cf-3679-47dd-886c-b63d7132498c\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/883013CF-3679-47DD-886C-B63D7132498C-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sunrise glow over Ithaca seen from Kefalonia on the final morning of 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/a0bd3bbc-dbd2-490d-9767-0afb61801117\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/A0BD3BBC-DBD2-490D-9767-0AFB61801117-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Close-up of the pink Odyssey bike tour jersey with its &#039;Troy to Ithaca&#039; logo\" \/><\/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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/757614a3-363f-4cab-9d60-024d203a2905\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/757614A3-363F-4CAB-9D60-024D203A2905-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys aboard the speedboat from Kefalonia to Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/6fcf368b-6656-4f00-b854-2f9b55cf6671\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/6FCF368B-6656-4F00-B854-2F9B55CF6671-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Skipper at the wheel of the speedboat crossing from Kefalonia to Pisaetos, Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/ac0b96dc-d134-49b8-87b2-17288ad84cf9\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/AC0B96DC-D134-49B8-87B2-17288AD84CF9-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys getting bikes ready on the quay at Pisaetos, Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/9083f29a-e11b-41d9-bf1e-a5b4bc3ab69f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/9083F29A-E11B-41D9-BF1E-A5B4BC3AB69F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Cars parked at the small ferry port of Pisaetos on Ithaca at the start of the final Odyssey bike tour ride, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/7e9eafdf-c25d-4b54-9dcd-bc0ef48a0a4c\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/7E9EAFDF-C25D-4B54-9DCD-BC0EF48A0A4C-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist in pink riding above a deep blue bay on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/02a27312-bb7d-41de-9a40-802962aee6a3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/02A27312-BB7D-41DE-9A40-802962AEE6A3-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two Odyssey bike tour cyclists arriving at a viewpoint over the Ionian Sea on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/ec98981e-9728-4e21-b37a-32550ded6420\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/EC98981E-9728-4E21-B37A-32550DED6420-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders climbing a cliff-edge road with guardrails on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/04fce5d0-2a88-4934-b27f-e14814e7a1ad\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/04FCE5D0-2A88-4934-B27F-E14814E7A1AD-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Cyclist on a hairpin bend high above the sea and islands on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/e6abb196-a599-4ff9-a651-395c2b3c59bc\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/E6ABB196-A599-4FF9-A651-395C2B3C59BC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys posing with their bikes above the Ithaca coastline, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>From our first pedal stroke the scenery was spectacular and there were challenges to take on! As we crossed \u00a0the isthmus and begin climbing and traversing the East side of the island (8km@7%) the blue seas stretched \u00a0out all the way back to mainland Greece.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/c8c86f8f-c430-4b07-adbf-40ed41797167\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/C8C86F8F-C430-4B07-ADBF-40ED41797167-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"View across the channel to Kefalonia from the first climb on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/5a0e536e-9045-4c4a-93f4-404d6c8132a5\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/5A0E536E-9045-4C4A-93F4-404D6C8132A5-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Steep green coastline of Ithaca plunging into the deep blue Ionian Sea 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/60f869f8-40a7-491d-98dc-b8acf8f10fe3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60F869F8-40A7-491D-98DC-B8ACF8F10FE3-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Headlands and islets off the east coast of Ithaca seen from the climb 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/b51dc769-1b4a-40be-843a-8f7937516d8e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/B51DC769-1B4A-40BE-843A-8F7937516D8E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sheltered inlets and wooded headlands of Ithaca from high on the island road, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/1b039458-b17d-4599-85ac-92389edc656e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/1B039458-B17D-4599-85AC-92389EDC656E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Road traversing a rocky slope above the Ionian Sea on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/79bc66da-682e-443a-b52b-1630fe9c489b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/79BC66DA-682E-443A-B52B-1630FE9C489B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Road cut across a steep maquis-covered hillside on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/fbfc36b5-5599-437a-81b1-051def17c4ff\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/FBFC36B5-5599-437A-81B1-051DEF17C4FF-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys regrouping at a roadside viewpoint on Ithaca, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1406\" src=\"http:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-300x169.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-230x129.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-350x197.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4294FD19-D8A4-48D9-B82C-F54915859AFE.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We genuinely felt \u00a0on top of the world as the road hung on the edge of steep rocky hills skirting north towards our historic destination &#8211; Odysseus&#8217; home and palace!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/6457edc4-f7a9-41a7-b69a-241ba3da74ec\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/6457EDC4-F7A9-41A7-B69A-241BA3DA74EC-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Guardrail road hanging on the edge of a rocky mountainside on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/6e752066-dd47-47aa-bcda-fb40d4153aca\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/6E752066-DD47-47AA-BCDA-FB40D4153ACA-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Blue bay far below the mountain road on the east side of Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/575b7d19-d076-4ec3-bb97-ca64abc67c06\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/575B7D19-D076-4EC3-BB97-CA64ABC67C06-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rocky hilltop scrub with the Ionian Sea in the distance on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/d8837ca6-3fb3-4fda-b43b-7f1e4c48f800\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/D8837CA6-3FB3-4FDA-B43B-7F1E4C48F800-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Hillside of olive and cypress trees above the sea on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/72cb2bee-4b67-423e-92b7-b396c04d85ad\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/72CB2BEE-4B67-423E-92B7-B396C04D85AD-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Bike resting beside a carved stone relief monument at a roadside stop on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/0cfea6a0-2946-46cc-ae60-de67c1037a73\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/0CFEA6A0-2946-46CC-AE60-DE67C1037A73-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist descending a wide bend through green woodland on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/9ea4020d-370b-40a9-b6ff-596e685cb3a2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/9EA4020D-370B-40A9-B6FF-596E685CB3A2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sweeping curve of road through forest on northern Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/3f06323e-56ab-4467-bcff-610122eb8404\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/3F06323E-56AB-4467-BCFF-610122EB8404-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"View over wooded hills to distant islands from Ithaca on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>His choice of location for his home is spectacular( although very little of the ruins remain, a model depicts what his palace may have looked like) and after we wandered \u00a0around the remote archaeological site we headed \u00a0back along the west side of Ithaca, with again spectacular views across to Kefalonia.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/3bd53434-76f9-4069-bb31-7a8755baca94\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/3BD53434-76F9-4069-BB31-7A8755BACA94-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Relief map sign of the island of Ithaca in the village of Stavros 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/b1f6da27-49ae-4967-8a55-4fa199f64107\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/B1F6DA27-49AE-4967-8A55-4FA199F64107-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Scale model reconstruction of the palace of Odysseus on display in Stavros, Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/37e9999c-a9bc-4e86-b986-352fd0a08fce\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/37E9999C-A9BC-4E86-B986-352FD0A08FCE-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Bust of Odysseus on a white pedestal in Stavros, Ithaca, at the end of 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/e5773d83-5d09-41c7-8652-0200c84cce25\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/E5773D83-5D09-41C7-8652-0200C84CCE25-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Mountain road contouring around a red-earth hillside on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/021a9810-7c65-44c4-912f-fb7ea158e22c\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/021A9810-7C65-44C4-912F-FB7EA158E22C-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Ancient stone-built tunnel entrance at the School of Homer archaeological site on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/0b07dfd9-9003-4c87-ad13-b32b795e7949\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/0B07DFD9-9003-4C87-AD13-B32B795E7949-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Dry-stone walls under olive trees at the School of Homer site on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/55b9d8b7-6dee-4cbd-a31e-d16c7d2b98b6\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/55B9D8B7-6DEE-4CBD-A31E-D16C7D2B98B6-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Weathered boulders and ancient masonry at the School of Homer site near Stavros, Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/bbe5986e-c008-44d5-b4e3-d885cfc14c9b\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BBE5986E-C008-44D5-B4E3-D885CFC14C9B-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys walking under olive trees at the School of Homer site on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/ab6ac1d4-55a0-4fe5-8122-267bdacf3430\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/AB6AC1D4-55A0-4FE5-8122-267BDACF3430-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rider exploring the ancient stone ruins of the School of Homer on Ithaca on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The riding was genuinely amazing and this being our last day on the bike we headed into Ithaca\u2019s capital, Vathy, for a beautiful relaxed lunch on the bay.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/83acbc79-dbf2-43c5-9cfa-ca3fb0d42f88\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/83ACBC79-DBF2-43C5-9CFA-CA3FB0D42F88-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"White fishing boat moored in crystal-clear water at a harbour on northern Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/48214080-bec1-41a1-8f4d-3da9a650ef23\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/48214080-BEC1-41A1-8F4D-3DA9A650EF23-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Old anchor on the rocks beside a clear bay with a moored boat on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/2fc19476-f74b-4ba3-9a82-0dc4fb05fb5d\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/2FC19476-F74B-4BA3-9A82-0DC4FB05FB5D-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Waterfront taverna with blue chairs shaded by trees in an Ithaca harbour village 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/f5e9f4e0-1ca7-4d3f-9aa4-11cdc04cb318\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/F5E9F4E0-1CA7-4D3F-9AA4-11CDC04CB318-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Pot of pink geraniums on a stone wall in an Ithaca village 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/995cdad5-3c8b-48d6-b4a5-b0467d386c79\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/995CDAD5-3C8B-48D6-B4A5-B0467D386C79-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour bikes stacked outside a taverna at the lunch stop on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/77772006-a9cf-4e8a-8b01-115419907d1e\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/77772006-A9CF-4E8A-8B01-115419907D1E-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Fresh salad with grilled chicken on an orange table at lunch on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/54fe49dc-be37-40ff-9a95-08bd1198e2e9\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/54FE49DC-BE37-40FF-9A95-08BD1198E2E9-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Bikes leaning outside a blue-framed taverna doorway on Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/5cf9e0f7-178a-4e1c-b488-ecb528feda21\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/5CF9E0F7-178A-4E1C-B488-ECB528FEDA21-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Yacht at anchor on the calm blue Ionian Sea off Ithaca 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/4d936b81-4bc7-4bd9-baf5-fdf6bdf98e2c\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/4D936B81-4BC7-4BD9-BAF5-FDF6BDF98E2C-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Harbour village across a turquoise bay on Ithaca seen from the road on The Odyssey bike tour, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1426\" src=\"http:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-230x173.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-350x263.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6-480x360.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/60AD625D-6698-4C0B-9DD0-4B4C6A131EF6.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>From here it was a short, but steep 6km back to our dock where the speed boats awaited \u00a0to take us home<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/33db92d2-9a3d-4fca-ac55-80b93c082086\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/33DB92D2-9A3D-4FCA-AC55-80B93C082086-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclists rounding a hairpin on the final descent on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/ed397cee-df3a-4b46-a8f2-c8cc85b46976\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/ED397CEE-DF3A-4B46-A8F2-C8CC85B46976-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour cyclist in pink riding past an orange rock cutting on Ithaca, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/12cb8fb4-4e3d-41c1-bfe6-8e0f5081ebc2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Cyclist rolling onto the quay at Pisaetos at the finish of The Odyssey bike tour ride on Ithaca, Greece\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-230x230.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-350x350.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/12CB8FB4-4E3D-41C1-BFE6-8E0F5081EBC2-480x480.jpeg 480w\" 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/bf18f773-58ed-46df-b4aa-6d8cd48fcff9\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Two Odyssey bike tour riders in pink jerseys at the finish on the Pisaetos quay, Ithaca, Greece\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-230x230.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-350x350.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BF18F773-58ED-46DF-B4AA-6D8CD48FCFF9-480x480.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>for our final celebratory dinner together. (multiple Greek style salads, beet root taziki, avocado &amp; sardine toasts, deep fried prawns, lamb shank, sea bream, and of course plenty of wine, poached apple and ice cream, \u00a0with a little mastica for digestion)<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-1373 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/af6e0266-f516-4bc9-9435-730e8abe4f1c\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/AF6E0266-F516-4BC9-9435-730E8ABE4F1C-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour group seated at the farewell meal on the hotel terrace 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/0516b7a6-be1c-4342-a6a8-7dc07d0302cd\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/0516B7A6-BE1C-4342-A6A8-7DC07D0302CD-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Riders gathered at round tables for The Odyssey bike tour farewell dinner 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/a1cc529a-d68b-4982-ba84-9ec825a52b17\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/A1CC529A-D68B-4982-BA84-9EC825A52B17-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour guides and riders chatting on the hotel terrace at the farewell gathering, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/fbffaf8d-e50c-4e62-8809-4b7cfd13430a\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/FBFFAF8D-E50C-4E62-8809-4B7CFD13430A-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Guides addressing the group at The Odyssey bike tour farewell on the Kefalonia hotel terrace, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/53d4e8bb-200f-4ad4-820a-619609407a72\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/53D4E8BB-200F-4AD4-820A-619609407A72-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Odyssey bike tour riders saying goodbye to a guide on the terrace above the Ionian Sea, 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/3db327e0-079e-4ab7-b9b0-5e76f6c494a2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/3DB327E0-079E-4AB7-B9B0-5E76F6C494A2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Group of Odyssey bike tour riders and guides talking on the seaview terrace 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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/c87bfcb8-97da-4df2-8578-170efc475f4f\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/C87BFCB8-97DA-4DF2-8578-170EFC475F4F-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Starter of dip with roasted red pepper on a white plate at The Odyssey bike tour farewell dinner, Kefalonia\" \/><\/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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/bfbe1735-7947-4005-a464-99dddeb607ba\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/BFBE1735-7947-4005-A464-99DDDEB607BA-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Platter of taramasalata garnished with olives and herbs at the farewell dinner on Kefalonia, The Odyssey bike tour\" \/><\/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\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/2fbd94fe-9a46-48e3-91ad-11ecf0c3e364\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/06\/2FBD94FE-9A46-48E3-91AD-11ECF0C3E364-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Plate of fried fish with dips at The Odyssey bike tour farewell dinner on Kefalonia, Greece\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/tours\/the-odyssey\/\">Big O<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ithaca, the home of Odysseus (probably!)&#8230; and what an island it is. Odysseus&#8217; returned here disguised as a beggar. His dog Argos was the only one to recognise him. He found his way into his former palace where the suitors to his wife ate his food and insulted his family. They competed for his wifes hand. The suitor that strung Odysseus old bow and fired it through 12 axes would marry Penelope that day. As they demeaned and berated Odysseus the beggar as they tried and failed to string the bow, Odysseus got his hands on it and&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p>In spite of their jeering, Odysseus gathered his wits<br \/>\nAs he eyed his bow closely and hefted it, getting the feel\u2014<br \/>\nThen quick, like a minstrel, a master of playing the lyre<br \/>\nWho easily stretches his sheep-gut up over the crossbar<br \/>\nAnd wraps it around in a fresh roll of oxhide to hold it,<br \/>\nSo did Odysseus string the great bow, with effortless ease.<br \/>\nShifting the grip to his right hand he tested the string<br \/>\nWith a pluck: it twanged, shrill, like a twittering swallow.<br \/>\nThe suitors fell silent, aghast, then their faces turned pale<br \/>\nAs the deafening boom of a thunderbolt sounded above them\u2014<br \/>\nZeus, son of Crooked-Mind Cronus, was sending an omen<br \/>\nTo splendid, enduring Odysseus. He listened, smiled,<br \/>\nAnd still sitting down, he picked up the one naked arrow<br \/>\nEumaeus had left on his table; the others lay quiet,<br \/>\nWaiting, still in the quiver\u2014but not for too long.<br \/>\nThe suitors would sample them soon. Resting the shaft<br \/>\nAt the grip of his bow he nocked it, drew back the string,<br \/>\nAnd aiming it closely, he fired: the bronze-heavy arrow flew<br \/>\nAll the way through, clean, without even grazing<br \/>\nThe tips of the handles. He instantly called out, Telemachus!<br \/>\n&#8230;.then the slaughter began&#8230;. and the suitors wasnt the end of it!<\/p>\n<p>Happy Trails!<\/p>\n<p>And so ends my following of the Big O, Odysseus\u2026.he struggled for 10 years to go from Troy to his kingdom of Ithaca, to be with Penelope and Telemachus, but we also struggled ( and lived the high life) for 29 days to achieve the same! I don\u2019t know how many times I or others uttered the words \u201cwow, amazing, beautiful, fantastic\u201d to the point that we needed to find synonyms for these reactions and emotions!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ember844\" class=\"component-image-layout ember-view\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-main-image _clickable\" data-ember-action=\"\" data-ember-action-845=\"845\">\n<div id=\"ember846\" class=\"bg-img ember-view\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clickable-image-overlay\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail-block\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail _clickable\" data-ember-action=\"\" data-ember-action-847=\"847\">\n<div id=\"ember848\" class=\"bg-img ember-view\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clickable-image-overlay\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail _clickable\" data-ember-action=\"\" data-ember-action-849=\"849\">\n<div id=\"ember850\" class=\"bg-img ember-view\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clickable-image-overlay\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail _clickable\" data-ember-action=\"\" data-ember-action-851=\"851\">\n<div id=\"ember852\" class=\"bg-img ember-view\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clickable-image-overlay\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-layout-thumbnail _clickable\" data-ember-action=\"\" data-ember-action-853=\"853\">\n<div id=\"ember854\" class=\"bg-img ember-view\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clickable-image-overlay\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"si-event info\" data-event-id=\"59318229\">\n<div class=\"si-event-icon-wrap \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"si-event-content\">\n<h3 class=\"si-event-title\">Odysseus&#8217; Palace<\/h3>\n<div class=\"si-event-notes\">\n<p>Archaeologists believe they have found the palace of Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca and hero of Homer&#8217;s epic poem. They believe that the 8th BC century palace which they have discovered here in Ithaca proves that he was a real historical figure. Amazingly, it is the only one of the palaces mentioned in Homer\u2019s epic poems that hadn\u2019t been found.<\/p>\n<p>Now these excavations are very recent and there is a bit of controversery in regards to their discoveries. However it is a great rough ruin to explore and where better on our final day than the potential home of our hero?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On the Road &#8211; Distance 54km \/ 34mi | Elevation 1528m \/ 5013ft Please watch my Relive video here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vMv8gVNGDNq ITHACA! It has [&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-1373","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>\u201cFinally Home\u201d he Cried! - Odyssey: Following the Big O<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bikeodyssey.cc\/following-the-big-o\/2023\/06\/02\/finally-home-he-cried\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\u201cFinally Home\u201d he Cried! - Odyssey: Following the Big O\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On the Road &#8211; Distance 54km \/ 34mi | Elevation 1528m \/ 5013ft Please watch my Relive video here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.relive.cc\/view\/vMv8gVNGDNq ITHACA! 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