Our starting point is Anogia, 37 kilometers southwest of Iraklion in the foothills of the Psiloritis Mountains. Don't worry, we won't be cycling directly to this high town. We ascend by bus. There'll be some cycling over the ridge of a mountain range, but most of our pedaling will be downhill.

Angoia is an endearing village due to its preserved craftsmanship and artisanry, particularly the women's textiles. Most of the towns you will pedal through in the Psiloritis region receive scanty foreign visitors. The residents live life in the slow lane, and for this reason, the bicycle is the best way to experience the land and its people. Many women still wear the traditional black and the men baggy pants stuck in goatskin boats. Shepards, tavli (backgammon), black Greek coffee in tiny cups, and weaving looms are likely sites as you pedal by, or stop for an engaging interaction with the locals.

Many tavernas along our route will offer tempting choices for lunch. We will not have a problem finding good, local homemade Greek food.

We will cycle to two fascinating caves on this tour. First we come to Sedoni Cave at Zoniana. It has incredible stalagmites and stalactites and bizarre formations that are a wonder to behold. Some regard Sedoni Cave as the most spectacular in Crete. The cave is treasured by Cretans because it was a hideout for resistance fighters during the Turkish occupation.

Towards the end of our ride we come to Melidoni Cave, whose history is mournful. In 1824, over 300 villagers fled the Turkish army and took refuge in the cave where they refused to surrender. Yes, the cave is big enough to hold that many people! The Turks lit a fire at the cave's entrance and everyone was asphyxiated. The cave contains a communal tomb for the victims. The Melidoni cave also has a mythic history as the home of Talus, the protector of Crete. A sorceress name Medea stole his protective thorn and he bled to death.

Our final cycling destination is beautiful, photogenic Bali. This seaside town has a dramatic landscape of sandy beaches, several coves, promontories all on a hilly peninsula. There will certainly be time enough to end our day with a soothing dip in the sea and thoughts of where to bicycle next time!