Refuge Psarthi, Patras 20141130

MTB ride to the refuge Psarthi in Panachaiko range.

1,6k at 21m - Pl Papandreoy, meeting point. From the square with major roads up in direction to Glafkos. Just before bypass of Patras we took a left turn and passed through villages Neo Soyli and Romanos, to continue with asphalt towards Zastova.

14,9k at 650m - Zastova, Sanatorio. End of asphalt. Just next to ruins of huge Sanatorio in the village (never really operated) the asphalt road ends. From here all the way up to the refuge, there is mixed conditioned dirt road. 9km with 750m climb (~8,5%)

19,3k at 1000m - Viewpoint at intersection, view to the bridge. About half way up, on bigger intersection of dirt roads, there is nice viewpoint with Rio-Antirio bridge view (see photos). Probably the 'better road' part ends here. From now upto refuge a bit more challenging section starts, with bigger climbs and worse road.

23,9k at 1390m - Refuge Psarthi, water spring. Longer break at water spring. Drink, snack, selfies and warmer clothes before starting the downhill :-D First part is more difficult with road full of smaller (and bigger) loose rocks - cool downhill!

30,8k at 900m - Intersection, straight towards Kefalovryso. Road right down leads to Pournarokastro, but we went straight to Kefalovryso. Much better dirt road, a bit of flat section, very nice views to Glafkos valley.

34,9k at 720m - Kefalovryso village. Dirt road ends in the village and only asphalt left before us all the way down to Patra.

46,6k at 170m - Glafkos, water spring. Quick stop for water and easy ride to the city.

50,4k at 50m - IZI cafe. And hot cappuccino :-D (Eyxaristw Aleko, twra soy xrostaw dyo kafedes!).

Really cool mountain ride. It has been over one year since my last MTB and I forgot how fun it is! I mark it moderate as we didnt push hard nor the route has any really technical parts. It was a nice day! And with 0 problems (not a single flat tire!)