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FAQ

Damage deposit: how banks handle that as a transaction

What is “normally” happening?

The moment we charge the damage deposit on your card, the majority of the banks handle that as a successful transaction.

Appearing a completed transaction

There are a few banks out there which display the amount authorisation with no visual differentiation compared to the rest of completed transactions. That may cause a significant amount of frustration, but rest assured, that there is no chance us charging any amount prior notifying you.

What happens when I receive the email of the damage deposit refund

In the case of a reversal of the damage deposit amount, you will see a refund credit on your statement or you’ll just see the original damage deposit charge drop. Your bank should be able to confirm this for you. Depending on your card issuer, the original charge will disappear from your pending charges within the next 7 calendar days of the reversal – refund. (Assuming no charges as per our Damage Deposit guidelines)

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Menites Village, a totally refreshing spot

Cycling there is a must-thing-to-do

Menites was reputed as a grand, prestigious place, where visitors from other villages walked its streets with hats on as a gesture of respect. It is located very close to the Andros Chora. Menites is one of Andros’ most beautiful villages due to its natural beauty and traditional architecture. It’s an impressive historical settlement, which can be explored by walking its stone alleys and passages. The village boasts about the wealth of greenery, its natural springs, and the old Byzantine churches and chapels.

Have your water bottles empty

The main attractions of the village are the natural springs and the thick shadow from the trees. Here, regardless the heat, it is always cool and pleasant. Fill up your water bottles with fresh waters have a snack or a coffee and then resume your cycling. Your day has just been upgraded.

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/X5MYjaUsxGMPdUYGA

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Ancient Zagora, cycle towards Andros first settlements (10BC)

A breathtaking place to visit by bike

The location has been chosen by the first settlers of Andros during the 10th century BC. Historians are yet to explain how and why they arrive at this place. The most amazing factor is how.

This part of Andros island is a steep, naturally fortified, remote peninsula. Examing the ruins, someone notices the unusual structure of their residences which probably acted as camouflage, hiding their presence from the sea. Moreover, the settlers had erected strong walls to enhance their natural fortification. The multiple adversities and perils that residents evidently contended at those times, and led them to take all those measures of protection, constitute a still unresolved issue for scientists to this day.

How to get there by bike and a few cycling tips.

To approach that part of Andros, you will need to hike down a trail, the one that gets you to Zagora. If order to do so, you will have to lock your bikes at the trails entry point or somewhere on the main road.

Alternately, you may cycle down the gravel segment, until the roads becomes too rough. You can lock you bike there.

Where you can find that place: https://goo.gl/maps/PSH9sq8pRbPFCB9w7

Please mind, that there is no restaurant or grocery store in close proximity, hence having water and food with you should be previously taken care of. The closest option would be at the main intersection on your enroute from/to Andros, where you can find a taverna. To our knowledge, this taverna is open during the summer months, but we are not sure of its status for the rest of the year. Hopefully, the more the cyclists visiting the place the better the chances are for all us to enjoy their services longer 🙂

Tip: right at the top of the site, a stunning, ultimately secluded beach is visible. In order to get there, you need to head back the trail and turn left approximately one kilometre after leaving from Ancient Zagora.

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Stenies village, some of Andros great history starts from here

It extremely unlikely for visitors during their time on Andros not to notice the great depth of shipping culture and how this has shaped the island. Stenies village is one of the places that played an important role and paying this spot a visit is definitely a worthwhile thing to do.

Here, you will find no statutes, no archeological museums, no specials things. Here, you will have to discover everything yourself and for doing that, you will need a totally different approach. But first you need to understand why this is should be the way.

Generations of captains come from here, get off the bike and just… listen

The quaint alleys, traditional yards with blooming flowers, and flourishing lemon trees make any visitor to appreciate a “tidy”, clean villa full of smells and colors. But is that all? Certainly not.

Even from the beginning of the 18th century, becoming a seaman was a matter of pride among the small community of Stenies village. The more the years of experience in the open sea someone had, the more the esteem and the respect he received. In the case of being a captain in a big, steam powered vessels that was enough for someone to become one among the most prominent members of Stenies population. All of the seamen families here have been wealthy at some point. Many of them decided to go down a cosmopolitan way and they have moved to Athens, with some to have gone outside of the country (many of them are staying in London). The ones that stayed in Stenies, did so because this is their true home. It is breathtaking to think of people that have travelled the world for years, but could find no peace like the one back at home.

Therefore, for any curious cyclist who want to discover this true and fascinating side of the village, find the small “kafenio”, enjoy some coffee. Be always timid and avoid be loud or demanding; remember, that is the people’s special home and foreigners who do not respect this important place aren’t welcome – it makes perfect sense.

A cycling coffee stop full of stories from the sea

If you are lucky to see any of the locals joining you at the Kafenio, just ask them about the Stenies village and its history. If that person is in the mood to share more, do not leave. The stories you will hear would be real gold and then the magic will happen. You will discover this place through the people narratives and you will learn a lot about how the shipping industry was back then, at a time where real skills and courage needed to overcome on the hurdles of sailing in the open seas.

It has happened to us. What about you?

How to get there : https://goo.gl/maps/BEj3mpdcUdozkgXt7

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Paleopolis Andros, a place cyclists should not miss

Palaiopolis is an ancient settlement in Andros, which thrived from the Classical era till the prevalence of the Roman Empire. Its ancient port, nowadays partially sunk, is particularly impressive and frequently observed by scuba divers. The picturesque villages and the flourishing yards of the houses draw the attention of visitors, who are given the opportunity to explore the place by following the central path that ends up to the beach. There is also an archaeological museum, which exhibits artifacts excavated in the area as well as other pertinent information about life in ancient Andros.

Cycling uphill is not that hard

When cyclists spot the sign to Paleopolis, they begin to have second thought whether they should go down that road or not. Indeed, it looks very steep, but it reality the grade is challenging, but impossible. The bikes can be dropped off at the main parking lot in front of this building and accessing the beach side is on foot. Leaving the bike there is perfectly safe, but locking them is even better 🙂 . Following the trail that starts from there, would be only thing needed to reach the sea level, a great spot to enjoy some rest.

Tips for cyclists

  • When you follow the path and you come across a fence, or something similar that blocks the way, you are welcome to open it, but mind closing it again, to avoid and sheeps or goats escaping the private property.
  • If you are using clipped in shoes, mind to bring a pair of flops with you. Walking down the trail with cleat type shoes, is not an experience we recommend 🙂
  • Using an MTB or a gravel bike can get you all the way to the beach side. Pure joy!
  • There is no kiosk or taverna where you can buy water or food from once you leave the main road. You may buy all you need before you descend towards the beach side.
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Mpistis Mouvela Tower

A great cycling spot, ideal for a quick break

Historically, the Towers of Andros belonged to prominent families. According to records, the erection of such edifices began during the 17th century as they provided both accommodation and protection. The adjustment and development of the old Andriotic house provided safety to the residents from the attacks of pirates. It’s particularly impressive to notice that incorporated to the doors of each castle, there were murder holes from which boiling water was poured to invaders.

On this case Pyrgos Mpistis was built early in the 17th century and has two storage compartments and many rooms. Going from one room to the other, was feasible with a moving ladder, no stairs, indicating the need from safety and protection.

The degree of isolation was so big that at the upper compartment, the owners have built a dovecote ensuring enough food and provisions for the residence.

It is believe that the need for protection was mainly to secure the great wealth shipping families had accumulated over the years, against looters and pirates.

Where to find that: https://goo.gl/maps/iCzKjAd9iy6rbCAA9

Cycling Tips when you visit the site

The last time we visited the tower, we didn’t notice any access to water or toilet facilities. Also, if you plan to have to cycling break here, bring a pair of flops or wear your training shoes, since walking any clipped shoes is going to be a hassle.

There is no fee for visit the tower, but be cautious when you enter inside; the building in quite old.

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Sariza Spring and its healing properties

The legend has it that the spring was named after Pasa San Riza who dwelled in Evia. His fez (Turkish hat) fell into a stream and was washed away in a spring in the village Apoikia in Andros Island. On this ground, it is believed that the two islands were connected.

The exact date of the renovation of the marble font of the spring is vague, yet we know that it was founded in 1787 under the supervision of Makarios Polemis who also funded the whole project. It was optimized mainly for household use, for watering gardens and for washing clothes by the women of the village.

The quantity of this water remains stable. The water has healing properties, thus in 1932 under royal charter, it was suggested that it cures kidney ailments and many other diseases.

It is an undisputed fact that the healing waters of the spring were fully deployed in 1929 when a factory was constructed to bottle it and export it to numerous markets. The water travelled throughout the globe and gained great reputation due to its therapeutic properties and its credibility. Furthermore, it is often compared to Evian, the renowned mineral water because of its exquisite features.

There is a sign next to the spring with the following saying

Hi stranger, remember,
whenever you return to your homeland,
you owe your life to me.

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Blog

Greek Ferry Guide: On which ferries can I get my bicycle?

Every summer Greece, with the tourism activity reaching its peak, we frequently receive inquiries from cyclists asking for help on whether they can or cannot take their bikes onboard. Below, we have created a list with the main ferry operators along with information on which of their Ferries taking the bike is allowed.

Blue Star Ferries

Generally, on all of their ferries you can take your bike or your rental one along at no additional cost. In particular we have reviewed the following ferries:

  • Blue Star Chios
  • Blue Star Myconos
  • Blue Star Patmos
  • Blue Star Delos
  • Blue Star 1
  • Blue Star 2
  • Blue Star Paros
  • Blue Star Naxos
  • Diagoras
  • Blue Horizon
  • Blue Galaxy
  • Blus Carrier

Depending on the ferry you might need to secure the bike in the car parking compartment or at a dedicated storage room. From our experience the staff is helpful and they always assist cyclists to secure their bikes.

Hellenic Seaways

The ferries on which you can take your bicycle along are the ones below:

  • Highspeed 4
  • Hellenic Highspeed
  • Nissos Samos
  • Ariadne
  • Nissos Rodos
  • Express Pegasus
  • Express Skiathos
  • Artemis

As per our latest information, there is no cost for that.

There are some hi-speed ferries (catamaran type) that Hellenic Seaways operate, where getting your bike can be a hassle. In particular, you are not allowed to take your bike on the following ferries:

  • Flying Cat 3
  • Flying Cat 4
  • Flying Cat 5
  • Flying Cat 6
  • Flying Dolphin 17
  • Flying Dolphin 19
  • Flying Dolphin 29

Tip: You are still able to take your bike along but you will have to disassemble it and treat it as passenger luggage. Typically removing the wheels is sufficient. For the Flying Cat series, the above practice is easier since generally there is more space for passengers luggage, which will allow you to find some space for it. Remember, it is being treated as luggage, which means that most probably your bike will have to lean against other people’s belongings. For the Flying Dolphin series, the situation is more critical, since the storage compartment is significantly smaller.

Minoan Lines

Not worries here, you can take your bicycle with no problem in all of their ferries. We have reviewed the followings:

  • Η/S/F Festos Palace
  • H/S/F Santorini Palace
  • H/S/F Knossos Palace
  • H/S/F Kydon Palace
  • Cruise Europa
  • Cruise Olympia

There is plenty of space to secure your bike. Do not hesitate to ask the staff to assist you by giving you a piece of rope of covering material to ensure a scratch-free travel. To our knowledge there are no additional fees for getting the bike along.

Seajets Ferries

Their catamaran type vessel you definitely reach the islands faster. However, taking the bike along is not so straightforward. The ferries where you can take the bike along with no issues and no extra costs are:

  • Tera Jet
  • WorldChampion Jet
  • Champion Jet 1
  • Champion Jet 2
  • Megajet
  • Naxos Jet
  • Paros Jet
  • Masterjet
  • Andros Jet
  • HSC Cat
  • Power Jet
  • High Speed Jet
  • Aqua Blue (Conventional Ferry)
  • Aqua Jewel (Conventional Ferry)

The ones where you cannot take the bike(s) onboard are:

  • Sifnos Jet
  • SeaJet 2
  • SuperJet

The situation in above ferries is very… tight. Normally those are used to move passengers within the Cyclades Archipelago, therefore, the storage compartment has very limited space. You may still be able to take the bike along, but that will require for you to disassemble the bike and treat it like luggage. If you are travelling off-the-season, it wouldn’t be a problem, but when you are aiming for late July and August, the months where the travelling peaks, the situation can become very challenging.

Ferries to Aegina (Saronic Ferries)

Here, there are two type of ferries that connect Piraeus and the island of Aegina, the conventional ones and the catamarans; the world famous: flying dolphins. In all the conventional ferries you can take the bike along. These are:

  • Acheos
  • Apollon Hellas
  • Phivos
  • Poseidon Hellas

You cannot take the bike on board all catamaran type ferries operating in the Saronic gulf. You can try, but the space is not enough. At the same time, the crew will make sure to feed you with enough negative energy and stress that you are ruining their boat. Do not get disheartened or disappeared, that is their game and with a little bit of nice words you can persuade them to let you get your bike.

Golden Star Ferries

This ferry operator departs mainly from the port of Rafina and connect the islands of Andros, Tinos, Mykonos. The ferries where you can take the bikes along are:

  • Superferry
  • Superferry II
  • Superexpress
  • Supperrunner

However, on the ones below you cannot take the bikes along:

  • SuperSpeed
  • SuperCat

Fast Ferries (the red ones)

This is one more ferry operator that connects the islands of Andros, Tinos, Mykonos with the port of Rafina. In all of their ferries you can take your bikes along, at no additional cost. The ferry list is as follows:

  • Fat Ferries Andros
  • Ekaterini P.
  • Theologos P.

We have meet the owner and the staff of this particular ferry company and we have briefed them on the special care and needs cyclists have. We love travelling with them.

Keeping the list updated

Our editors frequently look for changes in the ferry operators fleet and services. If you haven’t found information about your ferry, please send us email at info@grcycling.com stating which ferry company you want us to ask for more details. We should update the list within 48 hours upon we receive your request.

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FAQ

Is there any insurance plan?

Currently there is no insurance plan that we can offer during your bike rental. We are constantly in discussions with insurance companies that will enable us to offer you an affordable and complete plan.

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FAQ

Damage Deposit: All you need to know

What is the Damage Deposit?

The Damage Deposit (or in other bike rental companies you might find it as cushion deposit) is an amount allocated, for us to be able to replace any parts that during the use of your rental bike, have been damaged, lost or it is very hard for us to use them.

Some of the examples are listed below:

  • spare tubes used
  • bended rims
  • lost levers or multitools
  • destroyed tyres
  • broken shifters

See a more detailed parts’ list and costs.

In case of no accidents or actual damages, we may use part of the damage deposit to offset any payments for cancelling or prolonging your booking.

Why the damage deposit is necessary?

In the unfortunate event where a bike upon its return is found to be damaged, it is our top priority to repair it the soonest possible, so that it doesn’t have an impact on all the bookings that follow. Also, we need to ensure that the rest of the cyclists using this bike are going to enjoy a safe and trouble-free time on the saddle.

Is this an insurance plan?

No, this is not an insurance. You are still liable for the total loss or damages exceeding the damage disposit amount.

Example: when after a crash and the bike is not usable at all (broken frame) or if your bikes was stolen, we will need to order a new to replace it. In that place, customer bares the cost of replacing it.

Charging the damage deposit

Approximately three days prior your bike rental plan starts, you will receive an email to remind you to cover the damage deposit, if you haven’t done that before.

(Please note that in the case your rental period begins in less than 3 days of your booking confirmation, the damage deposit will have to be allocated simultaneously)

After our staff collects your rental bike(s), our mechanics thoroughly inspect the bike and asses any costs incurred to repair any damages. In case no damages found, the amount on the damage deposit amount is fully refunded and within 2-3 working days that is also reflected in your bank’s statements.

In the unfortunate event that we our mechanics notify us of damages, we keep you updated on every stage of this process, transparently communicating all the costs needed to repair the bike or its part. In that case we charge the amount for the repairs accordingly.

How we calculate the costs? GrCycling has a a significant number of bikes, which enable us to trade on wholesale terms with the various bike manufactures and spare suppliers. Therefore, our charges are based on:

  • wholesale rate from the suppliers
  • time to repair the repair the bike
  • administration and bank fees
  • a mindset to minimise the above

What happens if I do not have the damage deposit in place?

Our staff will not be able to deliver you the bikes unless the damage deposit is in place. If there is no other way for you to cover the amount needed (e.g. you card is blocked) we will have to cancel the order as non-show.

How we know that a damage has occurred?

It is part of our procedure, that after ever bike collection our mechanics inspect, document and service the bike, so that it is closer to its original condition. Every bike has a record of pictures, notes and comments that enable us to know in detail the status of each bike. That said, being cyclists ourselves, we understand that using the bike might result minor scratches, chain issues, braking pads replacements or others, and we do not count them as damages.