We covered 32 km in total, with 1 hour and 36 minutes of riding and 58 minutes spent climbing. The route packed in 684 metres of elevation gain, with grades ranging from +14.2% on the climbs to a steep -13% on the descents. Off-Road 55%. We kicked off bang on 06:00, rolling out of Kokkino Chorio and straight into the climb towards Drapanos. The off-road tyres hummed on the tarmac, but the sound was offset by the view ahead - the White Mountains glowing in early light. The limestone peaks shone a crisp, glistening grey; their lower slopes, a deep blue-black shadow. Locals call them Madares - from the Cretan word madaros, meaning bald, bare of vegetation. And they are. I glanced up and recognised tracks we’ve ridden - scars on the slopes, each holding memories of demanding ascents and technical descents. Before I knew it, we’d passed through Kefalas and dived off-road into the Enchanted Forest. The euphoria hit fast - cool air, narrow trail, and that unmistakable, floaty feeling only a fast descent delivers. We bombed down the slope, hitting 35 kph, grinning like kids on a stolen bike. In that moment, we could’ve been racing Val di Sole - not in a World Cup round, but in our own private league of legends. We eventually hit tarmac at Litsarda, but it didn’t last. Soon, we were back on track, heading west to pick up the Georgioupoli to Vamos road. We turned left - flat out - and hit 60 kph racing down to the next turn-off. Then, straight into a brutal 18% downhill track with drop-offs. No time for hesitation: don’t stop, commit, go. Even by Cretan standards, this section is a proper test - loose, fast, and unforgiving. We skirted just north of Vyrsses, picking up the track that swings northwest toward Vamos. No chatting here. Engage E-MTB mode and pay attention - one lapse and you’re kissing gravel. We hit tarmac again at what we call “The Church with No Name”, turned right, engaged turbo mode, and made great time into Vamos. ☕ There, we rolled into Macky’s for coffee - and had the pleasure of meeting Derek, Linda, and Andrew from the WMCC Road Section. It's a great way to end a top-class ride. Freedom, flow, and that unmistakable feeling. This is Tracks of the Minotaur.