How pathetic is the state of road cycling in Greece (where I'm heading on vacation)? Google 'bike shop Athens' and in the largest city in the country (population 8 million or so) there are TWO, count 'em TWO shops selling high end cycles. One even has a website. All Greek, no English language version. Of course, I'll be 30 miles north of Chalkida, about 80 miles north of Athens, and all the bike shops there are actually toy stores. I kid you not. There is virtually no serious road cycling in Greece at all. In 20 days over two trips riding daily around my Dad's house on Evia, I saw exactly ONE other cyclist on a high end road bike there.

In other words, if you're bringing your bike and you're riding, come prepared (parts, tools, etc.).