Monthly Archives: July 2011

We were told by Philip the German cycle tourer that there were two passes en route to Dogubayzit. It was real hard work cycling against a strong Easterly wind. Twice we were chased by Bunyanesque hounds which were every bit … Continue reading →

2 days had passed since the consulate had supposedly been sent my authorisation code. It was a Friday so it was either now or wait until next week. The consulate opened at 0930. I wanted to get there bright and … Continue reading →

We decided to venture to Trabzon in an attempt to secure an Iranian visa. We left the bikes and junk in Erzurum and got another bus. The bus company owners fought over our custom each claiming they were giving us … Continue reading →

We were told to arrive at the bus station at 10am but the bus didn’t in fact leave until 6pm. So after an early start, we relaxed in a café call day. When it came to putting the bikes on … Continue reading →

Of all the things I have seen thus far on this trip, I would have to say that visiting Istanbul has been the most eye-opening. Fitting not only the definition of a megacity, but also the superlative “alpha world city“, … Continue reading →

1 long day where I was still shaking off the rest of my temperature, and one really long day entering Istanbul followed the border incident. The roads to begin with were in amazing condition (EU / Turkish joint effort according … Continue reading →

Some bloke walked into the holy house at about 7am. He probably wanted to pray to God, but instead found 3 stinking cycle tourers asleep. ‘No problem’, he said before making a swift exit closing the door behind him. The … Continue reading →

The first night cycling together we camped with permission in a field round the back of some sort of service station. I didn’t feel all that great during the cycle, and the temperature dropped surprisingly significantly that night. Matze started … Continue reading →

Just before arriving in Varna I came across a place called Pobiti Kamani – some form of rock formation park. I popped in sans payer to get a quick ganders… Too bad I missed ‘The Stone Of The Divine Love.’ … Continue reading →

Yes solo cycle touring really is a laugh a minute… but what kind of adventure is this without a little casual entomology en route? It has always entertained me how much bigger bugs get when you leave the UK and … Continue reading →