Friday May 30, 2014, 19 miles (31 km) – Total so far: 3,285 miles (5,287 km)
May 30, 2014 19 miles We had a great time camping on the Sea of Marmara at campingant.com. What a nice, quiet and clean place that was recommended from many touring cyclists we have met. The ferry left at 3:30 so we took our time climbing back to Bandirma. Unfortunately we were on the “fast” ferry that turned out to be like flying on a plane as there was no one allowed outside during the entire trip. It was a disappointment. We did meet two American couples, however, one from Alabama and another bicycle touring couple from Washington State. On arrival it was an instant shock in this 5th largest city in the world of 15 million. Wow! And of course the old city is built on a series of steep hills. We did do well and with Jocelyn’s great navigation we soon found our apartment for the next four nights. What a great city and experience!
The next morning we navigated our stripped bikes to Bisikletgezgina.com for much needed maintenance and outfitting for our upcoming Asian journey. This shop is dedicated to only touring bicyclists and is just great and run by the expertise of Basak and Rahman. We cycled and walked our bicycles to the shop as the streets and sidewalks were just crazy with people and traffic! Our lightened bikes were difficult to handle without the weight as we bounced around the steep uphill’s and way too fast downhill’s.
Our family is arriving soon and we are taking a few weeks off to enjoy. During the middle of June we will once again cycle the path less known. We have achieved Istanbul and are very proud of our accomplishment but there is much more to accomplish. This life is very challenging but we have overcome many obstacles and will continue to do so. Our future Silk Road journey is awaiting and we are excited to think about what’s next.
