Riding to Bandirma, Turkey

Monday May 26, 2014, 87 miles (140 km) – Total so far: 3,257 miles (5,242 km)

May 24, 2014 Ferry 4 miles bicycle 7 miles This morning I had a lot of internet work to do so we got a late start to the ferry. It was about a 4 mile ride from Gelibolu to Cardack. After arriving after noon time we decided to not start the long ride to Bandirma where we will connect with another ferry that will take us to Istanbul. There was not a hotel or camping so we headed back to the next town of Lapseki. When we arrived there seemed to be a lot of chaos as people were all massed outside the buildings, some hurt, and many crying. Ambulances and fire trucks were rushing all over with sirens wailing. As we rode through town we had no idea what was going on and then heard an explosion. We stopped at one potential hotel but the clerk would not tell us anything. He just wanted to sell us a room. Both of us had bad vibes about this as outside the hotel there was a group of about 40 girls mostly crying. Maybe there was a riot and unrest. We continued on to another apartment/hotel where the clerk said there was a large earthquake offshore. We didn’t like this one either so we rode to the port for lunch. The television was broadcasting reports about the quake. Then I remembered while riding between towns the rear of my bike was wobbling like my tire going flat. I was looking at the road which was smooth but my rear continued to wobble but the tire was not flat. A few seconds later the wobble disappeared and I didn’t think anything more about it. That must have been the time of the earthquake. Jocelyn didn’t feel it. During lunch we met a nice guy, Jim that was sitting next to us and we learned that Turkey has frequent quakes but none as bad as this. He also enlightened us on some things to see in the area and suggested another hotel further down. Jim is a deck officer on cargo ships so has been all over the world. After lunch we checked into this hotel. We were expecting aftershocks but never felt a thing and slept well.

May 25, 2014 80 miles We got an early start as we knew it would be a long day. The day turned even longer as the steep rollers started early as we climbed inland. Towards the middle the terrain flattened out somewhat then the rollers started again as we rode to Bandirma. We were looking for CampingAnt but it was getting dark so we found a hotel and will look for this popular campground on the Sea of Marmarma today. We will spend two nights there before proceeding to a ferry in Bandirma for our ride to old city Istanbul. We rented a studio apartment while waiting for family to arrive. Part 1: Europe of this adventure will soon end and we will prepare for Part 2: Asia.

The pistachio man on the ferry.
The pistachio man on the ferry.
Our bikes in a secure spot.
Our bikes in a secure spot.
Gelobolu, Turkey.
Gelobolu, Turkey.
Ferry to Cardack, Turkey, about 4 miles. We got a free ride as we were just waved on!
Ferry to Cardack, Turkey, about 4 miles. We got a free ride as we were just waved on!
Turk flag.
Turk flag.
ROADRICE bikes. Named after us?
ROADRICE bikes. Named after us?
The local Saturday bazaar.
The local Saturday bazaar.
Olives.
Olives.

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A fine Turkish wine. A little expensive though at $8.
A fine Turkish wine. A little expensive though at $8.
On our way to Bandirma.
On our way to Bandirma.
Climbing inland.
Climbing inland.

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Interesting sign.
Interesting sign.
Our lunch. Chickens stacked on a spit that turns then shaved when ready for the sandwich. Delicious.
Our lunch. Chickens stacked on a spit that turns then shaved when ready for the sandwich. Delicious.
We then walked across the street for a cold one of Turkish beer.
We then walked across the street for a cold one of Turkish beer.
It was a very hot and long day.
It was a very hot and long day.
Our destination at sunset - Bandirma - 11 hours after leaving Cardack.
Our destination at sunset – Bandirma – 11 hours after leaving Cardack.
After the earthquake. I had my Drift Ghost camera recording the entire time. Good footage.
After the earthquake. I had my Drift Ghost camera recording the entire time. Good footage.
Two days. Ferry 4 miles biking 87 miles.
Two days. Ferry 4 miles biking 87 miles.

One thought on “Riding to Bandirma, Turkey

  1. Hi Mike and Jocelyn,
    In a week and a few days we can greet each other in person again! Your riding days lately have been more like your first ride across the USA. I cantell that you are enjoying the local food and spirits. I know you are sleeping now and expect to get a snapchat or beep early as you cross the Sea to Istanbul. Please read my email from our Turkish friend Latie. She will be able to assist us if needed in Istanbul. Two more days with kids at CV. Love always, andee

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