On The Road
May 14, 2008
Tuesday we learned our second lesson about riding in Turkey, the locals don’t necessarily know anything about the road ahead. Our map and the road signs disagreed, so we sought a third opinion. We asked a bus driver and ended up with another extra 20km. Once we were back on track, had a rest break under an old Roman aqueduct and a bit of lunch we got some more bad news. There was a huge road construction project ahead. We were told that the next stretch of road would be some of the worst that we’d ever see, AND 3000 trucks a day are moving back and forth on it. This tıme both accounts were spot on… Still, between dust clouds, we had some amazing views of the Black Sea, and the temperature couldn’t have been more perfect for riding. After a day of dust, exhaust and rough roads, we picked up some snacks in a village called Subaşi and then headed out of town to set up camp. We found a nice spot and were crashed out by dark.
Today has been a gem by comparison. The roads have been relatively smooth, almost no traffic and some of the most beautiful rolling countryside that you can imagine. We only logged about 70km today and had a headwind most of the way. We’re stopped for the night in a town called Saray and have found that Turkish dish called Lahmacun can make you forget a day of wind in the face.
Tomorrow we’re on the road again heading north and west.
All the Best,
James
Exciting to hear your adventures. Been fun to use your travels as a geography lesson for Grace and Rachel.
How have the locals been?
Hope you have smoother roads ahead. Know it probably isn’t near the same but will have some bakalva in your honor this weekend at the Greek Festival in Winston.
Hey Joeff,
I know for a fact that the baclava ın Winston is great, but İ think that the atmosphere here adds something to it.
The locals are great. Even though language is definitely a barrier, it hasn’t been a problem. The people that we’ve run across have always gone out of their way to help us out.
See you,
James