Arrived Bulgaria

Met great Finish guy,Timo, whilst having breakfast in Uzenkupru, who is on world tour on his BMW 1200 GS. Just got checked into hotel in Slivengrad, Bulgaria before thunder storm.
62 miles today - a good day.

Canakale, Golupolu and the Dardenelles

All going well so far even if a little more slowly than I expected. Canakale and the Dardenelles straits really very interesting. ANZAC day had only been the day previous to the day I arrived, so quite a number of Australians around to honour the day. Gallipoli is apparantly the only remembrance day that is joined by both parties who fought in the conflict. Both sides it seems developed a real respect for the way each side fought the conflict, and the way the other side treated prisoners of war.

I had quıte a long chat with Aussie who was with party of hıstory students who were over to honour the day.

Mon 27th April Good but short ride up to Golupolu, where I enjoyed delicious fish kebab.

Tues 28th April Another good day, managed 45 miles today, so starting to get into my stride.
Arrived Keçan and after booking into good hotel had a walk around quite big town where a couple of ageing hookers tried to drag me into a bar!

Wed 29th April Made my way to Uzenköpru where I stopped for lunch. Much merriment in Kafeteria where a guy was cracking and eating hazel nuts - Turkish viagra - 2 or 3 times he kept indicating. All the other guys were laughing their head off.
By the time all this was over, it had started to rain so rather than push on, decided to find hotel in town.

Geez runs London Marathon

Tom Nelsey (Alıas 'Geez'), Sue's son, completed the London Marathon last Sunday, in a time which I understand was under 4 hours - a fantastic achievement - well done Geez!

I know that Tom would be really pleased with any donation, however small (or large) to his chosen charıty which is:-

www.againstmalaria.com/tomnelsey

And so to the 'Dardenelles'

Sorted mystery of logging on to Blog - 2 'i's on Turkish keyboard, andguess what the 'i' you think you should use is not the 'i' you should use!

Thurs 23rd Aprıl
Caught 8.30 ferry from Mytilene to Ayvalik in Turkey, and set off into quıte strong headwind. Arrived Burhanıye and booked into small hotel. Spent at least half an hour with receptionist and one the guest discussing my route, and eventually decided against Istanbul and for Dardenelles!

Frı 24th April
Carried on, again into headwind, to Kucukkuyu. Lovely little place, and you can see Lesbos in the distance. Some lovely scenery so far, although some terrain a bit testing, but the most memorable feature so far has been the lovely Turkısh people. Just one example, pulled up in square in nice little town Edremit, old man sitting on a bench sees me and straight away invites me to share his seat for a rest, obviously we couldn't talk - except to say 'meheba' (hello) but nevertheless real communication.

Outside Jimmy's Bar, Lafionas on morning of departure.

Ready get set.....

22nd April
After couple of fried eggs for breakfast, I crossed the island of Lesbos to Mytilene, the capital and port.Lovely weather during the few days Simon and I spent in Lafionas, but would you believe it,thunder storms today. However managed to reach Porto Lesvos Hotel before real rain. Ferry booked for tomorrow crossing to Ayvalik in Turkey. Hoping for better weather.

Preparation!

19th April 2009
Preparation for 'Return' going according to plan. New tyres, a good clean and adjustments all round for the bike. So machinery should be up to scratch. The human half of the equation is a little more problematic having been fortified by "smooth, strong rum" by Magoos, and various Greek alcoholic potions with "Flying Doctor", my dear bro!
I have a feeling that there will be an alcoholic haze following me for the first day or two as I head over the hills of Lesbos and Turkey.