January 24th, 2007 | categorizilation: all categories,Turkey
I feel as though I am really getting into the swing of things now. I am enjoying cycling more than I ever have before, and am feeling strong. Perhaps it is the awesome scenery here in Turkey. Turkey is definitely turning out to be a real highlight of the trip.
Amazing rocky mountains with pine tree forests. Today I was lost in the scent of damp pine forests as I rode. It reminded me of New Zealand.
It was a short 50km ride from the graveyard to Duragan. In Duragan I had lunch, and have been spending the afternoon updating the website. I will take off in a couple of minutes and set up camp outside of town.
Once again the bike caused a stir…
   
Been checking in from time to time after discovering the site. Even being from the upper midwest, I've been amazed at what you've cycled through. I can only imagine what it's like passing through the varied geography and differing people. Best wishes for a safe journey.
Merhaba
OK, here is another comment from me, because now I found the word for the turkish onsen and it is called "Hamam". So please, if you come to the next bigger city, ask for the local "Hamam" and get a nice bath including a medical massage, should be good for your cyclists leg-muscles. But, don't get shaved. And, off course, take pictures.
Allaha ismarladik
Some useful Turkish words and expressions:
http://www.turizm.net/turkey/info/lesson.html
Once again I notice that there are no females in your pics. Where are they? Are they allowed out during the day? Do they have to cover themselves when they do come out? I agree with you, the scenery definitely is awesome.
Sorry Rob, I am a bit on a hype today. But for you and the other folks participating in your blog, I want to spread the following links to show where you are cycling, look at the snow " http://www.geopoesia.ru/geo/map/Turkey-map.jpg "
and what you have to expect on population density from now on " http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/atlas_middle_east/… " . So be aware, loneliness is over now. Better learn a few word turkish 
Please translate: "Oh, Hello Mr. Police Officer. We guys from New Zealand always like to camp on graveyards. It's kind of our tradition.Is that different here in Turkey? Upps, Sorry:-)Good Luck and you are right to get an eye on the youngsters.
Rob;
Glad to see you are out of the snow! Have a good trip and we are still following your journey. Great photo up overlooking the lake.
Hey rob… it has been a wee while since I said hi… You're doing awesome. i love that you are loving it so much at the moment too. I have just got back from a new Zealand tour with my friends in a band.. very much fun. The year has started well… sam and i are house sitting, very nice. I move into my studio office in 3 weeks and can't wait, it is all a bit exciting at the moment.
Anyway very proud of you, the photos are rad!
love rach
Roger, thanks for the encouragement. Great to hear that you are enjoying the site.
Achim, hype all you want. Those links are awesome. At present I am making my way to the Black Sea coast. Looking at that population density map, it explains why it is getting harder to find a good spot to sleep…
Aunty Jenny, the bike tends to attract males. Too bad for me, huh. But there are very few females on the streets here. Restaurants, tea houses, shops, all seem to be the realm of males. How boring…
Rach, you are a legend. You should send a couple of pics from the NZ tour to me!
Why did you choose to go through the centre of the country instead of along the coast where it should be warmer and flatter?
How inconvenient is it to have two different size wheels (more spares required).
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey with the world I've been fascinated!
Kim Martin
Did anybody comment on day 182,5 that you are already HALF A YEAR on tour?! Hard to believe, but true! Why not go for a year?!. I mean, two month to London, then take a plane to New York and follow the 14 degrees to the West-Coast, streets there are easy, then jump on the plane to Tokyo and there you are; Around the World in 365 days within 14 degrees, wouldn't that be great. I'll sponsor you with a pre-subscription to your book, what's the price? 20-30 bugs? We have to find some good sponsors for you, take care. Akimoto
Fabulous photos. The one at the top of this days blog certainly does look very muc like NZ.
Where has the snow gone or doesn't it snow in the part of Turkey you're in now?
I'm looking at your photos and blog at work as I have a gap as I'm up to date with all my paper work.
Hi Rob
Turkey certainly looks interesting! I remember seeing the video of the first tentative steps on the recumbent, and thinking "you're gonna ride that thing where!" So in hind-sight was it a good choice?
I agree with Hachim ~ you must get into the Turkish Bath culture ~ (when in Turkey… ). You could be the sweetest-smelling long-distance bike-tourer anywhere!
Kim, you are correct about the Black Sea coast being warmer. I had 25 degrees the other day! You are however incorrect about it being flatter. In fact, it has some of the hardest climbing in all of Turkey. In a couple of days, I will be consistently averaging over 1,000m climbing per day on the endless ups and downs here on the coast. As for the two different wheel sizes, you get used to it. Better than sitting on a seat the size of a cordless telephone (as is the case with upright bicycles).
Aunty Les, see the recent posts for info on the snow. Still plenty of it. You just have to search for it.
