Day 124

We chilled to the max in Kastamonu (definitely still recovering from Day 122 no doubt). Today we plan another good stint of over 100 kilometers. Hopefully all this tough work will pay dividends soon, as we feel that we are due a much needed rest!!!!!!

Leaving Kastamonu

Paul meets Tuncar

Paul decided to stay a little longer in Kastamonu this morning to catch up on some emails and to search for a bike shop to fix a now, very worbbly back wheel!!! On departing the hostel, he bumped into a Turkish cyclist named Tuncar. Tuncar organised us a contact in Karabuk and accomodation at a student village. Paul was also approached by a passer-by who showed him todays newspaper. Thaireland were on the front page of Kastamonu's main newspaper....from our day spent in Hanonu.

 

 

 

We even got a second page dedicated to use.

 

Tuncar's rig (very light in weight)

We all agree that cycling out of Kastamonu was utter torture. There were mindless amounts of hills (about 30km of them to be exact!!!) in our way. These hills were accompanied by a unrelenting headwind that sapped the very lifes blood from our already aching bodies. The devilish elements also forced us to cycle at an agonising 6-8km p/hr!!!!! There is no doubting this fact that; "big hill climbs and strong headwinds turn a cycling into a load of "@#$%%&"......Ahem!!

Free cay for Paul on route (Just outside Arac)

The newspaper came in pretty handy for Paul today....

A nice meal in Arac (discounted again) Yipeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Catering for the Irish...Great people those Turks

Cycling through thunder storms

Harsh roads, slow progress. The weather is improving though

Giving it our all on them there harsh roads

Entering Karabuk

Paul meets up with Brian and Mike and the whole story about Tuncar, Fatih and a Turkish homestay unfolds. We shall be staying at a University Campus tonight....Another score for the Thaireland lads...Perfect....

The weather is so hit n' miss today

Supper time with Fatih and friends

Meal time in Turkey with Fatih and friends

The legend that is Fatih Sahin

Fatih with Thaireland

Our Turkish companions for the night

We sneaked in some of the Munster Game on the side....but gave up when the score looked ominous for us. With tired eyes, we stay up chatting until the wee hours. It at been a another great day and with Istanbul firmly in our sights at this stage, things could only get better..

Night Folks