July 13th - Welcome to Turkey Nico !

Nico`s slide
Nico`s slide

This is what happened to Nicolas when we take off the training wheels on his Kawasaki !

No seriously, my buddy is safe and without any injuries. More fear than casualty...

A sharp down left, the front wheel slide on melting asphalt, then trajectory change and Nico full on the break but the Kawa ended into the pile of gravel on the side road and feel on the left side.

Result; broken left indicator, engine scrape and a small injury to his toe and arm. He is right now having a massage to recover from his stunt :)

Site inspection :)
Site inspection :)

Today was the longest ride since our departure. It was a good mix of straight line along the Black Sea coast to start with Turkey.

Then we had some fun in the mountain on our way to Sumena Monastery. Later on, we ride south into Turkey's farming land.

To end this long 700km day, a country side road with a sunset bonus at Pinarbasi, tonight's destination.

 

The Turkish border was smooth and quick. Europe is close and things are getting easier.

We had 200km of rain along the Black Sea coast but we maintained a good 100/110km/h average on the flat 2x2 road.

To reach the monastery we did a 40km detour but it worst it ! First of all for the road and then for the beauty of the monastery. 

This monastery is nestled in a steep cliff at an altitude of about 1200 meters facing the Altindere valley. Its a site of great historical and cultural significance.

Sumela monastery
Sumela monastery

The visit + parking are to be honest overpriced but you can have the chance to save your head from falling rocks by wearing a yellow playmobile helmet. Safety has a price ! 

Lunch break in the countryside Turkish
Lunch break in the countryside Turkish

The afternoon ride was fast ! Roads are well maintained and brand new. Since the new president was elected 12 years ago, the country changed a lot and infrastrucutre is developing quickly. Most of the main highway got 2x2 lines. Its funny to see old cars like Renault 11 , 12 or 19 and some Fiat, old Fiat ! Fiat Marea (i don't know if you remember this one).

The food is good ! back to European standard but in this Ramadan period, most of the restaurants are off during day time and no service before 8pm...

The day was long and we found a roadside cafe for the night, not cheap for the quality but no way to sleep outside tonight...Shower and bed !

 

Write a comment

Comments: 2
  • #1

    Nico (Thursday, 16 July 2015 15:31)

    Mais pas du tout! J'avais juste dérailler...

  • #2

    Thierry (Thursday, 16 July 2015 21:15)

    Truc de fou ce monastère..