Turkey (days 21 – 27)

Monday (4/3). Easiest day of biking so far. Of course “easy” is a relative term. Only one “two and a half” hill. That’s the name we’re giving to hills so steep that either walking or riding we can only manage 2.5 mph. After the first nasty, it was a rare wind free day with normal hills into Bodrum.

Our plan is to catch a ferry from here to Datca tomorrow, so we embraced our time in town with eating and sightseeing. We were in for the night when Sharon connected with someone from her women’s Facebook page who happened to be…in Bodrum! Seemed like we were meant to meet. Absolute highlight of the day! Lindsay took a massive leap to leave behind work and home to explore the world for a year! I know what you’re thinking. How is it that we keep meeting all these cool people? I know, right? If you’re interested you can learn more about her at @ipulledthepin on Instagram and youtube.

Tuesday (4/5). This is why we don’t plan. “Let’s take the Tuesday ferry to Datca” we said. Great plan! Except the ferry was canceled today because of high winds. OK. Well, we could take a different ferry to Kos and Rhodes and then into Marmaris. Great plan! Except those ferries don’t run until May. Guess we’ll relax in Bodrum for a few days. Great plan!

Wednesday (4/6). Schedule for today: Sit by the sea shore. Relax. People watch. Relax. Check out the international sailing competition. Listen to a book on tape. Did I mention relax? Sounds like a full schedule, but we managed to fit it all in.

Thursday (4/7). We’d chatted briefly with Chris and Patricia at the harbor. From Switzerland, they’ve been touring for quite while and had just arrived in Bodrum. We ended up at the same hotel, and then on the ferry. By the time we arrived at Datca, we all decided it would be fun to tour together for a time. Interesting how often that happens. Just a few miles up the road we crossed paths with another group of cyclists…a young German couple and a couple with a young daughter.  The two couples had met on a ferry some three weeks prior and had been cycling together since. They were all on the road indefinitely and had some amazing adventures.

Friday (4/8). The Datca peninsula on the way to Marmaris is lovely. Mountainous of course, we were treated to amazing views from on high and rides along the sea shore.  We are getting into a comfortable groove with Chris and Patricia. It is always such fun spending time with and getting to know new friends. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and Chris and Patricia are no exception.

Marmaris is a fairly posh, ultra touristy resort town catering mostly to Brits on holiday. Didn’t care much for the town. Got some filling if not especially tasty lunch. Enjoyed a beer on the stunning harbor. Then saddled up for the slog to our home for the evening.

Saturday (4/9). Backroads ruled today.  Several times we left the main highway and traveled on secondary roads. Often slower, they offer a much more appealing view of Turkey. By days end we’d covered 35 miles and arrived at beautiful Koycegiz Lake. Given the sticky, smelly condition of all travelers, we’d hoped to swim, but couldn’t access the shoreline. Oh well, we all stink equally so no problem. Chris and Patricia are lovely traveling companions. They are funny, laid back, and generous. It is very enjoyable riding with experienced cyclists. Even prior to their current bike tour, they both have traveled extensively and have interesting experiences to share.

Sunday (4/10). Breakfast today was a communal affair. Chris played chef and we all provided ingredients. The end result was fit for royalty…both the queen and princess were satisfied. A brief ride then brought us to the famous Sultaniye mud bath/spa. Seventy-five cents each allowed us to enjoy the miraculous healing power of the mud baths. This was followed by several hours of lounging in different hot pools. A grueling adventure this bike touring!

A few miles down the road we arrived at Dalyan. Clearly another town popular with Brits on holiday. It is not a particularly interesting town. Still, we managed to find very nice (inexpensive) accomodations for the evening. Now that we’re here – decision time again. What sites to see. What direction to travel the next few days. What to eat. All daily decisions we’ve grown accustomed to making after a month on the road. Where will be be next week? We have no idea! But given the country and the company, I have no doubt it will be an interesting ride. Until then – STC!