26 September, Kurucaşile
to Amasra, 48km
Balkaya Pansiyon 70TL
Today was our last day on the bikes ... in Turkey. After
a month in Istanbul we fly to Bangkok to cycle Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia ...
By the time we reached Amasra we had cycled 4,689kms since getting on the
saddles in Yalova; considerably fewer than we had optimistically planned, but a
goodly number nonetheless. Today’s was a tough ride, the headlands dropping too
steeply into the sea for a road to be cut into them, the 010 taking us,
therefore, further inland with lengthy climbs at 9% and 10%. We were grateful
for equally long declines and some easier sections and a long tunnel beneath
one of the hills with which the route was populated. Our last climb of the day
rewarded us with a spectacular view of Amasra and its harbour. In the harbour,
not only the anticipated fishing boats, but an unexpected submarine, quiet and
black beside its dock. Then down we swooped into the charming town, feeling
good on the whole about our Turkey adventure. The cycling had been harder than
anticipated for longer than hoped, but the commensurate sense of a challenge
met, even if not entirely, is satisfying indeed and our improved physical
fitness a real plus.
Kurucaşile market
Kurucaşile market
Kurucaşile market
Kurucaşile market
Kurucaşile market
Between Kurucaşile and Amasra
Between Kurucaşile and Amasra
Between Kurucaşile and Amasra
Between Kurucaşile and Amasra
Between Kurucaşile and Amasra
Amasra
Amasra