20 May, Ayvacik to Edremit, 61km @ 11.3kph
Bilgiçler Otel 80TL (breakfast included) (negotiated down from
120TL)
Stunning day; tiring, but stunning. We got on the road a
little earlier than usual in perfect cycling weather – cloudy, cool and
wind-free. The first third of the day was spent in mountains; the last 40km on
a narrow coastal plain. The hills between Ayvacik and the coast are very
beautiful – spring flowers, lilac and sunshine yellow, blooming alongside the
road; dark green pines, their branches reaching for the sky, home to birds vibrant
with song; villages almost hidden in the deep valleys, only their orange roof
tiles visible from above and the mosque’s dome and minaret. From the ridges we could see the sea;
from the valleys only the next ridge was visible. We walked when we needed to,
took tea breaks when we needed to, and breakfasted on ripe red tomatoes, green
olives, creamy feta and country bread soaked in olive oil just before our
second long downhill canter to the coast. Then through resort towns named Küçükkuyu
and Altonoluk and Avcilcar, quiet on a week day out of season.
Between Ayvacik and Edremit
Between Ayvacik and Edremit
Between Ayvacik and Edremit
Between Ayvacik and Edremit
Between Ayvacik and Edremit