10 June, Korkuteli to Antalya, 65km
Anatolia Pansiyon 70TL (negotiated down
from 80TL)
What a day! We dropped like stones out
of the mountains into the city of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast. Of the
65km cycled today, around 50km were either flat or downhill. What a ride! Long
sections were a gentle coast, allowing us time to look around; to take in small
flat valleys nestled below the surrounding peaks and densely farmed, and pine
forests dark and deep. Other sections were so steep they required our full
attention, our hands clamped and cramped on our brakes to contain our speed. A
substantial portion of the road we travelled was being upgraded and here traffic
was directed from the usual two-lanes-in-both-directions highway into single
lanes. But the upgraded section, on the verge of being opened to traffic, was
open to us, so the two of us had two lanes and a wide shoulder all to ourselves
on the longest, steepest plunge to the ocean. So ... we dropped like stones and
loved it! Cycling into a large city is always a little stressful, but we tucked
in behind a cycling municipal worker who happened to be going in our direction
and took our cues from him, arriving unscathed and happy in the old city where
we have put down roots for three nights.
Between Korkuteli and Antalya
Between Korkuteli and Antalya
Between Korkuteli and Antalya
Between Korkuteli and Antalya
Between Korkuteli and Antalya
From Antalya old city harbour
From Antalya old city harbour
From Antalya old city harbour