42km, 2h52, 657m
Today we did not plan any big distance. We just wanted to cross the Bosphorus and everything extra was a bonus. Roger took his bike to a nearby shop because his gear box was hanging itself up. He got that fixed and then we were ready to leave.
The city center was relentlessly steep and I did not have any opportunity for taking pictures. We basically went to the Bosphorus bridge but before we got there, we abandoned the idea. It was like a freeway with super heavy traffic and it just felt suicidal. We decided to take a ferry instead. We were not in the mood for dying in Istanbul.
Sariyer was where we would take the ferry.
Besiktas, like the soccer club
We arrived at the fabulous Bosphorus river. This is where Europe meets Asia.
Cycling to Asia, it was officially happening today! The achievements on this trip are getting crazier and crazier.
Before leaving Europe, we had one last lunch. We were not on any deadline today, so we just relaxed.
Crossing the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Feribot, one of many French origine words in Turkish. The language is not that difficult to master I'd say.
It would be only 8 minutes, but it does connect two continents
Istanbul government
The ticket for two cyclists on the ferry
I'm on the boat...
One of the coolest pictures of the trip. Roger and I have cycled more than 3200 km across 13 countries to this spot. Standing here was absolutely legendary. Asia here we come! Europe, see you in November!
We made a friend on the boat. This Turkish guy rode a motor and he takes the ferry on a daily basis. He was also into fighting sports and he spoke very well English.
A few views from when we were in the middle of the Bosphorus
That piece of land is Asia
The last day of July is also my last day in Europe. What a beautiful summer day
Roger was having his own photo time
Asia, the other side of Istanbul. Now we still had to leave this crazy city
It took us some time to leave the city but we made it out alive. Right after leaving the boat there was a crazy climb of 20% that really pushed us both to the extreme. On the top there was a little shop where we bought water and cola.
The tranquility of the forest area that followed could hardly be more contrastive. The roads were hilly but we felt like we achieved great progress.
Several hours had passed since we left the hotel, but we only cycled 25 km up to here. 100km would not be possible today. We would stop as soon as we found a nice place.
Roger in Asia
Cumhuriyet Park
We made it to a town called Omerli. In the city center there was a Belgian-Turkish guy who was visiting his home family. I asked him for a good campspot and he indicated a nice little forest. We secured another safe place for the night. People were friendly.
But first dinner, then camping.
And Turkish tea
No salads available in this place, only this pizza look-a-like...
We cycled 42km today and they nearly cost us 3 hours of pedaling. Most of the time went to the steep hills of Istanbul
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