Monday 10 May 2010

Across Europe in 7 days

Location:Istanbul
Mileage:2184
Just 350 miles and the Euro Tunnel got us to Bouillon, Belgium and the first night of this epic ride. From here, we followed in the footsteps Godfrey and the first Crusaders, to Istanbul, although with less drunkenness and pillage en route – maybe!

We’ve taken the back roads in Northern Croatia and Serbia, still lined with bullet ridden homes, and explored tiny Greek mountain roads. More than 2,000 miles and five days later, Istanbul is already looming. Here we’ll meet up with some Turkish riders, who previously supported our Guinness World Record ride back in 2001. The true start of our Asian adventure awaits! (See www.youtube.com/globebusters)

We arrive in the shadow of the Blue Mosque. Spices and souks scream Asia and the journey proper begins with the call to prayer, or for us infidels, the call to ride, ringing in our ears.  We are joined by local rider, Kazim, on his KTM. I’ve known Kazim since our first Guinness World Record in 2002, as he was one of the riders who met us at the Turkish border and rode with us.

Turkey is a fascinating country of modern and medieval. Package holiday makers will only know the Mediterranean beach resorts. We are inland through the central and eastern regions, taking some of the small, single track, off the beaten track roads which take us through tiny Ottoman villages, ancient wooden houses; its donkey and cart territory. (See www.youtube.com/globebusters)


Photos: 
1) Max celebrating Turkey
2) Taking a moment respite