The run into Istanbul was certainly a challenge as everyone in the entire
city was out having a Sunday drive and picnics along the water front,
making a grid lock on all major roads. All our group except Lang made it
under their own steam which was quite a feat. I again had to tow Lang the
entire day.
The hotel was on a steep hill and the promised parking was on a very
narrow busy street. The next morning we risked having all bikes towed away
so a hasty search for parking found a vacant block not too far away. The
area made any major work on Lang's bike impossible so another day of
towing until we are able to do an engine change.
The majority of the group were able to do some sightseeing in around town
on our second day. I even managed to fit in a visit to a Turkish bath to
recharge my batteries.
Dan Gridley flew out to OZ after handing over the bike he had been riding
for the last two weeks to Dave Griffith who will be with us for the rest
of the trip.
This morning after a 6am start we are now on a ferry crossing the Sea of
Marmara to Bursa, from where we have a 250kms drive to our overnight stop
in Canakkale. Tomorrow after another short ferry ride we will be on the
Gallipoli Peninsular where we will spend the next two days.
We have decided to double up a lot of our remaining days to allow on going
maintenance on the bikes as well as a chance to relax and enjoy the
country side we are passing through.
Bev
