Distance: 136kmElevation: 586m Breakfast was at seven. I was the only guest. I was told by the staff that this was due to the Kurban Bayram festival, which keeps hotels mostly empty this time of year. I was on the road by half past eight. The goal for the day was simple: stay outside for … Continue reading Day 6: Afyonkarahisar to Üçhüyük →

Distance: 105kmElevation: 706m I left Kutahya around half past eight under a blue sky and in cool air. Most of the heavier climbing came in the first half of the day, which actually made it more enjoyable. The roads here are magnificent. Wide shoulders, good surface, and most drivers are careful and considerate. There are … Continue reading Day 5: Kütahya to Afyonkarahisar →

Distance: 87km Elevation: 1.359m I woke up at around six in the morning to thick mist and five degrees. Too cold for my taste. After breakfast the sun broke through quickly, and it stayed a crystal clear blue sky for the rest of the day. I left Buzüyük and turned south. About ten kilometers in, … Continue reading Day 4: Buzüyük to Kütahya →

Distance: 90kmElevation: 1.466m I woke up exhausted. How many hours I actually slept, I could not say. Looking out of the tent, I saw that the dirt from the night before was still everywhere. The lake level had risen considerably and was now very close to the tent. The tent itself was covered in small … Continue reading Day 3: Gölbasi Gölu to Buzüyük →

Distance: 52km Elevation: 556m The morning started with the usual routine. Pack Rosinante. Sort the luggage. Carry everything up the stairs, assemble it, and head to the terrace for a quick breakfast. Once everything was in order, I said goodbye to the hotel host, who had been genuinely friendly throughout, and made my way to … Continue reading Day 2: Istanbul to Gölbasi Gölu →