Race Against Time

It’s a week into the tour and we thought it important to focus in on our 4 ‘racers’. Of course, we are all here for fun and how long we take certainly definitely doesn’t matter but we always try to run some sort of race on these tours, along with Stage Wins! Time Trials!! And Team Time Trials!!

So we have four ‘racers’: Trine, Fred, Al and Stewart.

If nothing else they will know, to the minute, exactly how long it does indeed take to cycle from Istanbul to Beijing. Just to clarify, your time starts when you cross the start line and stops when you finish so you don’t all have to start together if you don’t want. Drinks breaks are included, however, so it’s up to you how long you take (ditto for lunch, and ice cream). Prizes will be awarded in Beijing in several categories (watch this space).

Stage 7 brought us into the picturesque town of Amasya. This is definitely a Turkish town and the Muezzin (prayer caller) cries out Azan (call to prayer) loud and clear 5 times a day, but there is also an almost Tuscan/Mediterranean feel. The city is bisected by the River Yesilirmak (Iris) and centres around a beautiful Seljuk mosque. The real treat is up above though, in the cliff faces. First is the Kale (citadel) a significant Ottoman fortress, and then come some incredible rock tombs dating from the ancient Greek era.

Our hotel is amazing, old school houses made of timber and wattle with innumerable niches and alcoves, all with A1 views of the river, city or tombs depending on your room.

We’ve been cycling 7 days straight now and the collective legs are tired but that’s what rest days are for and boy are we going to enjoy ours! See you in a couple of days!