With just 3 days remaining before I cross the border over into Georgia, it's time to say farewell to Turkey. Having spent the past 9 weeks cycling through this beautiful country, visiting the western, southern, central and north-eastern areas it is fair to say that I have gained a good insight into what makes up this huge land, its people, its culture and its traditions. The cycling has been the toughest I have yet experienced on this trip, crossing numerous mountain ranges in the intense daytime heat. I have one more pass to cross the day after tomorrow which will see me pedalling to a height of 2640m (nearly 8000 ft). The heat has been so intense at times that the tarmac has been melting and sticking to my tyres. The number of punctures has also ... read more

And so I cycled into Istanbul on Wednesday 12 June 2013, 3.5 months after leaving the UK, my first major milestone on this cycle trip and I have been resting ever since. The past few days have been both physically and mentally challenging with the temperature rising, the mountains getting steeper and the headwind fiercer. For me the mental challenge has however been the greater of the two, with my patience wearing a little thin on occasions. I'm hoping that the next few days away from the bicycle will reinvigorate my mental energy as I commence the next leg of my tour. During the past few weeks I have seen some amazing buildings, encountered plenty of wild animals, received some fantastic hospitality and encountered many hookers (the non rugby types). After leaving Bitola in Macedonia, I ... read more

I'm currently sipping an expresso in Sarajevo, thinking about the generosity and hospitality I have been shown by the people of Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia during the past two weeks. Despite the wars having ended more than 10 years ago, much destruction is still evident throughout this region. I have spoken to former soldiers of the conflict, met people who have lost their limbs and seen the devastation such wars can bring to the civilian population. Despite this, I can truly say that I have never experienced such a wonderful collection of people from all sides of the borders, who without a moment's notice will invite you into their homes and feed and water you. My story begins back in Budapest, where I was cleaning my bike in the grounds of the hostel on the day ... read more

My journey continues and since my last blog I have crossed the border from Germany into Austria. Throughout the cycle ride I have been privy to some fantastic scenery, met some fascinating people and have enjoyed some great experiences along the way. My first tales are really about the people you meet along a trip like this. I will leave the mixed sauna story till the end. I have been very fortunate to have resided in some wonderful places since leaving Portsmouth on 1 March. One such place is a youth hostel in Germany called Saldenburg castle, quite close to the Austrian border. Having introduced myself to the Youth Hostel Leader she told me, that for mealtimes, I could sit on a table with a young Lady and her daughter rather than sitting by myself. The ... read more

And before you ask........... there will not be any photos of a young female Aussie who returned to the mixed dormitory in the Youth Hostel in Brugge at 5 am, completely drunk and who then elected to strip off completely naked before jumping into her pit. I of course was awoken from a deep slumber and thought I had gone to the pearly gates of St Peter. Was I dreaming? Was I in heaven? No, however she was there in the flesh, and being the British Gentlemen that I am, I just did not know which way to turn. I did the honourable thing and turned over before trying to get back to sleep. My journey continues and has taken me from Dunkirk, along the coast across the border into Belgium where I have been sampling ... read more