Blogs from Maku, North, Iran, Middle East

Lousy Camp to Maku Hotel. 15 SEPTEMBER, 2016. Stage 99 141.30 Kms SubT. Kms 2789.37 kms . Road Condition: ok very hilly, long climbs. Weather: BLUE SKY MILD 27c Time in Saddle: 6:28:33 Av Speed: av. 21.8 kph. Av Cadence. 71 RpmElevation: 1550 m up; 1350 m downCalories burned : > 5500. After an average sleep, remarkable when considering how seemingly isolated the camp was on a small country road, how many trucks, cars and motorcycles travelled the road after 7pm, not to mention the dogs barking all night, today was tough. Very long climbs and at times very steep gradients, and a persistent 25km headwind all day. On the flip side, the scenery was marvellous, and we enjoyed a 25 km fast decline, which to some degree eased the pain. At lunch was the turnoff ... read more

Iranians and their hospitality shall never let you leave the country without gaining extra kilos/pounds. Locals lure the weird-looking tourists with treats such as spaghetti 'n' ice cream, iced melon, juicy kebabs and fresh bread in exchange for posing with them in photos. Such generous offers become brutal to your expanding waistline as the 22nd street vendor offers their sexy merchandise. Mmmm....that's a hot chicken sandwich you got there, mate. Three photos with you, your pal Mohammed, and your cousin Ali Reza? All right, deal. In the city of Urumieh, mosques and Armenian churches are located close to one another by the bazaar. 'What, churches in Iran? WTF?' you may think - indeed, there's even a famous church built over the tomb of one of the three wise men here. In fact it is said ... read more