A short trip around the Black Sea

[rtwdoug]

we are right behind the floods. in Samsun, TR, they had mostly cleaned the mud off the main highway. we didnt explore around there, as the traffic was horrible, but some areas were a mess.

I'll try to upload some trip pics soon, but you know how prompt I am at doin that......

Doug

[rtwdoug]

We had a mostly easy ride thru Bulgaria to the border, took a different route this time, as there is not a ‘main road’ there are a lot of options. No problems at the border, everyone friendly as usual. We then got on the main highway to make Istanbul before dark. Poly was not happy with the traffic there, but I’ve been in worse. You just have to deal with it. We arrived at the Istanbul Motorcycle clubhouse, where I finally met Mehmet. We had talked online for a couple years, but never met. They have an apartment for rent above the clubhouse, it’s a nice place, & the bikes are parked inside. Its not the easiest place to find, it would have been tough without a gps!
We also met Fern, she is from the UK, & is traveling to Australia on a DRZ400. I had heard about her thru some other friends, she’s a nice gal, & fun to hang out with.

The next morning we went to see a few sites, as its Poly’s first time in TR. We did the normal stuff, the grand bazaar (which was more like a shopping mall, nothing like I expected) it was ok, but pretty boring, nothing like the big market in Marrakesh, which is total bedlam.
Then we went to the Blue Mosque, which is big. And blue. And to the big Sofia mosque also. We left the bikes parked, as its a lot easier to get around with the metro & walking. There is a lot to see here, but Im not much for big cities, so one day of fighting crowds is enough for me. Watching the different people is always interesting tho, and as longhaired guys with tattoos are not so common here, I got watched a bit as well.

So heres some pics…..

Badgers? Badgers? We don’t NEED no steenking BADGERS!!!!



Sunflowers in bloom, in Bulgaria



Mehmet, at the bike club

[rtwdoug]

Entrance to the bazaar

[rtwdoug]

[rtwdoug]

The blue mosque

[rtwdoug]

We ran into Jackson & Nicole, who were at the motocamp last week

[rtwdoug]

At the clubhouse, with Mehmet, Fern, & John (who is also from the UK)


The next morning, we headed to Sakarya with Fern, for a bike festival.

[1TrackSam]

Great pictures, that picture reminds me of the area north of Varna where I spent a week for work a few years ago. I can't imagine riding a bike in Istanbul, the old area was crazy enough with a driver who was rushing to make an appointment.

[sion]

Originally Posted by rtwdoug

Entrance to the bazaar

place on the right: Titiz Carsik Fast Food....titties + car-sickness are NOT what I'd call the right way to name a fast food joint

[Flys Lo]

Originally Posted by sion

place on the right: Titiz Carsik Fast Food....titties + car-sickness are NOT what I'd call the right way to name a fast food joint

They got the first part right, then kinda went downhill from there...

[SR1]

In!!!

[boboneleg]

I'm in again, I reckon I see most of the world through your RR's Doug

[RokLobster]

[quicktoys2]

Awesome start once again .... I love your adventures. Look forward to following right to the end .... which would mean I will only get 3/4 coz you never finish your reports ... hahahaha

[Flying Monkey]

Thanks, as always, for sharing your travels with us, Doug!