(^24) Inegol - Gemlik – 88 kilometres
Spring had finally sprung, and the day became enjoyable with flowers everywhere.
At Gemlik, our chosen route left the main road and followed the scenic path along
the coast. Albeit hilly, the area was blessed with fantastic scenery and a grassy
parking lot next to the ocean made a perfect place to pitch the tents.
Gemlik - Cinarik – 70 kilometres
Our leisurely departure was mainly due to our reluctance to leave such a lovely
spot. The path ran along the coast, offering stunning views of the Sea of Marmara.
True to a scenic route, the road remained hilly until reaching Cinarik. A lay-by on a
green hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara signalled the end of the day’s ride.
From our site, we could see Istanbul’s lights across the bay. The Sea of Marmara is
an inland sea that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, thus separating Asia
from Europe. So, officially, we were still in Asia.
Cinarik - Istanbul via Yalova – 21 kilometres
A short 21-kilometre cycle took us to Yalova, where ferries departed to Istanbul,
sparing us the horrendous Istanbul traffic. Once off the ferry, we found the street
from the port into the city centre surprisingly dead quiet, with us the only people.
We subsequently discovered an international cycle race was taking place that day.
A good thing we didn’t encounter them. Imagine what a spectacle that would have
made!
leana
(Leana)
#1