Day 63 Silivri - 30.9.05 

Had we come directly from Australia to Istanbul as the soft, plump, weak beginners we were, there is no way we could have survived this day. We would have been huddled shaking in a corner, requiring extensive laundry for our nicks. However, we had the perfect preparation for this ride. 5,000 km of toughening up in Rome and Sorento, Slovenia and other agressive places gave us some chance here.

We saw no motor bikes on any of the roads today. Even they knew the risks of the 'quiet road' into Istanbul. This was not a freeway, just 6 lanes of constant flow of trucks, buses and cars with turn offs and entries where vehicles would barge their way in with their hand on the horn. We just got in amongst it. We had to have a little agression ourselves and weaved our way called out to cars and trucks and use extreme evasive tactics. We climbed, descended. pushed and shoved. The end was so close that the excitement gave us confidence and then we saw the sign.

Welcome to Istanbul.
Yeeeha.

Then the hard work started as we had another 20km to go in the real rat race. We made our way to a hotel Taksim where my cousin Agi and Itzik were staying. They had flown in from Israel to congratulate us on finishing the ride. It was great to see them as they had been there at the conception of the ride 2 years ago and at the start of the tour 2 months ago.

Its over. We have a lot to think about.
Before closing off the reports a few words.

** Despite having the experience and adventure of a lifetime, there is a certain feeling of isolation when you are on the road for two months. I am so grateful for the people who took the time and effort to send us messages and news along the way.

A few I would like to thank specifically - Joe Mel, Peter and Sharon Levy, Raffi Feldman, Danny Mac, Jeff Stone, Trevor Johnson, The members of my cycle club, The Cappucino Club, family of course Mum, Rob and Lorraine Thanks to all, you were a great comfort. 

A Special mention for those who accompanied us through parts of the journey. Peter Fagan from Japan, part of the inspiration for the ride, and Hilary and Kate, Wife and Daughter, perfect companions  

** The web site has been maintained on the fly and when we return to Melbourne we will be filling in many gaps, adding images that will enhance the story and adding some informatıon sections that may help others when planning a similar maddness.

** One of the things we wanted to acheive, is an awareness of the excellent work Odyssey House does in helping drug and alcohol dependents to change their life, hopeflly never to return to their addiction. We saw plenty of evidence of the tradegy of drugs around the world and I'm not saying anything people don't already know. We just have to care and be moved to action.

Istanbul Marathon through 3rd century Aquaduct

Stats Dist 83 Km, Average 17km/hr, Max 55km/hr, Climb 1005m 

Day 64 - Epilogue

We did the tourist stuff, marvelled at the crowds of people just hanging around, packed our bikes - despite resistance from the hotel - and watched the sun set on our amazing journey.

  Agi and Itzik welcoming us                            Daniel with Turkish delight

  Email John at John@CycleOdyssey.com.au
  Email Daniel at Daniel@CycleOdyssey.com.au

  

   Bikes packed for return to Oz

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