The 'Last Post' - Lapseki to Ezine, Ezine to Kucukkuyu, Kucukkuyu to Mytiline, and Mytiline to Lafionas

Lapseki to Ezine was an absolute nightmare day. On the road for 6.30 and 10 miles down the road back tyre goes flat. Changed tube and new tube goes flat, change to another and that goes flat - anyway very long saga of garages, petrol stations which takes several hours to sort in the heat of the day. Eventually, arrive Ezine, very tired. Only 30 odd miles to Kucukkuyu, but 30 of the toughest - 20 miles uphill and then 10 miles of very steep descent, hanging on to brakes all the way down! Met a lovely guy, Yo from South Korea who had cycled through Georgia, Ukraine, and Turkey, and on his way to Western Europe. Kucukkuyu to Ayvalik, pretty easy, flattish terrain, which is a relief after all the hills of the last few days. 60 miles. Caught 6 p.m. ferry to Mytiline (Lesbos). Overnight in Mytiline and cycle across island to Kaloni and wonderful reception - Sweetheart and 8 others to greet me, great to see you all there and thanks for all your support. Final hour or so up to village and then join Tom and Nick watch Britsh Lions scrape a win in the first rugby test in Australia, whilst sinking a two or three beers. Quite surreal after 10 weeks 'on the road'. Another great trip - just over 2,800 miles. About a month of well earned rest in Lafionas. Wonderful!

Kesan to Lapseki

Up at 5.45 and on the road before 6.30. Big climb before it gets to hot. The downhill the other side is lovely! Stop a garage for chay (tea) and get chatting to two petrol pump attendants: phone rings, and they pass the phone to me! the voice on the other end says 'can you speak English', I say 'not very well - but I am English', she says 'my son is crying!' I say 'why' - 'because he has lost his phone'. It is only then that it dawns on me that I am speaking into the 'lost phone', that the woman on the phone is probabably Bulgarian and can't speak a word of Turkish! The garage attendants who speak very little English, think this all very funny. Anyway, all ends ok, the son is coming back passed Garage in a weeks time, and will pick up phone. Arrived Gelupulu (Gallipoli) around 1.00. Caught ferry across Dardenelle straits to Lapseki. Really nice to be beside the sea after over 9 weeks 'on the road'

On to Svilengrad and over the border into Turkey

Hotel in Radnevo is one of those places where the owners made the place. Lovely couple, Krasimir and Diana (who I called "Princess"). Krasimir took a photo of me stood beside his 'Topless Trabant' - he promised to email photo, I hope he does. 50 miles or so on to Svilengrad, which is pretty much on the Turkish border. First checkpoint, which is Bulgarian passport control, the guy inspecting says 'I remember you!' - I told him I had been through, both on cycle and motor bike. Of all the thousands of people he sees and he remembers me. On to Uzunkopru and then Kesan. Weather now getting much warmer. Getting up earlier tomorrow: get some miles in before it gets too hot.

Jambol to Radnevo

Ok, I know that you are all incredibly envious of the exotic places I have passed through; I also know that a lot you have given up on reading the 'Blog' - I thought even Sweetheart had given up until she put a 'post' on yesterday, but you will all be drooling and flocking to 'log in' when I tell you that today I have passed through the villages of 'Boliarsko' then on to 'Botevo' and finally 'Bojadik' - and tonight I'm booked into the 'Hotel Naka'!

Jambol

Well it had to happen! Only 30 odd miles on to Jambol, stopped for coffee, water and 'banana'. Got talking to waitress in bar, and the thunder storm brewing, set off for final 15 - 20 miles at top speed hoping to beat the storm. Guess which won? Got drenched. That teach me to try and chat up the waitress!

Ruse to Sumen, and then on to Karnobat

Left Ruse at about 6.45. Long day ahead (70 odd miles) quite hot, and hilly terrain. I've found out the secret to keeping my energy level going in the heat, is stop every 10 -15 miles 1/2 liter of water and a 'banana'. Banana sales have shot up in Bulgaria (and I didn't tell Deiter and Doris!). Arrived Karnobat after very hilly day- 2 quite long climbs) with yet another Thunder storm brewing. Glad to get booked in before the heavens open.

Corabia to Zimnicea and the on to Ruse

Came into hotel restaurant in Corabia for evening meal and met Julie, David and Nick who had got their 9 meter motor launch moored outside the hotel. They had come down through France, got into the European canal system before joining the Danube. They are going on to The Black Sea, and then on to Istanbul. Spent a very enjoyable evening listening to their sailing adventures. Rounded off with a couple of 'Tots' of scotch supplied by David. 50 odd miles on to Zimnicea where I had breakfast with Dieter and Doris, a German couple who are doing Eurovelo Route 6. Th problem with Dieter, he looked like Himmler! On to Ruse, a very nice city, where I'm having a day off before leaving the Danube and heading south through Bulgaria and then into Turkey.

Vidin, Kozloduy and Corabia

Left Vidin and mad 60 odd miles to Kozloduy, and although fairly near the Danube, 2 or 3 three quite testing hills, and temperature warming up. Left Kozloduy and crossed on ferry back into Romania. I had made about 7 or 8 miles from ferry when another cyclist draws alongside. Stopped and chatted with Attilio, for about 20 minutes. A 22 year old Belgian guy, who put my meagre trip into perspective. He is cycling through Europe, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Iran and eventually on to China and Viet Nam. He reckons the trip will take 2-3 years. I wish him luck and envy him.

Eselanita to Drobetu Turnu Severin and then on to Vidin (Bulgaria)

Left Pension Ponton after leisurely breakfast overlooking one of the most glorious views - only 25 miles to Drobetu, so no hurry! There's no doubt you find yourself in some strange places on a trip like this, and Drobetu was one of them. An industrial town, loads of hotels and if rest are like the one I stayed in pretty empty. The hotel boasts a 180 seat restaurant, and I was the only one in it - very strange. Nearly 70 miles on to Vidin, which is across the river in Bulgaria. Staying in hotel Neptune which is right opposite where the Cruise boats moor up for the night. Spending 2 nights here, need to get bikes gears fixed and most importantly - wash me pants and socks!

Lost hour, lost camera and catfish crap

Got up for breakfast after telling girl at 'Pension' 8 o'clock, and she is not happy! Muggins didn't realise that I had come through time zone, and that it was in fact 9 o'clock! Anyway I eventually got going after chatting to young Romanian cyclist staying at pension, and made good time. Stopped for a break at laybye, lovely place, got my camera out took a couple of photos, and then couple of stray dogs look pleadingly at me as I eat my 'Snickers', and of course I am sucker so I share my bar! Of course 30 miles down the road I realise I left my camera on the seat. Found wonderful 'Pension', fantastic location right by Danube. On the Menu tonight - ' Catfish Crap'! Made 60 odd miles to Eselanita. Wonderful place. I hope I come here again sometime.

Leaving Serbia and into Romania

Good day yesterday, the weather was good. Made 50 odd miles to Bela Crka, about 10 miles from Romanian border. Crossed border - amazes me that the border control want to know where I have been, what I've been doing!? Arrived Moldova Noua about 3.30, found Pension and the heavens opened. Just in time!

Apatin, Novi Sad, Pancevo

Sorry to leave great little hotel near Apatin, on the bank of Danube. Room, with river view, lovely meal and a couple of beers about £30 the lot. Better day weather wise and 60 odd miles to Novi Sad. Novi Sad to Pancevo - a bit of a nightmare, rain - rain - rain! Never mind, tomorrow's another day. Problem is: forecast, not a lot better. For Maple - place names: Bogojevo (brings back memories of 'The Biblins') and I like 'Titel'.

Taksony, Kecskemet, Baja, and Apatin

Three pretty miserable days - because the weather has been so bad: really quite cool and I've had more rain over the last 3 days than I had over the last 2 trips put together. The forecast keeps threatening better weather - I'm looking forward!

Place names

I've been through some places with extraordinary names: a couple today - Suksod, and would you believe it 'God'. But the one that takes the biscuit, so far, was a place in Poland called 'Wroblin Glog' - who thought up that one?

Budapest to Taksony

After picking up my bike and fiddling around with it in the morning, spent afternoon in the 'Terror Museum'. The actual building was used firstly by collaborators with the Nazis in World War 2 and subsequently by the Soviets in the Cold War. I can hardly think of a more depressing place. If you ever want to go somewhere that makes you feel grateful for the country we live in and the age we live in, go there. Only made about 25 miles, but now well south of Budapest. 1450 miles to date.

Hlohovec to Nove Zamky, Nove Zamky to Vac, and Vac to Budapest

Hooray! Wind has changes direction and really much easier day to Nove Zamky. Extraordinary Hotel in Nove Zamky, the biggest room I think I have ever slept in, all a bit tired but much nicer than some of the modern hotels which are devoid of any character - and the staff were all so friendly. It's funny but every country I travel through, I warm to it as I spend more time there. Brilliant days cycling from Nove Zamky to Vac (Hungary). Meeting the Danube again on a bicycle was amazing; never thought I would do it again, but 4 years later, here I am. Vac is a lovely place situated on the east side of the river. Another great little hotel about €23 bed and breakfast. Gentle run in to Budapest and booked into Fortuna boat hostel (again €23 b & b). Took bike to good little bike shop nearby to have worn back tyre changed and one or two other running repairs done, so here for a couple of nights. Budapest is great place, and I've found out that I can travel on the trams for free - now that I'm 65! Lazlo, the bike shop man tells me that the chain and sprockets need changing, glad I found out before major problem in the middle of Turkey. Anyway I'm here for an extra day.

Vsetin to Trencin, and Trencin to Hlohovec

Left Vsetin in pouring rain, wind against me and pretty much all uphill. I didn't realise how much I had climbed over the last 2 or 3 days until I rounded a bend and pretty much the next 15 miles I was coasting downhill, and as I was coasting downhill, the sun came out and lo and behold the world suddenly looks a lot more beautiful! Walked up to castle in Trencin - quite breathtaking views from top tower. Had a bit of lie-in, Sunday morning, and enjoyed bacon and potatoe omelette for breakfast, and then had one of the hardest days cycling. Pretty flat road, sunny day, but about a force 5 or 6 wind right in my face. Only made about 40 odd miles, but absolutely knackered by the time I reached hotel in Hlohovec.

Raciborz to Fulnek, and Fulnek to Vsetin

Soon crossed the border, the only problem being the border was into the Czech Republic, which has its own currency, not Slovakia, which I thought I was going into and which is in the Euro. So I had to cycle quite a few miles to bigger town which had cash machine. Weather starting to get a lot warmer, and what with the wind being against me and it being very hilly terrain, I was very pleased to find brilliant cheap pension in Fulnek. Sandra, the receptionist told me how bad things are in Czech Republic. People are lucky to get a job at £2 per hour, and while it is cheaper here, it's not that much cheaper. Left Fulnek thinking it would be another difficult day, and whilst the wind was against me, it was cloudy - a bit cooler and not nearly so hilly. The Pension I'm staying in tonight has its own micro brewery - needless to say, had to sample marvellous beer. And so to bed!

Wroclaw to Opole and Opole to Racibor

Collected bike from excellent bike shop, but a couple of miles or so from hotel and I'm sitting in the bar next door to hotel and xxxxx me I realise I have left my helmet in bike shop. Well, Sweetheart has made a bit of a song and dance about the flipping helmet, so I have to cycle back to bike shop, which doesn't open until 10.00 and is the opposite way to where I want to go. Anyway retrieved helmet and found pretty good way out of city. Made about 65 miles and arrived at nice little town Opole. Very good inexpensive hotel, and very friendly young people who were very interested in my trip. Left Opole and made just over 50 miles to Racibor. Just arrived very posh new hotel, built by 2 brothers who had worked in New York and saved enough money to build the Hotel. Weather suddenly gone warm and sunny, problem is the wind now coming from the south east - slows me down and quite tiring. Ah well, all going pretty well so far.

Wroclaw

Well, I had to spend a day longer in Wroclaw than I had intended, but managed to get bicycle up and running and also have a wander round lovely city - another place well worth a visit. On the road again tomorrow. For the record I have clocked 1,026 miles so far. It is 4 weeks and a day since I set off from Malvern.

Zielona Gora to Glogow and Glogow to Wroclaw

As I was leaving Zielona Gora, it started to rain, and the rain got heavier and heavier. After making around 40 miles I arrived in Glogow and being absolutely drenched booked into first Hotel, which has good restaurant, so treated myself to birthday steak. Managed to get dried out and set off for the city of Wroclaw. Had made nearly 70 miles when suddenly 'Bang' and I'm lying on the road. One of the carrier racks for the front panniers must have come adrift, and got into the spokes of the front wheel. The rack itself is all bent and twisted, one spoke has snapped and the front mudguard is bent. I managed to straighten it all out enough to limp into Wroclaw city centre. Having a day off anyway today (Sunday). I'll find bike shop to fix tomorrow. Wroclaw itself is a lovely city, in contrast to many of the towns and villages which very run down. I enjoyed a couple of beers with 2 German guys and a polish guy, in bar next door to hotel. Cheered me up.

Berlin and into Poland

Thankfuly, managed to find way out of Berlin a lot more easily than finding my way in. Made 50 odd miles to Youth Hostel in Bad Sarrow, only to be told they had no spare beds. Receptionist directed me to farm over the road which did rooms. Well, the 'rooms' turned out to be an old caravan which I guess is used by farm workers. Anyway too knackered to sort anything else so walked round to hotel nearby which was closed. Ended up going to Netto (like Lidl) and bought rolls and beer for grub. Next day lovely 30 odd mile ride round lakes and wooded area to brilliant Youth Hostel in Bremsdorf. Had a long chat and beer with fellow cyclist Oliver, who comes from Bavaria. He is on is way to Istambul via Ukraine. Left Bremsdorf and made nearly 60 miles over Polish border to lovely town Zielona Gora. Just going out to sample Polish beer!

Berlin 2nd - 7th May

Great time in Berlin with Sweetheart. What a great city. Quite unlike any other German city, or European city for that matter, and very good little Hotel (Hutten palast). Good value, and great bars and restaurants nearby. Thoroughly recommended. We have found out that it's not possible to load photos on to 'Blog' with my iPod - it keeps crashing - so I will email some back to Sue who will endeavour to load them. On the road again tomorrow. I hope to be in Poland within 2 -3 days. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again to all who have made a donation through JustGiving.

Haldensleben to Berlin (3 days)

Good cycle in the morning through little villages which all seem to be either 3 or 4 km apart. Then soon after lunch stop had to join main road without cycle path. Made about 10 miles or so and heavy traffic really got to me so took a turning off and soon got lost! Asked a young guy the way to Brandenberg, he says why go to Brandenberg, stay around here. He then directed me to great hotel right by lake in Kirchmoser. 56 miles. Left Kirchmoser for Potsdam, I couldn't understand why everywhere was so quiet, then it suddenly dawned on me - 'it's May Day!' Guy behind the desk in Youth Hostel in Potsdam, I reckon a Leftover from the Stasi. Mien Gott! if I make a mistake here I'll be sent to the Gulag. 45 miles. Bit of a nightmare from Potsdam to Hotel in Berlin. But worth every minute, because Sweetheart is there to greet me. Really looking forward to a rest and sharing some happy times together. I've clocked 768 miles so far. Probably about a quarter of the way.

Justgiving

A big thanks to those who have already donated, but can I give a reminder to anyone who is thinking of making a donation, however small, to remember that the UK Government will add pound for pound any donation made, but only until 3rd May.
So just think, you've got out of buying me a pint for my 65th - put the £3 into a donation. It's very easy, just click on the Just Giving link on this Blog

Celle to Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg to Haldensleben

After many attempts by Youth Hostel staff and by me on Internet to book youth hostel in Wolfsburg, gave up and decided to press on regardless. Lovely trip through lanes, and many spring flowers appearing on the roadside.   Approach to Wolfsburg is alongside big canal. The size of some of the vessels using these canals is staggering. Anyway, I arrived Wolfsburg youth hostel, and guess what?
Hostel closed! So booked into The Global Inn which is nearly next door, but 3 times the price of Youth Hostels: made me choke a bit, but very, very comfortable. 46 miles.

Great ride to Haldensleben through wooded lanes, full of wood anemones. Arrived Haldensleben Youth Hostel to very cheerful staff, especially Marcus, Michelle and Birgit, whose photo I took - but still haven't found out how to load onto blog!  I haven't given up yet, so keep looking! Only 35 miles today - Global Inn lulled me into a lazy mood.

Mardorf to Celle

From 'T' shirt weather 2 days ago, it's back to winter. Very cold northerly wind and drizzle. Very thankful I decided to book hostel only 35 - 40 miles away. Also very thankful to find cheery roadside cafe which served me good hot coffee and a plateful of Bratwurst and chips.
Arrived youth hostel mid afternoon.
Half an hours walk into Celle town centre to see what festivities goes on here on a Saturday night!

Holland and into Germany

Good cycle through Holland. First night at recently refurbished Youth Hostel in Soest. Really lovely - better than most hotels. Second night at Arnhem. Both days I made 60-65 miles.
I left Arnhem, which had quite a bit of historical evidence of Second World War battle, and decided to take route through lanes, only to come face to face with a tributary of the Rhine. However there's a ferry the other side of the river (big enough for 6 cars). When Kapitan saw me, he reved up the engines crossed the river, loaded me up and took me across. Cost for me and cycle - €1!  By this time it was mid morning and pouring with rain. So hot coffee was definitely on the agenda. About 10 minutes later rode into lovely little village and had the best cup of coffee in one of the poshest hotels - Would be good to go back there when I am more suitably attired.
Friday 26th April. I am now in Germany, making pretty good progress. Although I am having a "day off" to wash 'smalls'. Very good Youth Hostel right by Steinhuder Meer - ver big lake. Lots of school kids running around making a lot of noise, but enjoying themselves. Had a good chat with the teachers, one who came from Peuto Rica in the States.

Syrian Crisis Apeal

A very big thank you to Jonathan and Francine for the first generous donation to the above Apeal.
Any other donations would be very welcome - these people are in a desperate situation.  It's very easy, just log onto the Just Giving link on the 'Blog' website.

Day 4 Harwich and Day 5 The Hague

66 miles from Cambridge to Harwich. Quite extraordinary day, very strong southerly wind, which nearly blew me off my bike a few times, and then when it was dead behind me, blew me along at 20 mph! Arrived Harwich and with time to spare, found Morrisons next to ferry port and ate 2 'Golden' chocolate biscuits, one banana and a large plate of fish and chips! Wonderful diet.
Very good ferry and lovely cabin, all to myself  (Sweetheart would have loved it).  Had a beer on board with George who had just given up his job looking after Simon Hughes' affairs in Parliament, and was cycling, firstly to Amsterdam and then to the Beaujolais area of France.
Arrived The Hague around mid day, so I've got a day and a half before setting of again.

Day 3 Milton Keynes to Cambridge

Another good day - about 54 miles. Problem is! - I've found a pub to rival 'The Nags Head' - good food, and company and great beer, and it's only 200 yards from the Youth Hostel.  Probably the last good pint I'll have for months, so I have allowed myself 3!

Days 1 and 2

Pretty good first day to Stow on the Wold, and very good to meet old friends Bruce and Marj, and share a couple beers and a very good plate of liver and bacon at the Queens Head.  Got back to the Youth Hostel and met Barry (aged 70), who at the age of 60 decided to sell his flat and see the world.
One of his ventures was to buy a truck in USA spend 4 1/2 months travelling round 42 states and Canada and then selling the truck for $200 more than he paid for it.
Good trip to Milton Keynes after changing inner tube. Second day - first puncture!
Thanks to everyone who posted comments. Great to hear from you all - especially Sweetheart.

The First Post

Although the cold weather hasn't encouraged me to get out on my bike as much as I would have liked, with the encouragement of Chris, Lisa and the rest of the staff at PF2 Gym in Malvern, I am somewhere near fit enough for departure.

I'm looking forward to the ride a good deal more now that the cold easterly wind has at last swung, and weather is a bit warmer.