Day 20 of 22. Thur Aug 27. Malko Tărnovo (Bulgaria) to Vize (Turkey)

Distance: 103 km

Time: 5 hrs 31 min.

Speed: 18.5 km/hr

Climbed:  3611 ft

AHR (Average Heart Rate) 105 bts/min

Cum Distance:  1910 km.

Cum Climbed: 40,943 ft.

Punctures: 0

Today was different for a number of reasons. We crossed from Bulgaria into Turkey (i.e out of the EU) also it was a day of perfect road surfaces.

This morning we left Malko Tărnovo behind us immediately into a 8 km climb to the border at the top of the hill. For a change we were heading west with our shadows in front. As we pulled out of Malko Tărnovo we said goodbye to Bulgaria and also passed men on their way to work.

It was a stiff 6% climb and when I saw a notice ahead I thought it said 10%; some relief when it turned out to be just ’7%’. Relief! Debbie (Wales) followed me up and we reached the border ahead of the rest. It had been a tough early climb so soon after breakfast but on good surface. It had been a good wholesome camp breakfast courtesy of Wilma.

At the Bulgarian passport control cyclists got priority (proper order!) but the Bulgarian official decided to go for coffee as we queued up at his box.

After 20 mins we were checked through and on to the Turkish control. I needed a visa for Turkey (like the ESTA for the. U.S.) and had no problem getting my passport stamped. The sign overhead offered us welcome to Turkey and the signpost said just 260 km to our destination.

Straight from the border we had a brilliant descent for about 2 km and then a corresponding ascent. But he road surface for the next 50 km was fantastic. You’d be inclined to say that it was European money did it, but Turkey isn't in the EU. The road continued to rise, then rise another bit, then fall and fall another bit and so on.

Crests looked very appealing, but just over and you just knew what lay ahead....another rise. Our group broke up and I cycled on my own as far as Kirklareli.

Plenty of quarries along here on the high ground with trucks speeding to and fro. From the 30 km mark till the end the presence of trucks was continuous, trucks and cement containers. Great signs of construction and commercial activity. Much more so than in any other country since we left Austria.

Those hills dropped and appeared in the distance snaking their way up the next slope. At one point shortly after a truck sped past me at the bottom of a climb, I heard him changing down to second gear further up. It didn’t exactly make my job seem easier.

All along the first 30 km inside the Turkish border we passed through wooded slopes, but the trees seemed more mature than what we passed through yesterday. At one point we heard a rifle shot off to our right...hunters we supposed.

Our route today was in the shape of an L. For the first part we were heading south south west with an assisting tailwind. This part brought us to Kirklareli, a city of 88,000 and the appearance of minarets at the mosques was new. I did a short detour into the centre just as the Call to Prayer was being broadcast over the streets.

I cycled up through the pedestrian street and amazed by the number of utility shops (hardware, shovels, picks and buckets) along here. The same here in Vize where we spend our Rest Day. But at the end of the pedestrian zone was a lovely fountain and a water feature up by the steps. At the bank, I changed Euro to Turkish Lira. The bank official assisted me ....slip the Euro into the ATM and out comes the Lira. They wouldn’t accept Bulgarian lev at the exchange. At this point as I was leaving Kirklareli at 11 am temperature was at 30 deg.

I still cycle on my own to Lunch at 63 km. From Kirklareli our route headed east directly into a headwind for the rest of the day. Much construction on the edge of the city in technology and commercial parks.

Lunch stop was on a raised bank over the road. From there looking across at the mountains, it was like facing the Galtees on a fine day. And beside the lunch stop was just one of the many sunflower fields. They leave the sunflowers stand for as long as possible to increase the production of oil. They actually seem to be totally withered.

Just after lunch Judy had a puncture and brake problems on a hill. I stopped to assist and cycled with her right into Vize in case something else happened.

The headwind and hills persisted with a particularly steep one just as we left Poyrali...hit 10% at one point. No shelter from that wind along the side of the road. Plenty of ploughed fields and quarries/pits especially on our left.

Finally Vize appeared in the distance much to our delight. A local young cyclist met us on the street and guided us to the hotel.

The hotel is just across the street from the mosque and if we hear the Call in the morning, the direction to Mecca is indicated on the ceiling of the room.

Had a bite to eat down the street tonight and the place is lively at 8pm.

Tomorrow (our Rest Day) I'll investigate what Vize has to offer.

A good day on smooth roads with hills and our first taste of headwind since Vienna.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.