Hasanlı

Today the big question is which route will we take. We have no phone signal and we know there was a difference in suggested routes from Komoot (which applies cycling algorithms on top of open street map) and google maps (which in Turkey has no cycling option). A difference means we should pay attention. Komoot’s best route includes (possibly?) 15km of dirt road. As it is wet we need to be careful not to end up completely mud-stuck.
At the critical junction, still no signal. A passing motorist advises the google route. So we take the much less likely looking komoot route!
Aside: the turks keep telling us to take the “fast” dual-carriage ways and insisting that the mountain roads are not suitable for bicycles.

With the added sense of adventure (will we make it through?) we follow a narrow and once-tarmacked remote road high up along the gorge. It’s up and down and steep and scary. The mountain villages seem very isolated. It is charming and hard work. It’s wonderful. And yes, indeed, we make it through.Read more