Here is the latest instalment of Andy Sangster's around the world cycle tour blog in aid of the NSPCC.
Andy is preparing to enter Iran but is struggling with visas. However, he has just reached a milestone in donations.
Please donate to his just giving page at www.justgiving.com/andysangster1 for the NSPCCMay 9
Been to the Iranian embassy this morning and was told I could have a visa but it would start today for 30 days which is a problem because I have a holiday booked in Antalya in one weeks' time for a week. Another option is to collect it in Erzurum on the east of Turkey. It's all hanging on what happens with my Indian application tomorrow morning because if that is refused as expected I might have to fly straight to Thailand where I can get a visa on entry. Seems like I'm just wasting valuable time hanging about for nothing.
Whatever happens I'm heading south after my visit to the Indian embassy and making my way slowly to the coast which should involve a few mountain climbs. It was pretty hard yesterday and involved a lot of uphill cycling over 1500m. I then caught a bus south to Ankara for 25 lire around £8. After the heat of the last few days it was cloudy and sadly the visibility was poor. For the first time in weeks I had my gilet on!May 10
I have now departed Ankara but I have to go back on Tuesday afternoon to pick up my visa from the Indian embassy. This is a bit complicated as I am on my way to Antalya and will be at least 300km south by the time I head back there. On this occasion I will catch the bus and stay overnight before returning to pick the bike up from a friend who will be looking after it. That will leave me almost three days to get to Antalya.
Ankara has got a nice feel to it and is very European in appearance and very hilly as I found out today on my embassy trip.
They say the Turks are a friendly bunch and how right they are. They are always waving and tooting their horns in a friendly kind of way. They can't really understand why anyone would want to cycle all that way when you get chatting over a cup of tea. More often than not they insist on paying for it as well.
One young attendant in the petrol station I stopped at was having a cigarette about 10 metres away from the pumps asked if he could have a ride on oxo (the bike). Yeah go on no problem then he starts riding through the pumps with the fag in his mouth before I put him right, once a fireman always a fireman!May 13
I have been spending some time exploring the area around Konya while I collect a visa. It's the sixth largest city in turkey and has lots to see including the Mevlana Muzesi the second most visited place in the country. It's a very conservative area and most women wear the veil. I have been getting some odd looks and some kids were pulling at my beard. I was told that a beard in muslim society is regarded with respect especially grey so I'm sticking with that.
I'm staying with friends while here and their hospitality has been fantastic and the food is just amazing. I would like to repay them in some way in the future.
They say the coppers in turkey are corrupt but there was two who refused to handcuff me for a photo as they might get into trouble from their boss. But happy to pose for photo with oxo.May 14
I have been looked after for a few nights by Sercan and his flat mates and had a great time. There all musicians studying various instruments at university and are really talented people. We had a jamming session and demo of the different instruments which was excellent. They certainly know how to look after guests and nothing is too much bother so a big thanks to them all. Please don't forget to donate to my just giving page. I need a shave in Antalya but need to hit £1000!
Been to Ankara today to collect a visa for India. It was a long way to go for it but it was made a lot easier by traveling on the high speed train the YHT. It is only used in limited areas at the moment and Konya to Ankara is one of them thankfully. It cruises at 250km per hour is really smooth and it cost 40 Turkish lira so around £15 for a return trip of 300 miles. It also departed and arrived on time for a change!
Please don't forget to donate to my just giving page. I need a shave in Antalya but need to hit £1000!May 15
Finally set off from Konya after 3 amazing days there. I was looked after so well by Huseyin and Sercan and their friends. Nothing was any trouble and it was a shame I have to leave. I know I've said it before but Turkish people are so friendly towards visitors. One day I hope I can return the compliment.
The weather was raining hard again today but think it is nice for coming days. I've got a big mountain pass tomorrow so I bought this honey packed with various crushed nuts so I hope that will help me. The food has been brilliant here in Turkey and I had the nicest meal so far. It was lamb and aubergine casserole accompanied with rice bread salad and of course cay (tea).May 16
Nice steady ride today from Sedisehir to the sea 140km and a lot of it uphill. 1600m climbing early on and had plenty food and water with me.
Think I had a round 5 litres and a few teas. Plenty places to stock up on the way. There were some nice camping spots in the mountains but that would leave me too far to ride tomorrow. I will go and find a suitable camp spot after I've finished updating in this cafe. Wi-Fi is available everywhere but not on the beach. I have a shortish ride in the morning around 80km to Antalya and will be there for 2pm check in.May 17
Well I suppose it will have to do…All the guests have all returned to their 5 star palaces which leaves about 200 beds for me to choose from on the beach. I'm in a place called Colakli about 70km from Antalya. Even had beach showers and toilet so good spot. Was appropriately named Alba beach resort.May 19
Latest news from the road. I am currently in Antalya enjoying a weeks' holiday and recharging the batteries.
Up to now I've covered a distance of 4498km.
Average distance per day 39 days cycling is 115km
Countries passed through is nine: Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
There is still a possibility I might go through Iran but I will need to go to Erzurum in North East Turkey to collect a visa and it would be for 30 days from the day of issue. I am waiting on a reply from the people concerned before I head up there.
The alternative may involve a trip to Georgia then towards India.
The tan lines are looking a bit odd and it would have been worse but I kept a long sleeved cycling top on for half the rides. I'll try and match up the rest of my body while in Antalya!May 20
Thanks to all who donated and supported so far. The deal was I had a shave when it reached £1000 which it did this morning. It feels good!
