8 of the strangest places we have camped whilst cycling through central Turkey. #7 was by far our favourite!
Cycling through central Turkey has been tough as it’s very hilly. But the people we’ve met have been incredibly friendly and the hospitality has been amazing. So much so that we’ve managed to pitch our tent in some rather beautiful and unusual places!
1. On the banks of a reservoir
We pitched our tent on the banks of the Çerkeşli göleti reservoir. The reservoir’s banks were dotted with fisherman and we were even given a huge bunch of freshly-picked grapes from the farmers as we pitched our tent
2. Behind trees just below a highway
We simply couldn’t cycle any further on this day, so we ducked down below the D170 road (which is just behind the trees) just east of Göynük, Tepebaşı, Turkey.
3. On a tiny patch of grass at a gas station
After a long day in the saddle, we pitched up at this fuel station in Davutoğlan, Turkey. The extremely friendly staff offered us watermelon, showers and for us to pitch our tent on a small patch of grass adjacent to the petrol station.
4. Behind some reeds right beside a highway
With 115km on the clock, we pitched our tent behind some reeds that shielded us from the road.
5. In the bushes behind a 5* hotel
We couldn’t afford to stay at the 5* hotel in Aksaray, Turkey, so we found a wild camping spot on the hill behind it!
6. At a play area in a gas station
We were shattered, so could have slept anywhere. Just as well because the friendly staff at a service station east of Karahamzalı, Turkey, showed us the place to pitch our tent: a children’s play area!
We were shattered, so could have slept anywhere. Just as well because the friendly staff at a service station east of Karahamzalı, Turkey, showed us the place to pitch our tent: a children’s play area! Can you see our tent? Sadly for some kids, we blocked the entrance to the climbing frame for the night.
7. In an Audi car showroom
We were searching for a place to pitch our tent in the trees between the car showroom and the beach when Doğan came running after us. He said that we could stay ‘at his workplace’ and we were quickly ushered into the Audi showroom. OK, it wasn’t strictly camping. But sleeping in the staff bedroom upstairs was very welcome and a very kind gesture from Doğan and his colleagues.
8. Right outside the toilets at a 24-hour motorway services
We thought this patch of grass was suitable. However, it was right outside the toilets, so we had a steady stream of noisy travellers wandering past the tent throughout the night. The grass was also littered with tiny thorns that managed to puncture both our sleeping mats.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog post, please donate to World Bicycle Relief. Every penny goes to the great work the charity does in Africa – not to fund our expedition in any way.
