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
2. Behind trees just below a highway
3. On a tiny patch of grass at a gas station
4. Behind some reeds right beside a highway
5. In the bushes behind a 5* hotel
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.