Chapter 7: On Edge in Bandit Country(Göreme to Dogubayazıt, Turkey)
A shepherd leading a flock of sheep through the underpass we had slept inThe shepherd wishing us a quick “Merhaba” before continuing pastFollowing the unfamiliar shape of two other cycle tourers along the open plains of Central TurkeyDigging into breakfast after a night spent wild camping, tucked away in a hidden corner of a fieldJosh photographing two wild Kangals guarding the dead carcass of a cow. This fearsome species of dog made for some nervous cycling in TurkeyJosh searching for a shop to buy some much-needed food in this small village in rural Turkey. He was not successful.Rob resting up in the centre of Sivas after a long day of cyclingKale Mosque in the centre of SivasThe rollercoaster road leading out of Sivas and into the wilder part of TurkeyLooking back at Rob and Josh as we climb higher into the mountains of central TurkeyOur final wild camp together at 1,600m on the side of a remote Turkish mountain The beautiful snow-patched wilderness we pedalled through on the way up the 2,190m passReaching the snowline and continuing to climb even higher in the freezing temperaturesRob admiring the scenery near the summitAfter splitting from Rob and Josh I continued alone across the snowy mountain passes of Eastern TurkeyLifting my bike into the snow for the obligatory summit photoThe dry, barren landscape which composed much of “Bandit Country”Looking back at the flock of sheep tended to by the two shepherds who had tried to rob me minutes previouslyFeeling massively relieved as I arrive into Dogubayazit flanked by the twin peaks of Mount Ararat
Irregular Adventures 