Across Continents

Ken's Blog

Vital statistics

Going a little against the tread, I’d decided not to fit a cycle computer, choosing continents over miles as my preferred unit of measure. But a good friend and former work colleague Tim had been very impressed with fellow English cyclist Myles Mellor’s statistics when he’d reach Istanbul, and suggested it might be interesting if I put some together. So here goes… A careful blend of gut instinct and personal whim. Enjoy.

Distance travelled

3,000 miles / 4,500 km across Europe

Best day by far

Through the mountains to Sofia, Bulgaria – bright but crisp, awesome scenery – well worth the night ride into an unfamiliar Capital city!

Most surreal moment

Police escort in northern Bulgaria, complete with blue flashing lights

Most epic days

Into Istanbul – torrential rain, ferocious traffic, tyre blow-out; Second day in Serbia – 100 miles of mud, mud and more mud, torrential rain, biting cold, and two hours of night riding amidst the potholes to finish; First day on the road – torrential rain and storms on Dartmoor

Favourite stops

Aboriginal Hostel, Budapest, with a breakfast to die for; Tim and Pierette’s campsite at Etables-sur-Mer; Chris, Ruth, Alex and Emily’s home in the hills of eastern Bulgaria

Most intriguing nation

Serbia

Favourite foods

Hungarian goulash; Bulgarian shopska salad and various bits of freshly cooked home reared pig; French chocolate eclairs; Turkish corba (pronounced ’chorba’) soup

Favourite music

Theme from ’Hill Street Blues’; ’Camouflage’ (Stan Ridgway); ’Axel F’ (Harold Faltermeyer)

Things I miss most from home

Family and friends; bacon and egg rolls; my two hundred year old traditional English cottage; Wiveliscombe’s heated outdoor swimming pool

Expedition best buy

Emma – my Thorn eXp expedition cycle; PHD down sleeping bag – cosy; Aspire One netbook

Emma’s contribution

Two punctures, one tyre blow-out, one set of brake pads, one hub gear oil change, various lubricants

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