We're clearly riding the biggest, fastest motorcycles in Turkey. People stop and read the 1,200cc logo on the side and are amazed at the engine displacement (well, that's what we think they're amazed by... it might be that we're in full riding gear in 95 degree weather and they're in shorts and sandals.) Note that there are no posted speed limit signs (or at least very few). It's understood that the speed limit is determined based on the type of road and whether it is inside or outside city limits. You just have to know. Well, on our way to Pamukkale we were pulled over by highway polis (police). They couldn't speak a word of English but made it very clear by pointing to the speedometer that the limit was 80 km/hr. The best part was when Jon tried to convince the cop that all Turkish traffic moves much faster than 80 km/hr. Despite how animated Jon got over the issue the officer didn't understand a word and just smiled. I think we were very lucky in this. What he did understand was when Alex asked to take our picture together. No No NO! translated very well. They let us go with a warning.
And for all you worriers out there - we didn't go that fast although these bikes certainly could have. Our typical fast speed was between 100 - 110 km/hr. This is equivalent to between 62-68 mph. The FASTEST speed we ever did was on the highway and was for very brief periods at a whopping 120 km/hr. That's equivalent to 74 mph. We were safe.
The second story waiting to be told was pretty simple: Alex got ants in his helmet. Basically we had a really nice night in Sirence in the cottage, but as we mentioned it was a bit in the jungle. Jon had brought the hard candies that came with the check for that night's dinner and placed them on the table next to Alex's helmet. During the night, a colony of Ants made the helmet their new home. Luckily, these were little ants - Turkish ants that we've seen typically wear pants. They're huge. When we woke up in the morning Alex was quite upset. Every time we knocked the helmet against the ground more ants poured out. Can you imagine putting this thing on your head?
For our last day we went south from Marmaris to explore the southern portion of the peninsula. We figured a couple hours down there and then we'd head to Gocek to return the bikes.
We left at about 9:30am which is a late start for us and once again, we had a perfect day to ride in. It hasn't rained the entire 10 days. Heading south provided some great views - here a nice stop next to a cliff overhang.
Alex leading - great sweeping turns and more scenic view that are shared when Jon is able to turn his head.
We pass some cars/trucks.
Two switchbacks.
Although it looks like Alex is trying to pull his head off, you're actually seeing a very frustrated Alex. You see - we decided to try some roads and villages that just don't appear on the map. We got lost - nothing unusual there - but after heading in what we believed was the right direction we realized that the scenery was repeating itself. In fact we had made about a 25 minute circle. We decided to change directions and take a different route. After another 25 minutes we found ourselves right back where we started. After regrouping and backtracking we hoped to find our way out. You probably won't believe us but we found ourselves right back in the same place. We ran into a young European couple staring at a map along the way. Note that these were the ONLY other people we saw in an hour and a half out there. We think that they were having the same deja vu problem. We found our way out but we're worried they're still out there.
Our last lunch stop on the road. It was hot - and although the place was a bit obscure we enjoyed the ten or so water fountains that surrounded our table.
We drop off the bikes at Ride-Turkey Tours around 4pm and the owner took us to a hotel. We were happy to report that we did about 1,000 miles without a single mishap, fall, injury, or hurt feeling.
Walked around Gocek. Gocek is entirely devoted to yacht crowds coming into the small but very elegant harbor. The shops don't sell the typical touristy crap but their high end products come with higher end prices. Still - most of the wares were original to Turkey and the prices much lower than they would have been in the states.
Kim and Wendy - we bought these for you. We're planning a night out.
Jon checking out the locally made wooden toys.
We met this leather craftsman and he was really proud to tell us about his handywork. Really nice handbags.
Alex went nuts. Food for a 10 hour flight.
Both Alex and Jon agree that this trip way surpassed our expectations which were high to begin with. The Turkish roads are amazingly well maintained and are barely used. The sweeping ocean views were stunning and always around the next corner. The mountain roads which came right up to the water provided some of the most technical (and fun!) riding either of us has ever done. But best of all - the Turks are the most hospitable of any country visited so far. Truly love Americans, but even before knowing our nationality they were amazingly accommodating and kind. From a service standpoint they can't be beat. Every restaurant maître-de told us "if you don't like - I pay for your dinner." We both have a lot of riding experience but neither of us has owned the BMW GS1200. It has a really high clearance and its strange being so high up especially in hard turning, but the bike has excellent handling, great power, and sticks to dirt, gravel, just about any surface. The bikes pretty much took on the worst Turkish roads (back country dirt and all) without the slightest issue. We both rank Turkey a ten and haven't a clue why more Americans don't visit this country. Hope you enjoyed following along with us and we'll see you Monday.
That's all folks!
