Lancashire to Istanbul or vice versa

[Steve X]

One of my goals has been to cycle from Lancashire to Istanbul, the thought of cycling to Asia has a romance to it that I feel is appealing. However I have just been reading this https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023 ... o-istanbul and it has crossed my mind that cycling the other way may allow me to start in January or February and as I head West the weather will improve.
A couple of questions really, first has my thought about the weather got and actual basis in reality.
Also I have been led to believe that the worst cycling if the final 200 miles or so approaching Istanbul through Turkey. I have spoken with Turkish people who know they area, and they advised, just don't, but I know many people do, so I can. Has anyone any advice on this section please.

[Galactic]

Have never cycled in Turkey or the south-east Balkans, so can't comment on that bit. But regarding this bit of your question:

first has my thought about the weather got and actual basis in reality

Yes change in climate as you cycle north or south can be very noticeable. I often cycle south during the spring, starting somewhere like Belgium and heading towards the Alps. Although I'm a slow tourer, the whole process feels like accelerating spring - I start off right at the start of spring, and a week later and just a couple of hundred miles further south it feels like summer is just around the corner.

But then you hit the Alps, and you're back to snow and freezing winds (depending on which passes you use). So consider that if you're planning to go in either direction during spring or late autumn.

And then of course, it can get very hot in Hungary, Romania and the Balkans from quite early in spring. I timed one journey to clear the Alps pretty much as soon as my chosen pass was open, and one day there was plenty of snow on the ground, two days later I was baking in the high thirties Celsius.

So all that does sound like leaving Istanbul at the beginning of the year is a good idea, just time it so that you can cross the Alps in some comfort (if you go that way, obviously not a consideration if you follow the Danube for example). But if you like it hot, then the other way works, too - follow the sun south by starting in the summer and keep the warmth with you until you hit Istanbul. So perhaps the direction you travel will depend mostly on how hot you like it and what time of year is best for you to go?

[eileithyia]

The cycling tour of Turkey pro race is usually in April, they have to balance not having it too early due to poor and very cold weather, and not too many more week's later as it will be too hot.... so yes it will be a balance.... you may need to consider starting April from Istanbul, but as mentioned you can get some poor weather in the Alps.

[MrsHJ]

Sounds like fun either way. I have no advice on Turkey other than to talk to cyclists who’ve been there rather than people generally as people aren’t always very good at assessing stuff they don’t do.

I think if you are an experienced tourer you can assess all the usual stuff like wind direction and logistics as your key plan and I can definitely see an argument for « cycling home ». Whether that’s the right month to start I’m not sure- you’ll have to check it out as Jan feb sounds like it might be a bit early - (it will take around 3 months I guess?) and no doubt you can also mull over camping v hotels with the weather too.

If you aren’t experienced as a tourer you might (and really everyone is different so it has to be might) be better off starting with the easier familiar stuff ie dealing with the uk, France, Germany etc and then dealing with Serbia, Romania and Turkey at the end which will have some more challenges. You could prefer getting the more difficult and further away stuff done first but something to mull over.

I have this jotted down for a retirement trip (not necessarily the Constanzia to Istanbul addition) -hopefully schengen rules will be ok- doing it mostly as an EV6/Danube route. A lot of people abandon the EV6 route in June/July because it’s got too hot as they get further east- I’d probably start it in early to mid April heading east and accept some not great weather in say France and just use hotels in the cooler weather in an effort to get to the Black Sea by early to mid June (aiming for around 50 days). NB Overall I’m ok with cycling in 12c but not ok with 35c so it’s trying to get it roughly balanced with the weather- however weather patterns can vary and catch you out.

[simonhill]

Use this site to get detailed weather for anywhere in any month.

https://weatherspark.com/m/32397/10/Ave ... e_vignette

Don't underestimate the cold in Turkey and Balkans early in the year. Prevailing wind is one of my key factors.

Also remember you will only have 3 months once you enter Schengen (EU).

[PH]

Leaving aside the destinations and weather and all other practicalities for what sounds like an exciting trip in either direction:
I find there is something very different about riding to somewhere or riding home from the same place. The later is simpler, the logistics out of the way first, your enthusiasm is at it's peak and not wasted on local roads, if plans change you haven't missed much by skipping the last few days. Plus by the end of any tour, my mind has moved on to what happens after, the last couple of days can just feel like doing the miles to get it done, I'd rather experience that on the home run, rather than what ought to be the best bit. OTOH the sheer satisfaction of getting there, which can be a real buzz, isn't the same if the destination is your front door.
I suspect different people will have different preferences, for me, that sense of arriving outweighs the disadvantages. There would have to be serious practical obstacles for me not to ride to somewhere.

[brumster]

Just spotted this chap on FB
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bicycle ... 7/?app=fbl

[roubaixtuesday]

Somewhat surprisingly, we're planning the exact same next year (!)

After a recent very hot practice run in South of France in September, we're also having the same worries...

Interested to see the responses so far, thanks all.

[Bmblbzzz]

Also remember you will only have 3 months once you enter Schengen (EU).

If you go through Serbia and/or Albania, rather than Bulgaria and Romania, then you'll effectively have three months to get from Croatia to Calais rather than Edirne to England.

[st599_uk]

Also remember you will only have 3 months once you enter Schengen (EU).

If you go through Serbia and/or Albania, rather than Bulgaria and Romania, then you'll effectively have three months to get from Croatia to Calais rather than Edirne to England.

Don't you have to cross Bulgaria or Greece to get to Serbia though?

[Bmblbzzz]

Yes, but I'm assuming that you get another 90 days starting on each entry. Maybe it doesn't work like that though.

[roubaixtuesday]

Yes, but I'm assuming that you get another 90 days starting on each entry. Maybe it doesn't work like that though.

It's 90 days within any 180 day period; you don't get a reset on exit unfortunately

[Bmblbzzz]

[roubaixtuesday]

Taking back control, innit.

[nirakaro]

It's possible at a pinch to scurry across Bulgaria by train – to Vidin IIRC. Then a shortish ride to Negotin in Serbia, where the "Base camp for adventurers" is a delightful place to stay, friendly guy, nice garden etc.
However ninety days should be plenty to do Bulgaria plus Croatia to Calais.
BTW, you can't take bikes on trains in Serbia.