Friday 7th October. Buçak - Burdur 32.06miles.

​Didn’t leave the Otel until midday as go the wifi working and uploaded as many pictures as I could.  Think I’m finally into September on all the blogs now – and very nearly up to date on Facebook.    Am way ahead on the Daily Draws after the lovely time painting and drawing with Gill and Jeremy, but did a quick doodlewash whilst waiting for the pictures to upload. 
 
Now off to find Burdur – about 30miles away.   The first 10miles were flattish, easy cycling across flood plains with hills – mountains, even – to either side.  The mounds drew in and I could see the gap between them where the road passed and I knew it could only mean up.  About 3 miles of pushing up.  They were resurfacing the road A tso half of the dual carriageway was closed.  It was easy enough to get over to the ‘closed’ side – which was finished apart from needing paint lines to mark the lanes – and have the road to myself, away from the lorries and exhaust fumes.   
 
A tractor and trailer came along the ‘closed’ section and the driver really wanted to help me up the hill.  I looked on dubiously as he gesticulated holding on.  Then he tied a rope around the side of the trailer and the other end to Rowenna while I looked on even more doubtfully.   The rope snapped at the trailer end as soon as he moved off and it was asked to take the load.  I don’t think the driver even noticed – but I appreciated the gesture.  I plodded on.
The last 10 miles were more or less downhill – which was a very pleasant end to the day’s riding.  L stopped at one of the many cafes to ask the men where a hotel could be found.  They discussed this amongst themselves before agreeing that I should go back aways towards the town centre and I would find one there and indeed I did.  
 
Budur is twice the size of Buçak but I didn’t see that much of it.  I went to a soul-less hotel which was 5TL cheaper than the one last night.  In fact – these last two days set the pattern for the next week, almost – ride all day on the D-650 to the nearest big town, find a cheap and characterless hotel, go eat supper somewhere nearby then blog/read/sleep.  Repeat ad nauseum. 
 
The staff at this hotel were pleasant enough – especially the young chap that took Rowenna down to the basement – he had a very cheeky grin.