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logo     Chris Bell   -   5000 km from Wales to Istanbul

2012   -   Background

 
>   2012 photos      

>   2012 JustGiving

 
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destination!
 
The bottom sign says 'Istanbul'
- I'm almost there!

£ 8,500 raised for 'Cyclists Fighting Cancer'

I cycled 5000 km from Wales (UK) to Istanbul (Turkey) during the autumn of 2012, riding about 50 miles a day through 13 countries, camping wild at night, hostelling and staying with Servas friends. I particularly enjoyed meeting people along the way and learning more about the countries of Eastern Europe.

I had a lot of fun, and just a few setbacks, along the way. Although some days were tough, others were idyllic and I have many wonderful memories. I'm a firm believer in the notion that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it!

Once again, lots of generous people sponsored me and over £ 8000 has been raised for Cyclists Fighting Cancer. This charity provides specially adapted bikes, trikes and tandems for children and young people who've been affected by cancer. These can have a remarkable effect on both the physical and mental recovery of young cancer survivors and their families. Many thanks to everyone who has donated so much money.

Freya
 
Freya's new bike


 
Click on the map or the photos to enlarge them...

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Background

I have prostate cancer, a disease which kills 30 men every day in the UK. I've undergone treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormones over the past 10 years and my cancer has now spread to my spine. But it's focussed my outlook on life and I've enjoyed these years, in its shadow, with a new appreciation of just how wonderful life can be. So don't let the years pass you by - make the most of every precious day you have!

I've given several illustrated talks of my trip since returning from Istanbul. Please contact me if you're looking for a speaker.

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Summary

route map

12 countries:
      (12 languages)
UK, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic,
Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia,
Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey
 
Time taken:
Distance cycled:
Average daily distance:
66 days cycling, 22 rest days
4987 km  /  3117 miles
76 km  /  47 miles
 
Accommodation:  
    (nights)
wild camping (35), campsites (10),
friends / Servas (22), hostels/hotels (18),
ferry (1), hospital (1)
 
Weather:            
hot (Netherlands, Aug), warm (Turkey, Oct),
10 seriously wet days
 
Bicycle:
Bicycle problems:
Weight carried:
customised Dahon Cadenza folder
1 puncture
17kg (bike) + 14kg (luggage) + 72kg (me)
    = 103 kg total

 

Details and Photos

>   Click for photos and information from each region that I visited.

 

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Kindness

As always seems to happen when I venture into pastures new, a lot of kindness and generosity was shown to me. Here are some examples...

My sincere thanks to all of you - friends, family and complete strangers alike.

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Problems

Most things went very well - even the weather remained mostly favourable! But I had a few health problems...

And...

 
>   2012 photos      

>   2012 JustGiving

 
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Wales

DI + CHRIS BELL
Cornant, Cribyn, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7QW, Wales, UK
di@cornant.uk           chris@cornant.uk

 
©  Di + Chris Bell