Stefan Link

Day 16 – Saray → Istanbul 🇹🇷 Final stretch – and not an easy one! The road into Istanbul was full of climbs, rolling hills and tricky urban sections. The energy in the city builds as you get closer – it’s a mix of excitement and exhaustion 🏙️💪 On the way I met two gravel bikers from Tunisia 🇹🇳 – they’re heading toward Iran, and it reminded me again what a beautiful and connected world cycling opens up 🌍 Now: Istanbul – a dream destination and the perfect end to an incredible journey. Time to rest, reflect, and enjoy some quiet days with family 🕌❤️ ✅ Hilly terrain ✅ Big city finish 🏁 Istanbul reached!

Day 15 – Primorsko → Saray 🇧🇬→🇹🇷 Longest stage so far in terms of both distance and climbing. The day started with problems: • The CR2032 battery in my left shifter was empty • Road 99, my planned route, was partially destroyed and washed out in the early section ⚠️🌊 I still made it across the damaged part on foot and bike, and from there the rest of Road 99 was clear and empty – perfect tarmac and beautiful, remote countryside. Border crossing into Turkey went smoothly 🇹🇷 The final section was fast and strong – preparing for the big arrival in Istanbul tomorrow 🕌💪 ✅ Good roads ⚠️ Washed-out section early on 🔋 Shifter battery empty at start 🏁 Finished in Saray (Turkey)

Day 14 – Obzor → Primorsko 🇧🇬 What started as a bike ride turned into a full-on hike with a bike. Immediately south of Obzor, the gravel road became completely impassable: • Broken forest tracks • Landslides • Washed-out ground • No signage, no alternatives I spent nearly 3 hours hiking and pushing my bike – often off-trail 🥾🚳 Just when I reached tarmac again, I entered the flood-damaged zone near Elenite. There: blocked roads, mud, water erosion and debris everywhere. Still passable with care – but extremely rough and stressful ⚠️ Eventually made it to Primorsko, exhausted but safe. This day was no typical cycling stage – it was survival, hiking, and adaptation. ✅ Very slow start ⚠️ Trail washed out + flood aftermath 🏁 Finished in Primorsko

Day 13 – Eforie Nord → Obzor 🇷🇴→🇧🇬 Mostly grey skies and steady rain all day – ideal for covering ground but not for sightseeing 🌧️ Coastal roads were mostly paved, a few rough sections near villages, but otherwise good progress. Passed through Varna, where I found: • Natural sulphur springs (great spot for a quick break) 💨 • A small folk festival in town – music, local food, really charming 🎶🎪 Later I passed Golden Sands Resort – famous in summer, but today it was empty and foggy 🏖️☁️ Ended the day in Obzor, a small coastal town with a sleepy vibe. ✅ Paved roads ✅ Cultural surprise in Varna ⚠️ Wet all day 🏁 Arrived in Obzor

🔹 Day 12 – Near Giurgiu → Eforie Nord 🇷🇴 The day started well: quiet country roads, rolling farmland, and gentle hills. The only challenge early on was the persistent headwind, which slowed things down but was manageable 💨. The real issue came approaching Constanța: • Extreme traffic 🛻🚛 • No bike lanes or shoulder • Fast-driving cars and aggressive overtaking • Narrow roads entering the city This stretch was dangerous and highly stressful – not recommended for touring cyclists ⚠️🚫. Alternative routes or train transfers should be considered if you’re aiming for the coast. After pushing through Constanța, the final stretch south to Eforie Nord was easier again – flat and calm, with a proper sense of arrival. 🌊 Arriving at the Black Sea felt surreal – and yes, it’s beautifully blue, not black. ✅ Country roads OK ⚠️ Constanța entry: avoid if possible 🏁 Arrived at the sea!

→🇷🇴 Ferry from Nikopol to Turnu Măgurele worked like clockwork. Lots of sunshine, smooth rolling. EV6 in parts not ridable at all. Shifted to mainroad. Still a very enjoyable ride. ✅ Reliable ferry, nice weather, solid day on the bike.

🔹 Day 10 – Sinistra → Krushovene 🇧🇬 Mostly quiet, flat roads. Few EV6 markings. Very low traffic, only one dog incident. Good day to recover a bit and move steadily east. ✅ Peaceful ride, no major challenges.

🔹 Day 9 – Giurgiu → Sinistra 🇷🇴→🇧🇬 Grey skies, but otherwise a good day. EV6 became completely unrideable mid-way: deep ruts, wet fields, no track. Had to switch to the highway – no alternative. ✅ Progress made, but significant detour necessary.

🔹 Day 8 – Krushovene → Giurgiu 🇧🇬→🇷🇴 Took the Nikopol ferry back to Romania – spot-on timing. Sunny, quiet roads, and as a bonus: a live folk music performance during lunch! Last stretch had strong headwinds, but otherwise a wonderful day. ✅ Great mood, tailwinds early, culture surprise mid-ride.

🔹 Day 7 – Vidin → Krushovene 🇧🇬 Started well, but the EV6 route became impossible: deep mud, farm tracks, unrideable terrain. Switched to main roads – more traffic but far better rideability. Stayed overnight in a converted village school – warm hospitality and unique vibe. ⚠️ EV6 unrideable in parts, detour necessary.