Monday 9th June 2008

Ali drives me first to my bike which is in the police car compound in
Miyenneh. The pannier holders are damaged and bent,wheels look OK. It
is sad to see it in such a situation- neglectd and uncared for. However
damage could be a lot worse.

We drive onto HQ Police Station where panniers and bar bag are locked
up in senior officer's cabinet - following a close look all contents
are found to be present - bar bag complete with money, passport, mobile
phone, camera and my diary journal. I am told that we must go to the
judge elsewhere in town to obtain release papers and sign for the bike
and all panniers.

This we do - nice friendly judge. I sign for bike and equipment and
write to the effect that I do not lay the blame on anyone. Blame would
be futile and lose the friendship I have built up with Mr Sadeg and
all his family. I have no memory of collision so have no facts at
all. Complaint would result in a delay with picking up my bike and
equipment and return to Tabriz. Mahmood Ghareih Dagi acts as interpretor and scribe.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN - I feel very lucky not to be very seriously long term injured. We return to police station with the judge's paperwork and load up panniers into Ali's car. The bike is later picked up by Payman (Mr Sadeg's son 22 yrs old) in a minibus ready for travelling back behind us to Tabriz. Payman is a very polite friendly man who studies electronic engineering. He has an
extraordinary good looking sister Samane (20 yrs old) and another sister Sanaz (9 yrs old)
In the evening we all return to Tabriz with all equipment, we arrive in the early hours of Tue 10 June. I am feeling exhausted, everyone is tired.

Roger's Journal continues - Sunday 8th June 2008

I have stiff neck, back, and very fragile head. My body is weak and feeble, no get up and go in mind or body.
6.10 pm - driven by Ali Safikani (the brother in law of Sadeg Jahangir Zadeh the mini bus driver who hit me), we go to Ali's flat well away from hospital, 3rd storey up, where I meet his wife, friendly and tranquil Zara and his 2 young daughters Meena, 9 yrs, and Meetra, 3 yrs. I am still wearing hospital gown on arrival at flat because I have no other clothing (I would certainly have been wrong in my once very bloody cycle shorts). I am given, by Ali, trousers, long pants, t shirt and shoes to wear. Shoes stay at entrance to flat.

Having settled in we all very quickly head off in Ali's car to Miyenneh 167 kms away. I am in front passenger seat - I feel vunerable and uncomfortable. We arrive at 9.25 pm in Miyenneh at Sadeg's (mini bus driver who hit me) house. Very friendly extended family there including pretty Iranian ladies. Everyone happy and intrigued to see me. I am well looked after but feel on show. I feel very responsible for presenting myself well. My body and head feel awful and weak. An Iranian English teacher Mahmood Ghareih Dagi is there and he helps very much with normal conversation and acts as my interpretor.

I am exhausted but very keen to come in contact with my damaged bike and all my valuables and equipment, held by the police, tomorrow morning.

I in reality, except for my totally unsuitable cycle shorts left behind at Ali's flat in Tabriz, have nothing.

Tuesday 15th July 2008

Dear ALL

Visit yesterday to specialist went well, no scan, he seems to think there is no need. He was a very approachable doctor and a good listener I told him my symptoms and he explained that they were all totally common to serious head trauma which results in swelling of the brain and temporary damage to some if not all sensory nerve endings that control all aspects of body functions. For me appetite, taste, energy, balance, eyesight, short term memory and the trauma can result in low sodium level which i have had but is creeping up - I have increased the reading by 9 pts and have another 10 to go.

He feels confident that with time I will return to my old self with everything working normally. As you can imagine I returned home to Battle after the visit very pleased. I am improving.

I learnt a salutary lesson soon after by setting myself a target of 2 hours walk cross country -1 hour one way and one hour back trying to simulate a 4-5 mile walk. After 50 mins I started to feel real fatigue and my sense of balance detiorating badly I walked on another 10 mins and turned round symptoms getting worse!! I managed to get back to Battle.

I sat on a bench to rest and decided to ring Sally to say I would be late getting back, they live about 12 mins walk from Battle. She came out to pick me up which I accepted the offer with embarrassment but much gratitude.

Lesson- I will get there back to normal but it will take time dont push it !!

Rogers report of his stay in hospital in Iran

Below a report on first week post accident.

1st June Damaged bike and all equipment remain at MIYNNEH 167km away under police control, my watch and gold ring are not with me either. they were removed prior to my surgery, I have no idea of the passage of time. The only kit I have here in Tabriz is my bloody cycle shorts and top which will be washed and returned to me later. I have no phone, money, note book or passport all things of importance and value are with the police in Miynneh.

I keep notes on rough pieces of paper to later be able to put them into my journal. It is difficult bearing a sore disorganised head and feeling frail and ineffective. I am visited by Dr Payman Vahedi a most excellent consultant young doctor who will oversee my treatment, he summarises the extent of my injuries, both head and body. Also visited by Dr Hussein Ghashemi (surgeon) who is very pleased with my healing process and takes photos of me on my request and records me talking about my accident and situation, I give him my web address and he sends the message and recording to Fiona. This activates Fiona making contact with The British Consul in Iran and making contact with my brother Ian who is a consultant anaethasist and my 1st emergency contact.

2nd June - Telephone call from Sandra Sianaki of the British Consul of Iran. Who gives me very helpful and positive advice plus her contact details. I am very grateful to her and encouraged by the contact.

4th June - Copy of email from brother Ian given to me by Dr Vahedi. It is a much appreciated message and gives me a proper sense of direction. I must listen to all doctors words of advice and return to the UK for rest and recuperation.

5th June - I email to Ian and Sally using Dr Vahedis computer. Iwish I felt better. I desperately need a strong positive attitude, my progress prior to accident has been very good but post accident has not been. Time and good policy is essential for good repair. My emotional state post accident has been high.

7th June - This is my planned release date from hospital. My confidence is very low. The above period of recuperation in hospital was very difficult. I was very fragile, back and neck stiff, head sore and dopey. Ribs sore and damaged, painful lower rib cage, my back hurts whenever I move or hiccup.

New photos added

Roger has been busy emailing me some photos. More to follow soon.

Fiona

Journal Update - Days 78 & 79 - 30th & 31st May 2008

[Roger has emailed his journal update taken from notes he made. Fiona]

30th May - Tabriz to 15 miles short of Miynneh. 82 miles total. First 25 miles hard work strong side wind and deceptive climb with lorries constantly passing by revving and belching out black smoke. Much improvement after BOSTANABAD, more fertile pastoral terrain with excellent progress, stop at 6.30 pm at excellent rough campsite by river. An overall good day. Will go to bed early and start early. No phone signal for the first time ever but personal journal written up.

Following notes extracted from personal diary which was completed from rough notes taken whilst in hospital and on leaving hospital plus from information obtained from questioning events.
31st May - 0830 am 10 miles after leaving rough campsite I am struck by minibus in road tunnel. Knocked unconsious and have no memory of the event. Complete memory loss until mid afternoon. Fairly quickly taken to Miyenneh hospital who do temporary repair and taken to Tabriz Emamreiza Hospital 167 km away at 1100 am arriving Tabriz 2 pm where I have a vague memory of arrival and recall vomitting on hospital floor. I am operated on at 3pm by Hussein Ghashemi (General Student Surgeon) he has done 8 out of 11years to become a general surgeon. The flesh on top of my head on the left hand side was apparently peeled away with bone showing underneath!

A Note from Roger

Prior to sending a report of my experience in Iran I would like to say how grateful I am for all the huge support and encouragement I have had from Family, Friends and numerous visitors to the Wellython website. The website had been created and maintained by Fiona to an amazing standard. It has secured my safe return from Iran by being a fantastic link to my Family, The British Consul (Fiona Sianaki) and the BMC Insurance Company (assistanceinternationaluk@fortis.com). Without this link and allied superb support I think I would have floundered in Iran after the accident with the Minibus.

The care, help and guidance I received in Iran was fantastic. The entire Family of Ali Safikani who took me from hospital after a week there were patient, warm and very caring. They tended to me in all respects for a week after my release from Hospital and helped to ensure my safe and complete return to the UK on the 16th June. I cannot speak too highly of the overall Iranian attitude, their whole concept is the well-being of their fellow man. They are warm, welcoming and helpful, this was the case in everyone I met. The Minibus driver, Sadeg Jahangirzadeh who was involved in my collision opened up his family to my care and his son Payman, an electronic engineer student became Ali Safikanis' right hand man and helper. I know I am a very lucky man and my good fortune has been encouraged by everyone around me, and to whom I am extremely grateful.

Roger

Roger's Back!

Sorry all for the delay in posting, but it has been pretty hectic! But this is to let you know that Roger is safely back in the UK, on Monday 16h June, and is staying currently with his brother, Ian, and sister-in-law, Sally, in Sussex.

Roger will be righting some notes regarding his trip and especially about his time in Iran, when he has the energy!

So, please do keep watching the blog for updates!

Fiona

Latest News from Roger

Recovery is slow but happening. Hoping some dynamism will kick in on my behalf soon. Head & body is, I think, going in the right direction. Getting lots of friendly help. Plan is to return to UK via Istanbul using nurse escort. Will rest and recuperate in Battle with Ian & Sally.

It is so sad that the overall plan is negated, but at the end of the day it has been a rich and informative experience.

Roger


***Latest*** Roger is hoping to fly back on Monday16th June. Bike is boxed up and all equipment is in one pack ready!***

A rather delayed update

Dear All

I am sure you have been wondering why the blog hasn't been updated for a week. The first thing I need to say is that Roger is OK, however last Saturday (31st May), Roger was involved in an accident. He was apparently hit by a minibus, and suffered some head trauma.

I received an email from his Doctor in Tabriz, Iran, on Sunday 1st June, explaining what had happened, however at that point Roger didn't want anybody to know about his accident, as he didn't want people to worry!

Roger has been extremely well looked after by the staff at the Imam Reza Hospital, they have kept me informed by emails, they located his belongings and have been incredibly kind. I contacted the British Embassy in Tehran, and they have had a representative helping him also.

Below is an extract from an email received from Roger last week.

I have no recollection of my incident pm Sat 31 May. This to me is very sad ,cofusing and frustrating as everything was going brilliantly well following a good rough camp site on Fri 30 May. The camp site was ideal by a river and mountains, for the first time ever I had no signal on my phone so could not update you via text.

I was apparently hit by a mini bus, when approaching my target town of MYIANE, I have no memory, my head was opened up with flesh peeled away to the bone. I have been well repaired at hospital in Tabriz where I sit now using their computer. I feel sore and fragile in the back but reasonably confident that I will make a sensible recovery. As usual people here are very friendly and helpful, it helps that respect goes both ways. My overall journey is proving to be an informative, interesting and fullfilling experience in so many ways.

Tomorrow Fri 6 June, it is probable that the Tehran consul will turn up to help get me and my equipment to Tehran where I may receive a medical checkover.

I naturally would like to make a full recovery in all respects and achieve all my stated journey aims. At present I realise it is paramount that my bike (which i have not yet seen since the accident) is in perfect working order and that i am in the same medical state, at present I feel fragile and a little lacking in real positive drive. My patience and wisdom needs testing!

The latest news is that Roger was discharged from the hospital on Friday. He is now being looked after by an Iranian family (the family of the brother of the man who was driving the minibus!). Roger has decided that he will not be able to continue his journey for the moment, as he has agreed (finally) with the doctors that he needs a few months rest. So when he is fit to travel he will be returning to the UK. He has now also managed to collect his belongings, from the police station where they have been held since the accident, unfortunately his bike is very badly damaged.

I would like to thank Dr Payman Vahedi and Dr Hossein Ghasemi, who have kept me up to date with Roger's progressed, and who have cared for him so very well.

Fiona

Below is a photo which Dr Payman Vahedi emailed to me!

Days 75, 76 & 77 - 27th, 28 & 29th May 2008

27th May - 75 miles to MARAND. Temperature hot, started at 21deg and in afternoon it was 32 deg. I am not acclimatised yet. We have been used to fresh mountain air in Turkey. The hottest time is between 2pm and 5.30pm. The sun gets you from above and the tarmac gets you from below. Fortunately you can get air movement by pedalling! We stop for lunch in a very empty restauant by road - chicken, rice, salad and coke plus lots of water comes to 25,000 rial (£1.50). When I change £50 I shall be just short of being a millionaire!

Rough camp in orchard and given lots of small green fruit by farmer and bread & extra water by Ali (an English teacher) and a friend who is studying for his masters in biology. They are both really nice, very friendly and highly intelligent, very interested in our travels but very concerned about the bad media coverage of Iran.

28th May - 57 miles to TABRIZ. Cycle straight there without resting. Initially climbing but then relatively flat and uninteresting. Reach Tabriz for 3 pm and book into hotel in centre of city. It is basic and cheap and used a lot by university students studying here. It has an excellent shaded and cool courtyard where I can service my bike.

29th May - Rest Day in Tabriz. There is always so much to do on a rest day - washing, bike servicing, internet finding and using, tourist information office etc etc, that I finish the day with a rest?? I have been requested to eat well and asked what do I eat! The simple answer is "yes". I was always a good eater and now I have become an avid one. When we buy provisions for evening meal and breakfast (if camping) we take on bread (3 loaves), yoghurt (500 gm each), pasta plus sauce, tuna, cheese, fruit juice (1 litre each min), many bars of chocolate, biscuits. We always have honey & jam available to go with yoghurt plus coffee and tea. It is essential to carry at least 3 litres of water each before stopping. I am, now it is getting hotter, going to carry extra water. I have a water carrying pouch, as yet unused, which can hold 10 litres. I am told that it is now 40 degrees in Esfahan.

As you can imagine when one is fully provisioned the total load is about 40 kg, hills are not welcome at the end of the day!! Sometimes you have to get provisions early because the little village shops, particularly here in Iran, have very little of what you need.

I am heading off in the direction of Esfahan tomorrow, it will take about 10 days to reach. Simon is heading off to Tehran to get a visa for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. So tomorrow I will return to being a solo rider. I have been with Simon for 1.5 of my 2.5 months so it will be a sad farewell. It has been an excellent partnership.

Days 73 & 74 - 25th & 26th May 2008

56 miles to Basargan. Weather hot and humid. Ride past Mount Arafat, 5137m. Reach border where there is a queue 600m long of lorries parked side by side. They take 2 - 4 days to get through. We cycle past, dodge a few money changers, show passports. Welcomed by very attractive Ashraf, we chat while our passports are checked again.

Customs wave us through with a smile, while busy checking everyone elses bags. I sleep well, tired but happy!

26th May - 46 miles to Margan. Local banks do not accept credit card, sterling or euro. I can get Tabriz with small amount of Turkish Lira changed at border. Easy ride on good surfaced road. We have not had this luxury in Turkey. Area now fairly arid desert like hillocks. Stop for water at small chicken factory. Ali the factory security man gives us water with ice tea, to follow he picks some gorgeous red cherries. More tea in Margan and friendly interest. Rough camp. Happy!

Day 72 - 24th May 2008

82 miles to TASLICAY. Nice morning, gentle climbing past very traditional villages that have many dried manure stacks for heating fuel. They are constantly making more! The slopes are alive with many attended but roaming herds and flocks of cattle and sheep. The grass on the slopes are in perfect condition.

Afternoon not so good - dry plateau and poor road surfaces. Plan to rough camp at Taslicay. Hit by thunder storm chased out of village first by a few dogs then it seems like the complete quorum of village dogs. Cycle hard and shout back at their barking and we escape unscathed. Other side of village the road has been ripped up! We cycle for another 10 miles constantly looking for suitable place to pitch. The road is subbase only plus dusty. It is getting dark! POP! my rear tyre has puncture - the first of the trip! There is a lorry/trailer/digger holding area very close - very lucky. We have tea with them and shown a flat stony area to pitch tent. Pitch tents using head torches cook supper and eventually crawl into sleeping bags at 11pm! KNACKERED.

Simon still with me for next few days

Day 71 - 23rd May 2008

67 miles to Tellalinham. Set off later than planned but made good progress along plateau. Invited for tea with group of farmers who have horse and carts, and for a field tea with two farmers who have just finished ploughing. This area of Turkey is financially poor but rich in heart.

2 days to Iran.

Days 69 & 70 - 21st & 22nd May 2008

21st May - 49 mıles to ERZURUM - break camp ın brıght sun and clear blue sky after night temperature droppıng to 3 deg. Adjacent to us on the hıllsıde, shepherds move theır huge flock of sheep assısted by donkeys. Agaın the route ıs beautıful untıl 20 mıles short of Erzurum when ıt becomes level unfertıle plateau.

On reachıng Erzurum we drop ınto Tourıst Information offıce, collect map and on our exıt we are ımmedıately offered assıstance by Idor and Seemon who are chemıstry undergrads. Fınd clean frıendly and cheap hotel (17 euro per night).

At 9pm, after meal and shower rejoıned by are undergrad frıends who take us to watch Man U v Chelsea on bıg screen. The match fınıshed here at 0030 what a drama of a game!

22nd May - Rest day Ezurum - Go to Iran consulate at 10 am ın second stage of gettıng vısa (fırst stage was when we applıed through an agency, costing 30 euro, vıa ınternet ın Istanbul). Consulate acknowledge agency recommendatıon and gıve us applıcatıon forms to fıll ın plus request us to pay money ınto theır accont at local bank. They keep our passports. Thıs we do -Sımon pays 38 euro I have to pay 95 euro!!

Money paıd ınto bank we then return to consulate at 1230 to fınd ıt closed early for lunch! We return at 2.30 at reopenıng, hand ın completed forms and 2 photos and are told to return at 5pm. At 5 pm we return, we waıt ınfront of counter whıch ıs a large mırror wıth small pop hole.
The room ıs large empty and sılent. After a long waıt we are attended to and get gıven our passports wıth vısas fıxed. BRILLIANT! I am free to enter Iran.

In the afternoon between 3 and 4.30 I vısıted a haırdresser and had the best haır cut I have ever had. Haırcut, beard trımmed, neck shaved wıth cut throat razor, haır washed, headmassage, not a haır on my head was left unattended. The fınal touch of precısıon and perfectıon was when I had my ear haırs removed by the flame of cıgarette lıghter! Ofcourse tea was gıven durıng and at the end.

I regret Sımon and I splıt tomorrow as he ıs goıng to Georgıa near Armenıa and I am headıng straıght to the Iranian border whıch I hope to cross on Sunday. Sımon has been fantastıc company and I know we wıll mıss each others banter and support.

I have decıded to do more cyclıng ın Iran than orıgınally planned as I am ahead of schedule. Therefore probably cycle over half and reduce the traın travel.

A whole load of photos

Roger has sent over a CD of photos, these are following his travels between Split and Amasya. Some have been posted previously, but I thought it would be nice to leave this collection together.

So they are now added to the blog. Roger did suggest that I edit the collection, but I thought it best that they are all available to view.

Enjoy!

Fiona

Days 67 & 68 - 19th & 20th May 2008

19th May - 45 miles to Erzican. Another climb followed by superb descent through magnificent sandstone mountains. It is rugged, untamed and beautiful.

Rain looms so we stop in Erzican. I discover a sheared off bolt on my pannier carrier. I am guided to an agricultural machinery workshop who drill and re-tap the thread and obtain spare bolt. I receive tea whilst I wait. "How much do I owe you?" I ask, "Nothing" is the smiling response. This is Turkey.

20th May - 75 miles to Tercan, another wonderful ride initially through plateau surrounded by snow capped mountains on both sides. Rough camp by river. Excellent day. Legs feel fit!

6 more photos added

Have added 6 more photos to the "Turkey" album which Roger emailed over. Am a little concerned that he has got obsessed by goats!!!!

Fiona

Day 66 - 18th May 2008

46 miles to Refahiye. Enter East Anatolia region at 1pm via serious 3 mile climb in bottom gear - a 45 minute continual slog with head wind. All vehicles beep and wave. I did blasphem but achieved it without stopping. We cut our way through mountain pass and finish at 4pm in hotel, prior to the rain.

Days 64 & 65 - 16th & 17th May 2008

16th May - 51 mıles to Resadıye. Dry tents after nıghts raın. Mornıng sun strong. At 27 mıles Sımon declares he has lost hıs wallet. we go back 9 mıles lookıng ın varıous locatıons to no avaıl. My mobıle ıs used to cancel ATM card and order new one whıch wıll be sent out by DHL we rough camp near quarry. Secluded sıte wıth young trees and bushes.

17th May - 48 mıles to Suseherı, a very hot day wıth some long clımbs. for me the hıghlıght of the day was spendıng half an hour wıth the most magnıfıcent goat herd I have ever seen close by rıver. Theır coats shone and most had long fıne black haır. The herd I estımate at 130 head the herder dıd not speak a word of englısh but was very proud of hıs stock he had 3 guard dogs the largest had a huge metal spıked collar whıch I can only assume was to stop a wolf from bıtıng ıts neck. I took many photos. On reachıng Susehri the skys blackened and thunder and lıghtenıng started close by. We rode ınto town as quıck as we could and booked ınto a hotel 5 mınutes before a serıous downpour!

More photos

New photos have been added - Rogers adventures on the way to and in Turkey!

Other photos moved to the bottom of the page, but still available to view.

Fiona

Day 63 - 15th May 2008

74 miles to Niksar. Good ride through valley with climb at end. Extensive brick manufacturing beside road at Erbaa. Sticky clay soil perfect for the job, but not for our rough camping after recent rain. We manage to find good camp site on high ground where vehicles and livestock have not been.

Day 62 - 14th May 2008

Rest Day in Amasya

Days 60 & 61 - 12th & 13th May 2008

12th May - 68 miles to Gumushacikoy, now much rice growing along fabulous valley. Bed prepared using little tractors with scrapers. Most river beds wide and dry, have taken away thawed snow. Hit by rain in afternoon, no sun and cold in shorts! Make for hotel, poor, very basic and only cold water!

13th May - 44 miles to Amasya for rest day tomorrow. Fantastic old kingdom capital, we stay in fabulous old authentic restored Ottoman house. Town is surrounded by rock and has river flowing through.

Day 59 - 11th May 2008

79 miles to Tosya. Another good day with excellent progress along scenic river valley. Land not so fertile, fewer stock but fair amount of timber production.

Day 58 - 10th May 2008

54 miles to Cerkes. Excellent ride along river valley after good climb to the south, rolling pastoral hills, many herds of cattle tended by women in traditional rural dress. No fences or walls and good scattering of mature trees.

To ride a horse here and camp as you go along would be superb.

Day 57 - 9th May 2008

47 miles to Yenicala, a good day. Hilly wooded and scenic, climbed about 900 metres. Stopped a little early as found good rough camp site by a lake.

Locals continue to be helpful and friendly.

Day 56 - 8th May 2008

38 miles to Kaynasli. Set off late after being given breakfast. Then get my rear tyre replaced by Okus, a very friendly cycle shop owner. Decide to buy 2 and carry one as spare as my front tyre has now done 4400 miles!

Rough camp in tethered cow paddock next to local mosque. We will be called to prayers again at 4am like last night. We will not be taking up the offer.

We had the company of numerous local children this evening, exceited by our bikes and tents.

Days 54 & 55 - 6th & 7th May 2008

6th May - 38 miles to Gebze. Use ferry to cross Bosphorus, 15 minute crossing costing 1.15 lira (42 pence). Paid 32 euro into Iranian Garanti Bank for visa application. I keep my fingers crossed that the application is successful.

Today I have no energy and feel exhausted from rest stop in Istanbul. I am very glad i spent time in the city, but it felt like being in an ant's nest. The freedom and individual identity of cycling was lost.

7th May - 70 miles to Hendek. All back to normal, recovered from rest in Istabul. Camping in shop owners garden tonight. The inherent hospitality here must be nurtured by something.

Days 52 & 53 - 4th & 5th May 2008

4th May - Spent day vısıtıng Sultans Topkapı Palace ıncludıng hıs harem-the focal poınt of the Ottaman Empıre between 15th and 19th centurıes. Then onto the Hagıa Sophıa mosque an ımmense structure that spans empıres buılt ın 6th century. Walkıng around ın thıs hectıc cıty ıs harder work than cyclıng.

5th May - Collect MP3 fully loaded wıth 15 hours of musıc supplıed and edıted by Tom ın Jersey. Thank you so much Tom I know İ wıll lıke ıt. I left UK 1 day too early so ıt was sent out from UK vıa DHL to Ankara. I then changed plans and ıt was redırected to Istanbul. The package was a long way from where we are stayıng so the local sales team arranged for ıt to be delıvered to theır offıce nearby. Thanks Sally for all the calls and arrangements you made to get it to Istanbul.

Visited huge underground water cistern buılt in 6th century and market bazaar thıs pm. Shall be glad to get back on bıke and pedal ıt ıs easıer than all thıs sıght seeıng.

Regards to all

Days 50 & 51 - 2nd & 3rd May 2008

2nd May - 51 miles to Selimpasa, we soon leave fertile land behind and travel though semi built up area beside Mamaran sea. Huge electric storm builds up so we cancel wild camp plans and take refuge in hotel by sea.

3rd May - 44 miles to Istanbul. A manic final 15 miles ride into the old city tested our 360 degree senses to the limit. I understand Formula 1 race is here and with tourist season kicking off well we spent 2 hours finding accommodation.

The plan is to apply for Iran visa on Monday and set off on Tuesday, hopefully collect visa towards end of month in Erzurum.

Days 48 & 49 - 30th April & 1st May 2008

30th April - 88 miles to Ipsala in Turkey. Crossed militarised border where soldiers waved and cheered us in! Stayed in hotel occupied by high school and uni students. Watched Chelsea v Liverpool game and multi tasked giving English lessons! It is a lovely atmosphere here.

1st May - 69 miles to Tekirdag, a hot day, I wear shorts all day for the first time! Countryside like the UK in June, lush and green with bumper crops of winter wheat, barley and oilseed rape. Modern machinery.

Days 46 & 47 - 28th & 29th April 2008

28th April - 75 miles to Nea Iraklista. We made good progress and reach Aegean sea at 12 pm. This is the first time we have seen the sea since leaving it at Bar in Montenegro on 18th April.

It rained heavily in the afternoon. So far for most of my 46 days the weather has been very variable, never stable enough to rely on.

The crops are 4 weeks ahead, with wheat & barley fully in ear.

29th April - 65 miles to Iasmos. Now 1 day from the Turkish border. Good day, nice wild camp site!

Day 45 - 27th April 2008

50 miles to Langadikia. Easy ride, but delayed again by hospitality. We were offered large mutton chops with wine from a private party at a garage. 2 hours and 1 litre of retsina later we set off drinking & riding. In the evening we were given more meat and cheese. We do pay for the beers though!

Day 44 - 26th April 2008

89 miles to Vafiohori. Now in Greece! I wanted to crack 90 miles but found ideal rough camp site opposite cafe. Cafe celebrates easter into the early hours!

Day 43 - 25th April 2008

38 miles to Veles. We made good progress along scenic motorway. Stopped at garage for quick beer, and chat with 2 farmers who gave me a large bunch of young onions! Travel half mile, meet Boris who has small holding. Invited to have coffee, 20 minutes turned into 4 hours! A meal with everything homegrown, washed down with copious amouts of Raki. Cannot be rushed!. We leave at 7pm and find cheap large former republic hotel where water takes ages to run hot.

Day 42 - 24th April 2008

Rest day in Skopje


[have received more photos from Roger, so have started a new album, previous photos are still available to view, but have moved them further down the blog. Enjoy! Fiona]

Day 41 - 23rd April 2008

Prizen to Skopje, 69 miles. Travel through National Park, climb from 500m to 1500m. Leave Kosovo where have noted KFOR activity - vehicle control points and check points. One village passed though has Albanian language painted out leaving Serbian language only. It is a Serbian populated village surrounded by Albanians. Simon who is very knowlegable on history and politics and of cours from Slovenia, believes without KFOR the situation would regress in Kosovo. The area we haev travelled through is mainly Albanian. Simon and I stay in apartment in Skopje owned by his company after crossing the border into Macedonia.

Day 40 - 22nd April 2008

Shemeri to Prizen, 48 miles. Fresh hot milk from Jecka (the cow) milked 10 minutes earlier. We headed off into mountains, half way we alloe Tone, a Dutch cyclist to catch us up. He is on his way to Turkey with mountain bike plus trailer.

Route very rugged plus beautiful. We enter "Indian" territory close to Kosovo border. Stone throwing teenagers, we get thoug unscathed. On one situation I sound a continuous battle cry and cycle as fast as I can direct at them and they scatter. I am away before they can regroup. Night spent in hotel, we reckon is run by a people smuggler - he speaks a lot of French (odd) The hotel is adjacent to KFOR camp.

Day 39 - 21st April 2008

35 miles to Shemeri rough camping in little cow paddock, village very friendly.

We met Geni, who acts as interpreter and related his experiences of 5 years in UK and final return to Albania as a failed asylum seeker.

Ride here fabulous, rugged mountains, hard work but very rewarding. Blue sky.

More photos

12 more photos added today - Roger is getting good, managing to email them without help!

Fiona

P.S If any of Roger's supporters would like leaflets to hand out to friends, colleagues etc please email me your address at wellython2008@googlemail.com and I will send some to you.

Days 37 & 38 - 19th & 20th April 2008

19th April - Rest day in Shkoder. Interesting place. Probably 2nd largest town in Albania. mostly ramshackle except banks. Friendly people, generally rushing about with misdirected energy. Statues and monuments powerful but leave nothing to captre imagination. Rubbish and litter control - nil points.

20th April. 38 miles and now rough camping near Puke. Hard mountain climb today, in glorious 25 deg sun. We were asked if we were CIA spies today in a bar, "Yes" we replied!

Days 35 & 36 - 17th & 18th April 2008

All is good. Had 2 very wet days.

17th April - 27 miles to Budva. Arrived soaked and wet. Incessant monsoon type rain. Tyre replaced and ended up sleeping with Filip, our friendly bike mechanic. His little converted shed heated by wood stove worked well.

18th April - 56 miles to Shkoder. Now in Albania. Crossed border at 6pm. Amazing change. Men and boys wave and shout in welcome, women tending stock and sweeping streets at night. Numerous little military disused bunkers by road side. A country in transition. I think it will be fascinating to ride through.

Getting on very well with Simon.

Days 33 & 34 - 15th & 16th April 2008

15th April - 64 miles to Dubrovnik. Very wet trip plus wet tent plus mosquito bites from rough camping in orchard in low lying field. Have found a room, with ugly, fat landlady but cheap!!!

16th April - 33 miles to Zelenica. Looked around Dubrovnik in the morning. Lovely interesting, majestic city that appears to have come through its recent troubled past well.

Have met up with Simon Cvencek from Slovenia who is cycling to China. We are camping tonight, and will cycle together for a while. Nice man, and speaks fluent English.

My rear tyre is badly worn and stripping it's tread, although it has gone 3400 miles to date with no punctures!!

I will get a new on in the morning.

Day 32 - 14th April 2008

84 miles today, arriving just past Ploce. A fabulous day with difficult end. Sun, clear blue sky, no wind, beautiful coastal run, hilly enought to make it varied.

Road completely closed out of Ploce, massive reconstruction project, thick dust everywhere. I was guided by locals, for a route around.

Now rough camping!

Day 31 - 13th April 2008

24 miles today. It took me a while to find internet cafe [new photos now added, F] Dubrauka from the cafe is very nice and because it is quiet she has been able to help me!

It is now 5pm so I will stay here, Split, for the night. The weather today has been lovely. The first dayy when I have thought shorts would be feasilble, but my white bandy legs did not get exposed!

Strangely I have not been lonely. Each day is different, I never know where I will rest my head at the end of the day but it always turns out OK. Without my excellent tent and multi fuel stove it would be a different story. I have a feeling of independence that allows me not to worry.

The journey miles seem to tick away and cycling 60-70 miles feels a little like a normal days work. I suppose like anything else. I have slipped into a routine that seems normal.

People are generally very friendly and I get the impression that the miles I have now done have given me a little credability!

Day 30 - 12th April 2008

66 miles today arriving at Trogir. Rough camping tonight besise sea. Nice ride, a very beautiful coast line, more gentle than last 2 days where mountains met sea. Olive trees now seen. Many marinas. Bad pine tree damage from forest fires. Weather much improved today.

Days 27, 28 & 29 - 9th, 10th & 11th April 2008

3 day report!

9th April - good time, sent 12 cards, made 3 friends - Zvonko, Luli (chef) & Sergio (oil worker). We watched the local team draw 1-1 with a team from Zagreb then had a couple of beers after. they all follow our big clubs. We covered serveral areas in conversation which found very revealing and interesting.

10th April - Destination Baric Draga - 61 miles. A hard day, rocky mountains and sea road, up and down and twisting. No chance of rough camp and sites closed. This area exists by tourism season which starts mid May.

11th April - Destination Biograd - 57 miles. Another slow day, again in saddle for 8 hours. I get away from the mountains but get strong head wind. More traffic today, yesterday I almost had road to myself. Found nice campsite open, I am the only one here. Will change my chaine over tomorrow.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN ROGER'S ABSENCE

Colleagues at Exeter AHDO celebrated Roger's birthday in his absence with a mighty chocolate cake (made by the lovely Susanne).

Here are some video clips of the celebration - just so Roger knows that we haven't forgotten about him (yet!)

PHOTOS

Roger sent a disc with photos so far on it which have now been uploaded and added to the album When I get a chance I will add the captions. Hope you enjoy these.

Fiona

9TH APRIL 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ROGER,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Happy Birthday Roger, have a fantastic but restful day!

From all your many fans and supporters!!!!

Day 26 - 8th April 2008

40 miles today. Now in Senj. Tomorrow will be a rest day. Lucky to find accommodation as every where is closed, including camp sites. With asking around (noone speaks English) have got a nice apartment for 2 nights. Negotiated price of 300 Kuna, not much more than Italian campsite for 2 nights.

Lovely cycling, but quite hard work.

I am watching Liverpool v Arsenal game on TV. I have been able to dry my tent etc out. I am looking forward to my switch off tomorrow, however I regret no computer use.

Day 25 - 7th April 2008

Ended up at Rijeka last night (55 miles). Hard ride out of Slovenia, entering Croatia at 2pm. Passport stamped cost 1000 Kuna [about £108 according to currency converter].

Visited Rijeka football stadium beautiful setting beside the sea, they are in Premier league, 2nd place, a small ground.

Rough camped, rain whilst breaking camp this morning (Tuesday am)

Very scenic

Day 24 - 6th April 2008

52 miles to Lokev. Hills climbed again after flat of Italy. I think I will like Slovenia, so far very friendly, rural and good value.

Met up with a rally of 30 Fiat 500's heading in opposite direction, a lovely moment they waved and tooted as I waved back.

Hope all good with everyone.

Day 23 - 5th April 2008

72 miles. Rough camped at Grado. Slow start at 1200hrs left me with late, head torch assisted tent erection. Cooked very tasty psta meal with my optimus multi fuel stove.

Day 22 - 4th April 2008

Plans today changed. Now in Jesolo, 46 miles cycled today.

Nice slow day, much sun. I cycled to Ligo from Chiogga along long strips of islands that make the lagoon of Venice. Fot 3rd ferry to mainland and now at Jesolo. Camped last night.

Day 21 - 3rd April 2008

Now in Codevigo, 20 miles short of Venice. 87 miles today. An excellent day.

I have been "kidnapped" again. This time in Chioggia known as "Little Venice". I plan to go there in the morning then visit Venice by boat then return to Chioggia for evening with new friends and then on to Yugoslavia!

I hope it all works out OK.

Ciao

Day 20 - 2nd April 2008

Soon afer a slow and fragile start I managed to get onto a cycle non permitted very fast road around Cremona. The Carabinieri pulled me over, fortunately their timing was 15 minutes too late and I had reached my exit to Mantova where I am now. They gesticulated and sped off!

55 miles today and on mend. Many road kill ponga coypu passed today.



Translation update -

Carabineiri = police [thought so, but online Italian translator didn't say that]

Ponga = coypu, huge river bank rat like thing nearly the size of a badger now eradicated in the UK [nice]!

Where do these blog entries come from...

Just in case you weren't aware, Roger texts me each day with his location and news of the day and I add it to the blog for him. For those of you who know Roger him and computors don't always get along! That is why sometimes they are quite short, and sometimes, like the one I will be adding shortly I haven't a clue what he is on about!!!!!!! [update he has just sent me a translation which will add!]

I hope you are enjoying keeping up to date with his antics. I am certainly enjoying updating the blog, and it is doing the world of good for my geographic knowledge.

Thanks for supporting Roger, he really does appreciate it.

Don't forget to keep spreading the news of the Wellython, if you would like any brochures to hand out/email to friends, colleagues or random passers by please email me at wellython2008@googlemail.com .

Best wishes

Fiona
Wellython Support!

Day 19 - 1st April 2008

Got a bug and not feeling well, so only 20 miles today, got to Pizzighettone. Hopefully all ok in the morning.

Day 18 - 31st March 2008

Tonight rough camping about 20 miles short of Cremona. I got told off by owner of land! I talked non stop, he did not want me to stay, but eventually not understanding a word, he agreed I could stay!

58 miles today, it was a lovely6 ride down from the Alps, but since then it has been very flat bare, dry, silty fields with dyke water management.

No cover for a covert camper, but a few trees have come at last!

Day 17 - 30th March 2008

Arrived at Robbio, 58 miles.

Day 16 - 29th March 2008

Now at Verres in Italy! Cycled 48 miles and 30 miles by car as not allowed in tunnel! Jean Pierres from hotel in Orseiers took me through the tunnel.

Rough camping tonight by the river.

Day 15 - 28th March 2008

Am in Orsieres, 72 miles today. Left Eclepens, fab day, sun, warm, dry, excellent ride. Lake Geneva and Alps! Montblanc now on my right!

Day 14 - 27th March 2008

Visiting the Olympic Museum today to get more inspiration!

Day 13 - 26th March 2008

Now 15 miles north of Lausanne, 67 miles cycled.

Have been "kidnapped" by lovely Swiss couple and staying with them tonight and tomorrow night.

**NEW**JUST ADDED TO BLOG!**

I have added a "Google Map" showing Roger's route so far! Scroll down and see it on the right hand side under the list of destinations so far achieved.

I hope you are enjoying keeping up to date with Roger's progress.

Fiona

Day 12 - 25th March 2008

Now in a little village just south of Besancon called Morre, lovely place very friendly. I have just finished an evening meal of 3 courses and coffee for less than €10. The deal is B & B plus evening meal for €45. I met 2 locals that spoke good English, and we chatted for a long time about my trip and since then I have been treated par excellance.

I am now only about 25 miles from the Swiss border, 74 miles today. I have now hit proper hilly terrain. Do not expect so many miles tomorrow. Today was lovely for first 2 hours a complete winter scene, crsip, clean snow with blue sky, then it all changed to grey sky with snow and 3 degrees temp.

My newly acquired French friend tried sending my photos via his lap top but it did not work!

All is good. Jack, the bear, has been much admired! He is good company and useful!

Au revoir

Days 10 & 11 - 23rd & 24th March 2008

Happy Easter to all, and thanks for all messages. Am now limiting texts to 2 per day - (so check the blog daily for updates!)

Bear, Bike and Boy baring up well!

Got to Langres yesterday 77 miles. Having rest day today as have cycled 6 days and averaged 71 miles per day.

Weather is interesting. Big Snow! I arrived with 2 inches now dropping another 2 inches. It is getting me ready for Switzerland, 2 days cycling away!

As you can imagine I am not camping yet, I have been able to find 1* hotels at €35, in Langres it is €45. I always thought Europe would burn up a bit of dosh!

This is a lovely old town, I met a couple, Lee & Kim from North Korea, he works in embassy in Paris.

I am very pleased with all aspects of my journey to date. Seen industrial north, WW1 areas and cemeteries in very windy, wet and cold conditions, open vast cereal growing areas. Beautiful rolling champagne grape growing hills. Have been keeping a rough note book, so will put it down in my proper diary now.

Tout c'est bon. Au revoir

Day 9 - 22nd March 2008

Now in St Dizier - 85 miles today. This morning lovely ride through Champagne producing area, rolling semi wooded hills, chalk soil. Also big cereal growing area, massive storage bins at Chalons en Champagne.

War cemetery at St Marfaux, one of many I have visited, had German graves colocated with British seperate plots. German marked by simple metal crosses.

Day 8 - 21st March 2008

Bon Soir

All going well. Now in FISMES 20 miles east of Reims and about level with Paris. 64 miles today.

Today started with Arctic hail stones but finished on high note with blue skies.

Now in a nice bar awaiting the hotel hoping to sleep in to open.

Yesterday was awful in all respects, tested resolve so I am please I got over the first hurdle OK.

I am getting used to this texting game, so I do not feel alone with this communication.

Take care all

Roger

Day 7 - 20th March 2008

69 miles of either industry or huge rolling fields interspersed by empty villages. Weather not good, cold and windy and now very very wet. Now holed up in a very basic pension by the railway station in Bohain near St Qentin.

Day 6 - 19th March 2008

Now in Bethune - 69 miles today

Day 5 - 18th March 2008

55 miles to Dover - now in Calais, evening meal in Cafe de Paris, menu of the day "4 cooked tongues" - a good biker meal and plenty of it! Billeted up in cheap hotel "Belazur".

New Romney Cycles sorted gear problem on the way to Battle so bike is now perfect!!!

Day 4 - Monday 17th March 2008 - St Patricks Day

Rest day to allow my mildly sore knees to return to normal.
Tuesday I will set off early to Dover to get there for midday (approx 50 miles)

Latest Photos

Typical Southdown terrain, good for testing my unproven cycling muscles

High point on Southdown Hills

Wet approach to 1066 country

First objective Battle , Sunday 16 March 3.30 pm -220 miles from start point

Days 2 & 3 (15th & 16th March 2008)

Saturday - 76 miles to Arundel - spent the night in youth hostel. Sunday - 60 miles to Battle, arrived at 3.30pm. Wet and windy! Body is holding up well, but bike gears giving trouble so having them looked at on Monday.

Day 1 - Friday 14th March 2008

A small crowd of friends gathered on a foggy and drizzly Friday morning to see Roger off on his travels.

Text received to confirm he cycled some 86 miles and arrived safely in Salisbury.

1 day to go

Roger is due to leave tomorrow! His panniers are packed weighing in at 33.5kg, and his bike only weighs 15kg so his luggage is twice the weight of his bike! His beard has grown, and time is running out.

He has been interviewed by Radio Devon today, and this will be broadcast on the morning show tomorrow (Friday). So tune in! Somerset County Gazette are hoping to feature his departure, and run a series on his progress across the globe.

Thanks to all his sponsors so far £368 has been banked in the Wellython 2008 bank account - and he hasn't even left the country yet.

If you want to make sure he actually leaves please meet at the Wellington Monument, near Wellington, Somerset at 8.45am Friday 14th March 2008 - a number of his colleagues and friends should be there to say cheerio, auf wiedersehn, adios, au revoir, etc etc.

What it's all about

A pair of Wellingtons will be on Roger Hicks' wish list this spring when he sets out on a 10,500-mile solo cycle ride from the UK to New Zealand.

For the Exeter-based Animal Health Officer is taking a year’s sabbatical to pedal from near his home in the Somerset town of Wellington to the Kiwi capital, which was founded in the 19th century by four former pupils from nearby Wellington School.

Roger, who will be raising money for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers and the Fragile X Society, is set to depart on March 14 on his ‘Wellython’, which will take him to the other side of the globe via Europe, the Middle East - including Iran - South East Asia and Papua New Guinea. He aims to arrive in Wellington, New Zealand, by Christmas, and to spend the festive season with his daughter and her family in Napier on the North Island before flying home.

“I’ll be cycling for around 10,500 miles and aim to do about 50 miles a day,” said 57-year-old Roger, who raised £1,800 for the Cystic Fibrosis charity with a marathon bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End in November 2001.

“I’ve already started training for the trip by cycling the 40-odd miles to and from work in Exeter each day, and I’m also busy seeking as much sponsorship as I can get for the trek.”

Roger is keen to keep Animal Health colleagues abreast of his progress during the nine-month ride, and is looking to establish a website where he can upload photographs of his adventures at various points along the way. He particularly aims to keep Exeter AHDO colleagues Fiona Mortimer, Kim Loosemore, Neil Sampson and Suzanne Drysdale updated on his progress with regular texts and internet café emails.

“My bike has been built to a high specification to cope with the differing terrain, and will be loaded with all equipment for rough camping – it should be a real journey to remember,” he added.

If you would like to support Roger's WELLYTHON then email wellython2008@googlemail.com