A peek into one man’s solo adventure in the heart of a foreign country…

1. C. Describe a time when you took a
great risk. What was the outcome?

2. Two Wheels
&
Two Weeks
in Turkey
A peek into one man’s solo
adventure in the heart of a
foreign country…
Andrew Gargiulo

3. Mum told me to think twice,
she said it was a great risk,
she said I could pay a great
price…
Turkey
• Alone
• Remote
• A big motorbike
• Security threats
• Travel warnings
• Language barriers
Was she right?
Should I go?

4. I had to go, I had to see
and I had to believe that
I would be safe.
Yes, the risks were real
but I knew I could be
safe with some simple
measures in place.
A rough plan, a positive
attitude and a smile
were packed.
The flights were booked
and off I went!

5. Two weeks alone riding
the back roads, dirt
tracks and mountains of
Turkey.
4000 km’s of freedom
4000 km’s of fun
Was I up to it?
Did I have the courage?
Did I have the skills?
Starting in the South I
wound my way North…
Wind swept tips.
Rugged, rocky outcrops.
Icy, lonely peaks.

6. “Twenty years from now
you will be more
disappointed by the
things you didn't do than
by the ones you did do. So
throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from safe
harbor. Catch the trade
winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream.
Discover.”
Mark Twain.

9. Some days I could go
hours without seeing
any people. The isolation
was invigorating and
refreshing…
But also scary.
In the remote, back
country of Turkey I came
across a truck.
The first people I had
seen for three hours…
They spotted me and
stopped!

10. At first I was nervous
when they approached.
But the excitement on
their faces let me know
they were just happy to
see another person on
this cold, remote
mountain.
With little language and
a lot of laughter we
enjoyed each other’s
company for five
minutes .
I must have looked like
an alien from another
planet in my hi-vis and
protection!
These people were just
like me. I didn’t need to
fear them.

11. As the road wound
north, the scenery
changed.
Mountains replaced with
plains.
Cold replaced with heat.
Snow replaced with
sand.
This beautiful country
continued to surprise.

13. The places I stayed,
The people I met,
Let me know,
There was no threat.

14. Through the elements I
pushed on.
Snow… Rain! Again!
Arrrgh
Wet and cold with the
wind in my face I was
miserable, I was tired…
I had to stop.
The pain in my hands
grew too much.

15. The exhaust!
My hot, smokey friends!
The relief was instant.
The heat was addictive.
When they were finally
thawed I scratched my
head.
I needed to keep them
dry. I needed to keep
myself safe.

16. The solution was
unorthodox.
BUT effective!
Two plastic bags proved
invaluable.
Warm and dry with my
hands working well I
battled on.

17. The solitude on the bike
was broken up by
generous, kind, curious
and accommodating
locals.
As the trip developed my
apprehension around
the security was
replaced by confidence
and affection for the
people.
These people were
happy. These people
were kind. These people
were no different from
me.

18. Day 10 my road ended.
I looked up, I looked
down, I looked around
and around.
There was no way
through!
Frustrated and tired I had
to turn back and re-route.
My map showed no
options so what could I
do?

19. I stopped and talked
with some friendly
locals. They pointed
my way and gave
instructions through
vocals.
I had no option but to
trust them. I had no
reason not to.
The route they gave
me was scary, rough
and rocky but perfect.
I took a risk and it paid
off!
Back on track, now
onwards and upwards.

20. As the trip continued my
skills improved and my
confidence grew.
This adventure was wild,
This adventure was bold,
So good I felt like a child!
So good to be out of the
daily mould!
I was so happy I could
sing, so free I could yell!
What a place, what a
time, what a life to lead!

21. Along my journey I stopped to
pay respect to the ANZACS on
the Gallipoli peninsular.
These were Australian and New
Zealand soldiers fighting in
World War I.
My family has relatives that
fought and died here, along
with tens of thousands of
others.
I spent a full day exploring the
battle fields and the
monuments to the fallen men
and women.
An incredibly humbling
experience.

22. I met a local man who was
also there that day paying
respect to his ancestors.
We shared stories and a
cup of tea on a site where
one hundred years ago our
relatives may have been
fighting each other.
This powerful moment had
a significant impact on me
and will stay with me for a
long time.
Two countries, once in
conflict. Now arm in arm,
hand in hand, enjoying
peace and harmony.

24. To think now that I even
doubted going.
Risks were measured,
Risks were weighed,
Risks were calculated.
Rewards immeasurable,
Memories ever lasting,
Experience life changing.

26. The outcome
Two weeks and 4000 km’s
A physical and mental
challenge,
An adventure with both highs
and lows,
A new found confidence,
A deeper understanding of
myself, my place in the world
and the people in it.
Turkey, thank you!