Day 31: Mon 27 Jun - Ruse

 Ride: 0km
Weather: fine and sunny

The only contact with the bike today was a checkup, oil and quick clean. 

The first half of the day was spent over a slow breakfast (help yourself to cereal, toast, meats, cheeses, coffee etc from a very well stocked kitchen) followed by a team meeting about the rest of the trip. It seems the further east we go the harder it is to pre-book accommodation, especially in Romania. It would be okay for a couple but for 6 pers it's critical that we have confirmed rooms, particularly in the back-blocks.  

So we've adjusted the itinerary to avoid being stuck out in the middle of nowhere without a bed. It means we get to spend a few days extra in Istanbul. We have the option of taking another tour (one already booked for Gallipoli) or just spend more time exploring Istanbul. Considering the size of that city (15 million) I suspect we will have no problem filling the days.  

Visited the Central Market which was fairly basic, although the fruit & veggies area was adequate.  Back on the bike in the morning.