A minor set back but we'll be back on the road tomorrow!

After a frustrating couple of days searching Gent and being sent on a wild goose chase to Mastericht (Holland) for a suitable replacement bike for George, we've been rescued by some friends from Brussels - Katharina and Conrad and their four children - Anna, August, Louise and Donata. Katharina has spent the day driving us all around various bike shops, and eventually we've found a suitable bike in Germany that will hopefully make it to Istanbul. A Fahrrad manufaktur (good solid reliable German make. Fingers crossed). Thanks Peter for your message, hopefully this one will do the job ok and not buckle on impact with the next bollard!

Washing done, tent dried out, lots of lovely food eaten and eager to get going again. Tomorrow morning we'll get a train back to Gent and set off from there (that's where the bollard incident took place). Hopefully we'll make it to Holland by the evening. Over and out.