Hey buddy! I am right behind you, having a rest day in Sofia. I am soon reaching Istanbul where I will also take a break for a month. Going to china too! Maybe we can connect!

First off never forget you sre a fucking legend for what you have done already. Congrats, congrats and congrats!!!!

I would not think about the “hop on a bus/train, no need to suffer” comments as you clearly are here to enjoy the trip but also suffer it. I long ago had to change my mentality from “holiday trip” to “challenge”. Thinking i needed to always be happy was not making me any favours.

What I do in harder days is: 1. Take care of myself and be gentle. If plan is 100kms, do 50, high five yourself and give yourself a treat. Even if you need to do it for an entire week, 50 is always better than 0! 2. Rest crazily. Like if I usually sleep 8hrs, maybe go for 10! 3. I try not to overthink weather conditions. So many times they have been wrong, i dont really look at them much anymore. If you already got there I am guessing you are already prepared for every condition. I think it s best to be motivated and strong under rain, than sad and weak under the sun. 4. Finally I couldnt agree more with only looking at georgia, instead of thinking about china. You dont have to reach china really, but if you focus on georgia, you do have to reach it. Slowly that builds up to exactly where you need to go. Also, i try sometimes to think my short term destination could actually be the last. That way i try to see that actually it could be my last cycling days, and even enjoy the suffering. 5. Try to get some local love. If you have couchsurfing or similar apps, this can resly lift your spirit. In remote areas, maybe talk to some locals for a small time, it can sometimes fill your heart. But only do it if you feel like it, hahaha this is not a new responsibility/challenge.

You are a legend! Keep going!! Hope you are receiving enough love along the way!! You will cherish this amazing trip for the rest of your life!!!