A Chilled First Day In Istanbul
I arrived here in Istanbul, Turkey, for the 3rd round of Red Bull X-Fighters at the crack of dawn. 18 hours later I'm still awake typing this blog as fireworks light up the sky outside my bedroom window. Don't think I'll be getting sleep anytime soon, even though my eyeballs are bouncing off my keyboard!
It's been a pretty chilled day hanging with the FMX riders and crew. The goodtimes started at 9am when we boarded a massive pimp cruiser James Bond would put his name too, then the afternoon was spent exploring Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar markets that's full of all sorts of stuff, mostly junk, but a few gems if you search hard enough!
Since I can't write anymore because my eyeballs are in the way here's a bunch of photos of how the day unfolded, will follow up with some course photos when I make it to the venue, more than likely late tomorrow. Until then Zzzzzz.
Tom Pages is enjoying being back on the Red Bull X-Fighters tour
Dany Toress, left, says his foot that's been giving him trouble is feeling much better, and his fellow Spainard rider Maikel Melero is raring to go!
From left, Dr G, Fracka, and Bilko enjoying the ride in the sunshine under a blue sky day
Definitely a hard day at the office today!
Istanbul has many fascinating Mosque's around the city that reach high into the sky
The inform Javier Villages is keen to crack his first X-Fighters win in Turkey
American Wes Agee is another newcomer that could cause some damage this weekend
Series leader after two rounds, Todd Potter, with his girl Ashleigh, is feeling confident after his previous round win in Glen Helen
Japan's Eigo Sato pointed out to me tonight he is the only rider born in the 70's still competing at X-Fighters, what a legend!
Some of the lads sharpening up their bartering skills outside the Grand Bazaar markets
Rob Adelberg walks with his Irish girl Louise, and Bilko looks like he's spotted a deal
Bilko leading the troops thinks its all a bit bazaar!
Heads down and keep walking boys!
Bilko found a few good toys, but wasn't sure if he'd get them back into the country
Rob Adelberg and Bilko down with Turkey. Rob's another inform rider set for a good result on Saturday night
Prince Bilko with his new lid
The lad just can't help himself, look out Baxter locals when he rocks up with this head gear!