Thailand-bound cycling lads reach Istanbul and take a break

* Bussing it into Istanbul.

It was time to contemplate meeting visitors from home and explain why they call themselves the Westheads as the three lads cycling to Thailand enjoyed a few days' rest in Istanbul last week.

Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

After spending the night of day 78 of their mammoth journey in a hotel thanks to well-wisher Dan Griffiths of Rhosddu Carpets, the trio were back in the saddle for the last push to the Turkish capital.

Rather than cycling into the big, busy city they chose to go in by bus and then marvel at the sheer scale of the place.

* The Blue Mosque - off limits if you're wearing shorts and t-shirts like the lads.

On their few days of rest from the trail they did a question and answer session with their followers on Instagram, answering queries like what they missed about home - the Sunday carvery at the Abbey Grange - and why they call themselves the Westheads - "because it sums up someone who is a bit odd and crazy." 

On their daily video log there was then a shot of Louis saying how much he was looking forward to a visit from his dad, step mum and girlfriend, while the other two lads tried to have a look inside the famous Blue Mosque but were told that wasn't possible because their shoulders and knees weren't covered as they were wearing just t-shirts and shorts.  

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads