Iranian cyclists, Iran (between Astara and Rasht).

I met these 5 guys on the way to Rasht. They were on a Tour d'Iran, Esfahan-Ardabil-Mashhad, sponsored by a gas company from Esfahan, "Parshinal". So in addition to the little "Parshinal" flag on each bike, a big "Parshinal" flag was unfolded at each city entrance and a picture taken with the group, the "Parshinal" flag, and the city welcome sign. The guys were definitely travelling in Persian style - you can see the obligatory carpet for resting on the bike in the front. Modern Persian style, that is, because you can also see the radio/cassetteplayer taped to the handlebar. So I was quite surprised when they were sending handkisses to each Khomeini picture that we saw. Given that communication was mostly limited to sign language, that I had a different itinerary, and that I was travelling significantly faster than they, we decided that it was best for me to press ahead when their "leader" arranged for a place to sleep with the local "leader of the sportsmen" in Bandar-e-Anzali in the afternoon. I went on to Rasht that day.

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