Ride Coordinator: Pamela Kelly
Report by: Lois DuBois
Bike – Hike Turkey was a fabulous introduction to the only country that straddles two continents - Europe and Asia. We were mostly in the European part, from Istanbul south to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and then northeast to Cappadocia in central Turkey.
Days 1-3 - We all met in Istanbul and began by exploring the city, led by our energetic and knowledgeable Turkish guide, Vedat. On the third day, we cruised up the Bosphorus Strait and Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, then transferred to the Istanbul airport for a flight to Izmir near the Aegean Sea. After a van transfer, we arrived in the sleepy, old Greek village of Sirince.
Day 4 - In the morning we met our hybrid bikes and took off on our steeds to explore the ruins of Ephesus, a vast ancient city, then rode through vineyards, remote villages, and Dilek National Park until arriving at the stunning turquoise Aegean Sea where the swimmers among us took a dip. Then it was on to our hotel in Kapikiri. Distance: 42 miles
Day 5 - We rode through the fairytale rock structures and Roman ruins of Latmos and then hit the mountains. After a 1500’ climb in the sun and heat, those of us who were “cooked” opted for a shuttle to the hotel in Bodrum. Distance: 38 miles, 4000’ climbing.
Day 6 - It was downhill to the Mediterranean coast and the lively town of Oren, then a 1000’ climb through pine forest and a descent to Akbuk with a little bit of rain. Distance: 42 miles, 2700’ climbing.
Day 7 – After a short van transfer to the start, we biked through forested land to a lovely hot springs resort. A few brave souls even got in the mud baths. There we had the first real rain of the tour. Distance: choice of 25 or 40 miles.
Day 8 – Another brief van transfer, to Kayakoy, where we began hiking through an abandoned Greek village, then continued our climb on the Lycian Way, up and over the mountain and down to Oludeniz Beach. Hiking poles definitely came in handy. Our hotel this night, a country villa on the outskirts of Dalyan, prepared a traditional Turkish meal cooked over an open fire. Hiking distance – 3.5 miles, 700’ elevation gain..
Day 9 – After a 3 hr transfer over the Taurus mountains, we explored the well-preserved ruins of Ancient Olympus, then walked along the Mediterranean Sea to our hotel. That night we were delighted to hike to the eternal flames of Chimaera. Hiking distance: 6 miles
Day 10 – We said goodbye to our hybrid bikes and the lovely coast, explored the village, and transferred to the local airport for our flight to Cappadocia. We stayed in Mustafapasa, and small village on the outskirts of Goreme, and had our first glimpse of the incredible geography and landscapes of the area.
Day 11 – A new day in a new area on our new mountain bikes! We explored the fairytale countryside of Gomeda Valley on a truly challenging route that exceeded everyone’s expectations of the word “challenge.” But we made it, and ended up enjoying the ride. It was downhill to Goreme, the “heart of Cappadocia,” and our hotel for the last three nights of the tour. Distance: 20 miles, 2167’ climbing.
Day 12 – Definitely an easier day exploring the highlights of the area by mountain bike – Swords Valley, Love Valley, Zelbar, Chaoushin. We enjoyed the town full of cave hotels and cave restaurants. Distance: 15 miles, 1000’ climbing.
Day 13 – Most everyone decided to get up early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride! After that excitement, we explored an underground city and then drove to the Ilarha Valley for our final hike.
Day 14 – A short walk took us to the Goreme Open Air Museum, an amazing display of Byzantine-period churches, chapels, and monasteries cut from the rocks, replete with carefully preserved frescoes of the era.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org