We’ve just got back from organising a fundraising cycle challenge that took a group of 32 keen cyclists on a 350km circuit of the Sea of Marmara. Starting with a ferry transfer to Bandirma, the route passed over lush green hills between Can and Canakkale before crossing the Dardanelles and continuing to Gallipoli. From there we took a sometimes hilly coast road via Sarkoy to Tekirdag, and then on to Istanbul for a celebratory finish next to the Blue Mosque. It was a tough event, and every single rider gave it their all! Around $60,000 was raised for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians- who will use it in their essential work raising living standards and health conditions for the unfortunate victims of the Gaza situation.

Here are some of our favourite moments from the trip:
The ride begins near Biga:
Climbing up into the hills near Can
A challenging hilly section above Sarkoy
Another very early start at Eceabat on the Dardanelles…
The home strait on busy roads into Istanbul!