Middle Earth Travel has a new recruit- trail riding expert, professional photographer, and multi-disciplinary outdoor adventurist Engin Hinçer… With more tours than ever taking off in Cappadocia and across the country, we searched long and hard for a dedicated, experienced and knowledgable MTB guide and welcome Engin with open arms.

Fresh from some fairly hardcore trail initiations, Engin reports: “It was my first professional tour in Cappadocia area- riding on some of the most intense and brilliant singletrack trails of my life. I really enjoyed with singletracks in the valleys around Goreme, and everyday was great (although for me the highlight of this tour was Zemi). It was an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to being a regular guide here! You should definitely come and get this experience and fun- you will love it!

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!

Huseyin is Biking in Turkey’s unsung hero- driver, fixer, chef and general lovely guy. He found this awesome spot for a lunchtime feast:

Huseyin’s Outdoor Kitchen Part 3 from Biking in Turkey on Vimeo.