Anyone Interested in Cycling In Turkey?

[lordwizlon]

Canakkale

Hi, and thanks for your post.

Cycling solo should not be a problem, whether with GPS or not.

Problems start to arise when going as a group. This is for several reasons.

Firstly, and most obviously,unauthorised gatherings of people are illegal in Turkey, as I'm sure you will be aware.

Secondly, as tourism is a major part of the Turkish economy, then arranging such trips without a duly certified Licence (which is very expensive by anybody's standards) is not allowed and are stamped upon.

Thirdly, the police / jendarmes should be informed when you are going to pass through their area.

Fourthly, Geeez I've gone on enough now, Sme of the roads look quiet, but are regularly used by agricultural equipment that thinks in the same way, so escorts are advisable.

Having said all of the above, nothing is insurmountable. Also, in the South West, it appears as though the roads are in generally better condition than said in and around Canakkale. I used a Touring bike to establish the routes and found no major problems, other than a hundred yards or so where the Town and District councils borders don't seem to quite meet.

Thanks again for all contributions.

Simon

 

[lordwizlon]

Update

Hi all, and thanks for all posts to date.

Just to let you know I've started a website, but it's far from completed yet.

Please feel free to take a look. Any advice before I develop it further would be gratefully received.

www.turkeycycling.co.uk

Thanks again all

Simon

 

[andym]

Simon. Good luck with the venture I hope it works out for you.

All I would say is don't underestimate the costs of running fully-supported rides. I've been on point-to-point rides with Skedaddle and they seem to charge about a £100 a day - of which I reckon £50 goes on third-party accommodation. For the remaining £500 they provide a support van and driver and (for a group of ten or so) two guides. One to lead and one to be the back marker. So the £500 has to cover three people's wages plus other costs - so not fabulously profitable (though they seem to be doing OK!).

I guess the economics for you would be somewhat different in that you don't have to pay someone else for accommodation, and if you are doing day rides around a central base you might be able to get away with less but even so I wouldn't skimp too much. There is a market out there that is prepared to pay a bit more for being well looked after and prefer value for money rather than cheapness.

 

[lordwizlon]

Hi, and thanks for your comments

Unfortunately we do have to pay for accomodation, but this is factored in to the prices offered.

I appreciate your point made, and of course we are starting with relatively low pricing, pure and simply to get off the ground. However, there will be no skimping. I've been there, done that, wouldn't do it again. But you learn from your mistakes & I certainly wouldn't expect any of my groups to suffer the same experience. Futhermore, I would lose the chance of any repeat customers if it wasn't up to scratch.

We are in a fortunate position, in that we can meet most people's budgets, ranging from a luxury 5* Yachting/Business hotel through a 4* All inclusive, to Clean, functional hotels or even camping if someone really wants to be at one with nature!

Our biggest costs, to be perfectly frank, were the ridiculously expensive licence and transport. I still don't understand why petrol is so damn expensive in Turkey. It's about 30/40p a litre more than in 'rip-off Britain'!!!

Thanks again, I'll be expanding on a few different options on the website in a day or two, so please have another glance and let me know what you think.

All the best

Simon

 

[bigjim]

Hi
Looked at your website. You do indeed focus on groups. I think you may miss out as there are plenty on lone travellers [myself included] or couples who want to just get away for a week or two with their bike. Putting a group of like minded people together is not always easy. Ever tried organising the works xmas do? Nightmare!There should be no problem with making up a group once in situ. What is an open ride?

James

 

[lordwizlon]

Thanks Big Jim,

Was beginning to have the same thoughts myself, but was just wary, as i don't want to arrange a ride where insufficient places are filled and I have to cancel.

The idea of open rides is to arrange fixed dates for anyone to join, who is not necessarily affiliated to any group.

Small groups (or couples) will also be catered for, but just working out a pricing structure before I post it tonight.

I think it will be made a little clearer when I finish off the website tonight.

Thanks for your post, I value all comments received.

Simon

 

[lordwizlon]

THANKS ALL !!!

Just a Great Big THANKS!!! to all who have helped me over the past few weeks.

I have finally got the WEBSITE up and running properly (but for a few tweaks here and there)

All your help and support has been greatly appreciated. (and Needed!)

Thanks Again,

Simon

www.turkeycycling.co.uk