’Lycycle’ your way along the Aegean
Güncelleme Tarihi:
by Jane Tuna
OluÅŸturulma Tarihi: Åžubat 23, 2009 00:00
FETHÄ°YE - Thousands walk the Lycian Way every year and an increasing number of trekkers are starting to notice traces of bicycle treads alongside the footprints. After Seyran Sucu cycled the path to draw attention to environmental issues, the route has been rendered more accessible
The spectacular Lycian Way is known as one of the most important walking trails in the world. This may change soon, however, as trekkers start to notice traces of bicycle treads alongside their footprints.       Â
Since opening in 1996, the Lycian Way has become one of world’s top 10 walks. Now up to 15,000 people walk the Lycian Way every year, a varied trek, covering 509 kilometers between Antalya and Fethiye.
It takes in some 19 Lycian sites, some of which are inaccessible by motor vehicle, and shows visitors to this area dramatic scenery together with Turkish culture untouched by tourism that they would not otherwise have the chance to see.
The Lycians were an ancient people who inhabited the mountainous area of present-day Turkey between the bays of Antalya and Fethiye. They were hard-working and wealthy, neutral in world affairs but fierce in the defense of their freedom and conservative in their attachment to tradition. Many Lycian monuments, especially beautiful tombs that embody their ancestor cult, still dot the southwestern coast of Turkey.
In March 2008, Seyran Sucu, an Ölüdeniz branch Rotarian, cycled from Fethiye to Antalya. Cycling for 280 kilometers, pushing his bike for another 170 kilometers and carrying his bike while walking for another 59 kilometers.
Sucu is not doing it solely for entertainment purposes. "This was not just for fun," he explained to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. "I wanted to draw attention to deforestation and global warming and I had moral sponsorship from TEMA (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats) that highlights these problems in Turkey."
His adventure was such a success that the Rotarians, together with the authorities in Ankara, decided to formalize the route, making it more accessible, adding signs to mark the paths, directions and distances, all sponsored by Garanti Bank.
This has now been completed and this year will see the first of what is hoped to be an annual cycling marathon along this unique track.
"Europe has more than 1 million bicycle enthusiasts and it is hoped that at least some of them, together with Turkish and International Rotarians will come to Fethiye and attempt the Lycian Bicycle Way," he said. "It is not just for cyclists. The revenue going to the small villages and nomadic areas from visitors to the area will help the local people improve their economic situation."
A strong emphasis is placed on environmental responsibility and all cyclists and walkers will be encouraged to take their rubbish and to dispose of it conscientiously at the next village. This new venture can work positively for the environment provided those using it show respect for the forests and ancient sites that they will pass through.
For more information visit: www.oludenizrotary.com and for photographs: www.seyransucu.com.
Since opening in 1996, the Lycian Way has become one of world’s top 10 walks. Now up to 15,000 people walk the Lycian Way every year, a varied trek, covering 509 kilometers between Antalya and Fethiye.
It takes in some 19 Lycian sites, some of which are inaccessible by motor vehicle, and shows visitors to this area dramatic scenery together with Turkish culture untouched by tourism that they would not otherwise have the chance to see.
The Lycians were an ancient people who inhabited the mountainous area of present-day Turkey between the bays of Antalya and Fethiye. They were hard-working and wealthy, neutral in world affairs but fierce in the defense of their freedom and conservative in their attachment to tradition. Many Lycian monuments, especially beautiful tombs that embody their ancestor cult, still dot the southwestern coast of Turkey.
In March 2008, Seyran Sucu, an Ölüdeniz branch Rotarian, cycled from Fethiye to Antalya. Cycling for 280 kilometers, pushing his bike for another 170 kilometers and carrying his bike while walking for another 59 kilometers.
Sucu is not doing it solely for entertainment purposes. "This was not just for fun," he explained to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. "I wanted to draw attention to deforestation and global warming and I had moral sponsorship from TEMA (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats) that highlights these problems in Turkey."
His adventure was such a success that the Rotarians, together with the authorities in Ankara, decided to formalize the route, making it more accessible, adding signs to mark the paths, directions and distances, all sponsored by Garanti Bank.
This has now been completed and this year will see the first of what is hoped to be an annual cycling marathon along this unique track.
"Europe has more than 1 million bicycle enthusiasts and it is hoped that at least some of them, together with Turkish and International Rotarians will come to Fethiye and attempt the Lycian Bicycle Way," he said. "It is not just for cyclists. The revenue going to the small villages and nomadic areas from visitors to the area will help the local people improve their economic situation."
A strong emphasis is placed on environmental responsibility and all cyclists and walkers will be encouraged to take their rubbish and to dispose of it conscientiously at the next village. This new venture can work positively for the environment provided those using it show respect for the forests and ancient sites that they will pass through.
For more information visit: www.oludenizrotary.com and for photographs: www.seyransucu.com.