Cyclists explore Konya’s historical, natural beauty on two wheels

In a bid to showcase the region’s historical and natural landmarks, Konya Metropolitan Municipality has launched cycling tours through the city’s districts.

These tours are aimed at promoting local treasures and drawing attention to the area’s beauty.

The first event took place in Beysehir, where participants gathered at the renowned Eflatunpinar Hittite Water Monument, dated back to the late 13th century B.C.

From there, under the guidance of expert tour leaders, the cyclists set off on a 40-kilometer journey.

The route took them through scenic neighborhoods, including Akburun, Golkasi and Ciftlikkoy, before returning to Beysehir.

The tour, designed to highlight both historical and natural beauty, lasted about six hours and concluded at the historic Esrefoglu Mosque in the town center.

Accompanying the cyclists was a mobile bike repair unit, cleverly named “Bisbulans,” ensuring immediate assistance in case of any mechanical issues.

‘Cycling tool for exploring nature’

Haluk Ay, president of Konya Altin Pedal Bicycle Community Association, shared his thoughts with Anadolu Agency (AA), praising the event for promoting both tourism and cycling interest in the region.

“These tours are invaluable for discovering both historical landmarks and natural wonders. Though we are locals, not everyone gets the chance to visit every corner of the area. This tour was a perfect opportunity for us,” Ay stated.

“Cycling is a fantastic way to experience nature. For those participating in group rides for the first time, it was a wonderful experience. Once you’ve joined a ride like this, future events will feel much easier. It was a great activity, and we hope to see more of these organized soon.”

Cyclists enjoy day in nature

Mahmut Ozcan, a 55-year-old cyclist who joined the tour, encouraged other cycling enthusiasts to participate in such events, saying: “This project is amazing. Traveling here on my own would have been difficult, but the municipality provided us with a fantastic opportunity, for which I’m grateful. We got to experience the natural beauty of Beyşehir, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope these kinds of activities continue and expand.”

Kemal Ozcan, another participant, said this was his first time cycling such a long distance.

He reflected on the importance of leading a quality life, noting: “We had a pleasant ride in beautiful weather. To live a quality life, you need hobbies beyond your work, and one of the best ways to do that is through sports. Konya offers excellent opportunities for this.”

“I’ve lived here for 12 years, and although I’m not originally from Konya, the services provided by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality make me feel lucky to live here. I encourage our youth to spend less time in cafes and more time enjoying outdoor activities like this, and our municipality offers plenty of opportunities for that.”

Alparslan Kilinc, a history teacher at Konevi Anatolian High School, joined the tour with his students and shared his perspective: “I’ve been cycling since childhood. We’re trying to instill a love of cycling, as well as cycling habits and culture, in our students.”

“To that end, we’ve established a club, and we try to participate in every cycling event we can. This was a fantastic event, and we hope our fellow citizens will continue to support similar activities that celebrate Konya as a city of cycling.”

Lastly, 9th grader Irem Naz Molla, the youngest participant, expressed her enthusiasm: “Konya is already a cycling city, so biking here is a really fun and exciting activity. I was the youngest member of the tour, and it was thrilling. We had so much fun, and cycling was such a joy. I hope these kinds of events increase, and I encourage everyone interested in cycling to join these tours.”

Konya’s cycling tours not only provide a unique way for residents and visitors to explore the city’s rich historical and natural landscapes but also foster a sense of community among participants.

These events highlight the importance of outdoor activities and promote a healthy lifestyle, all while showcasing the beauty of Konya.

As more cycling tours are organized, they offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and each other, reinforcing Konya’s identity as a bicycle-friendly city.

The enthusiasm of participants, especially young cyclists, signifies a bright future for cycling culture in the region.