Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since my last post, and I hope everyone is doing well. I moved to Ankara, Turkey (from Victoria BC Canada) more than a month ago, and I’m going to be here for at least a year or two.

When I first came here, I was really disappointed. I thought I won’t be able to bike because of the cold weather, polluted air, chaotic traffic, and I thought no trails around. Luckily, after some research I found some really nice trails close to the area I stay now. If anyone uses Google Earth, and wonders where this place is (one of the trails that is), it’s here:
Set your pointer to 39 50’20.00”N 32 49’05.00”E

I found two more areas like that. So I’m a little happier now :). Terrain is a lot different from what I used to though. It was sticky mud when I first came here, and now it’s covered with snow, but in summer I guess it’s going to be hard soil, and sand. That sounds much easier than the challenging rocks, roots and dense trees of BC.

So, yeah, biking in winter here is not an option, so yesterday I got a trainer to do some training during the winter. It’s my first time on a trainer, and honestly it felt a little awkward (pedaling but not moving, no wind to cool you down, no scenery, etc.). But for sure it’s better than doing nothing :D. My fitness level has gone worse since I haven't really biked for 2 months, but I'm committed to work hard and get even better.

That’s about it. Actually, I just wanted to say hi, but couldn’t keep my fingers type all that crap I wrote above :p.

Happy holidays everyone, and a happy new year! :)

Pictures! We need pictures!

T.J.

BTW: I use a floor fan beside the TV in fornt on my trainer. Keeps me cool.

Erhan - It's great to hear from you, it's been a while. I'm glad you have found some decent riding there, also glad that you didn't end up selling that bike you worked so hard building.

The trainer is definately boring, at first it is unbearable. It gets a little easier though. Between the trainer and rollers I spend at least five or six hours a week riding inside. Best thing to do is put in a good movie and just start turning the cranks. If things get too boring you could always try out some rollers, they are not nearly as mind numbing as the trainer.

Tequila Joe, I don't think I'll be able to post any trail pictures until spring. Tomorrow I'll post a picture of the trainer that I got though. Having a fan in front is a very good idea, I will definitely get one ;).

LowCel, Thank you :). I'm glad that I didn't sell the bike as well. I just saw the thread for your bike. Great parts, and great choices. Seriously, just seeing those pictures makes me feel excited.

About the trainers, I think getting bored is a general complaint. Actually first, I thought about getting a virtual reality trainer to add some fun, but then I didn't want to spend three times more than the cost of a regular trainer. I'm still thinking though, I may just return this one and get the VR trainer. Rollers, I don't know, it may be too risky for me, because the area I'm doing this is very small, and I didn't want to risk hurting myself, or breaking anything.

have a great new year as well!!! be safe abroad

Thank you mx_599 :)

ok here is a picture...

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9...2resize4ov.jpg

This is where my baby ended up... :(

That tire just doesn't look right on that sexy of a bike.

I know... that's very ugly :p poor bike

It's raining in Vic, horrible weather. Not missing anything.

That's good to know :D. The weather has been terrible since summer :mad: ...

It rained morning, sunny afternoon and now a cold windstorm. Messed up.
Maybe post a few Turkey pics. Non-tourist stuff.

Sure, i will post some pictures. :)

I didn't know you live in Victoria. Do you go to the Dump often?

Not yet, I developed a stress fracture in my left forearm freeriding an XC bike with no suspension :rolleyes: .
This summer I did work my skills to the point of being able to ride pretty hard stuff and I corrected the geometry.
I'm 40, have only been into 'real' riding 2 yrs or so. Not many cyclist friends, a few bike riders -different, my friends my age are wrecked from racing young, mostly road now.
And it's pretty far up the peninsula. Rarely drive that way.
What road for best access? Maybe I'll join the club in the spring.
Are you to return to Vic? Maybe someday we'll ride it together.

At 40...my body takes twice as long to heal as in my 20's. 4 months only road riding which aggravated the stress. I'm 90% now, ready to bust myself some other way. :roflmao: :cry:

Sorry about your fracture, I hope you'll get well soon.

I used to ride to the Dump from Uvic area at least once a week :D. It's really a good exercise to climb up there. I think the trails there require some good technical skills. I worked on that a lot but never got to the level that I wanted to be (meaning I still suck :p). Those trails are definitely not easy, especially with a XC hardtail. Even the blue labeled trails are worth at least AM bikes. I, as well, had a few bad crashes but luckily I only ended up with some bruises, and scratches.

As for the access, I always took the Hartland road to get there. I heard about some other access roads, but never tried one.

Other than that, I used to ride to Sidney on Lochside, ride towards Sooke on Goose, and I always loved the Beach drive (Dallas road-Oak Bay). Aah I already miss there :(.

If/when I return to Victoria, for sure i'd be happy to ride together :).