rob-rider

I haven't. But I am thinking about doing so. I have planned an upcoming two-month trip that takes me from Istanbul, across Turkey, down through Syria and Jordan, and finishing up in Cairo. I have long debated about whether or not I want to do this as a cycling tour or not. I wanted to hear from other riders who have toured the region and may have some advice. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and look forward to your responses!

Hunter

I would not reccomend it at this time. Of course I would love to ride the Afgan Mtns, but that also is not advisable. It is real volitile in the middle east if you are American it might be bad, if you are British it might be worse.

rob-rider

Firstly, thank you Hunter for the reply. You inadvertently reminded me that I should be more specific when posting a thread like this. I am asking for advice from people who've been through the region regarding routes, suggested sights, points of caution, things to avoid, other experiences, etc. I am going to travel this route (Istanbul to Cairo) regardless so, while I do honestly appreciate the word of caution, I'm really hoping to hear from people with firsthand knowledge of cycling the region.

MichaelW

See the Trento Bike pages at
https://www-math.science.unitn.it/Bike/#Contents

hardwired

Most of these countries can be toured regardless of the "situation". Even Israelis are very well accepted and do a lot of touring in Turkey. If we can go, so can the Americans and Brits.

Syria is a different question. It is not a possibility (or desire) for me, so I have no personal knowledge.

I would not hesitate to travel in Israel, Jordan or Egypt. They are all quite used to western tourists. I passed myself off as an American when I was in Egypt and it went fine. The little children all flocked around me shouting whatever English they knew... "Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins"... and insisting that I take their picture.

The extremists tend to look for a political statement and one lone guy on a bike isn't worth their time. I would expect the overall danger is no greater than that of being beaten and robbed by drunken skinheads at a campsite in America.

Traffic accidents are the largest cause of violent injury/death amoung Israelis and would also be your greatest concern.

Happy trails,
Hardwired

elsarjan

people in those countries tend to make a difference between american governement and people. they mostly do not agree with the gouvernement policies but love everything american. I'm not American or British (dutch), but I don't think you will have much trouble. Maybe Syria will be difficult with issuing a visa.
we (my husband and me) traveled this region in 2000 by motorbike, so the situation may have changed a little. But in general I think if you take the normal precautions (carefull with camping, try staying near police checkposts, don't travel after dark, dress moddestly (don't wear the shiny lycra stuff, but waer something loose over it)) you may find this region the most hospittable place you've ever been. Mostly very friendly people who really try to communicate with you. try not to talk politics (my favorite remark in these conversations: everything has two side and i try not to judge....) and you'll be fine,
Turkey an Syria are my favorites of these countries.
in syria: palmyra is beautifull and really quiet, but maybe if you did all the roman stuff in turkey a bit too much. Efesus is really nice, as is nemrut dagi in eastern turkey.
aleppo in syria is a really atmosferic city, don't miss the church of st simeon, qala'at sema'an) 25 km out of aleppo. I liked aleppo better then damascus.
the thearte in bosra is nice because you can stay in a (bit dirty)youthhostel inside the theatre and wander around at niight. Hama is nice too.
In jordan, don't miss petra of course.
Aqaba (well, the campsites on the beach)is a nice place to rest before going into egypt.
consider going to lebannon, loved the temples at baalbek.
And the food, just love the middle eastern food. Should be great for cycling, all the bread an chickpea stuff, the grilled meat, falafel etc.
we were in the region in october/november. don't know when you will be going but parts of turkey can be really cold then, but for the rest, great cycling weather, around 25 celcius.

enjoy, if you have more questions, pm me.

els

Dave Stohler

Being Japanese, I'm sure you will have no problem obtaining visas. Safety might be a concern in some of these countries, but no more so than in other similar countries in the region. Regardless of your political beliefs, this sounds like a very nice part of the world to visit.