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GOKSU
RIVER BASIN CYCLING TRIP
 
The Goksu Valley is located between
Karaman
and Silifke,
in south-central Turkey.Travel
on the river can be made either on mountain bikes or trek-bikes.
The Goksu ("Geuk Su"; Goksu Nehri, Saleph,
Calycadnus) is a river in
Cilicia (Turkey).
Goksu means Blue Water. Bright
blue colour of the river is caused by the minerals-calcium of limestone in
the valley.
The
River Goksu is originating from two branches from
the Central Toros (Taurus) mountain range. The southern branch starts at
Geyik Mountains, and the other at Haydar Mountains, and unite to the south
of Mut after the village Mucuk to form the Goksu River.
The 260 km long
river forms a delta between Tasucu and Silifke as it flows into the
Mediterranean. The Goksu Delta
environment is the house for the birds to survivo, breed, feed,
migrate and temporarily accommodate
including
Akgol Lake and
Paradeniz Lagoon, is one of the most important
breeding areas in the Near East; over 300 bird species have been observed.
Among others,
flamingos,
herons,
bee-eaters,
kingfishers,
gulls,
nightingales and
warblers breed here. The endangered
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
lays eggs here.
The
Roman-Germen Emperor and the 3 Crusade Mission Commander, Frederick
Barbarossa was drawn (in
1190)
while trying to cross the Goksu river on the way to Jerusalem.
Emperor
Frederick Barbarossa drowned in the Goksu , on the
Third Crusade.
Who would have thought the 2nd crusade could have been brought to a
standstill by an illustration. We fared somewhat better than Barbarossa,
crossing the Goksu on the old Roman bridge in the middle of Silifke and
headed on down the coast.
Up
in the mountains the weather had been ideal for paddling - never much more
than about 25°C, mostly overcast and cool. Down on the coastal plain it was
nearer 35°C, sticky and humid, with a fierce sun beating down.
Travel riding 40-50km daily river basin lanes
enriched with visits to
archaeological, historical sites, museums and short hikes
to natural spots.
Explore local life, nature and culture cycling the area
in a river basin.
      
Itinerary
day1:
Arrivals to KONYA Airport or meeting at the hotel -Transfer to hotel.
D (Dinner)
day2:
Transfer to starting village after a sightseeing trip among the Turcoman
nomad villages and spectacular Taurus Mountain ranges, valleys..
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
 day3:Start
pedalling.
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day4:
En route
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day5:
En route
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day6:
En route
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day7:
En route. Finish cycling at Silifke coast. Transfer to hotel.
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day8: Free
day. Optional sightseeing trip.
B (Breakfast), L
(Lunch), D (Dinner)
day9:Transfer
to ADANA airport; Fly to home / other airport.
B (Breakfast)
Difficulty Level :2A-2B
PRICE
750 EURO / person =
502 GBP / person = 954 USD / person
10% discount
for customer groups(min 5 people) who may wish to
join this trip at the hotel without any transfer requested.
15% discount
for individuals who may wish to join this trip with private
bicycle / mtb.
30% DISCOUNT FOR 12-17 AGE CHILDREN
ALL
INCLUSIVE; small group travel
(max.
11 people)
SUBJECT TO min. 8 participants -
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INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE.
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WHEN THE MINIMUM GROUP NUMBER IS REACHED,
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YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD.
Please ask for pre- or post- trip combinations;
Notes:
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The Itinerary
represented above is the one taken under normal weather conditions. We
reserve the right to alter the itinerary for any reason deemed necessary
to ensure the best trip possible.
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Previous cycling, camping experience is an
advantage but is not an essential. However, in order to participate in
cycling trip you must know how to ride a bicycle, you should be familiar with
the outdoor life style, you should be in good physical and mental fitness. Pre-Instruction
and all biking equipment (MTB, helmet and accessories) is supplied. Early
morning departures should be accepted as a nature of your adventure.
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2A ride rating involves
Difficulty Level 1- Easy Terrain Flat, with some
hills, but not too long or steep and a schedule of six hours a day
which is in comfort zone limits.
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Price includes: all
inclusive 8 nights accommodation in a
hotel/pension room and camp tents with full board service, all transport
during the tour, transfers from/to airport for groups of minimum 5
persons; all cycling equipment: MTB, helmet, spare(s), some accessories, tents,
sleeping bags, kitchen wares etc.; services of
professional and experienced guides,and service
charges.
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For terms &
conditions and reservations, please refer to our
reservations page on our web site.
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Prices do not
include international flights; gratuities to tour guide(s) and driver(s);
any items of a personal nature.
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Prices include domestic
return flights from Adana airport or bus ticket to any destination in
Turkey.
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We offer 5%
discount for customer groups(5 peoples) who
may wish to join this trip at starting hotel without any transfer
requested.
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We offer 5%
discount for individuals who may wish to join this trip with private
mountain bike.
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We can also arrange
transfers from/to Konya, Kayseri, Antalya and
Adana airports.
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If requested all
archaeological, ecological and historical information about the tour route
will be presented to the participants as a e-document to be sent via
internet.
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A recommended gear
& essential equipment list is to be sent to the participants before the
tour.
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A support
vehicle will follow the bikers at a discrete distance and meet with the
group at certain points. It is positioned for logistics and security
matters.
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Travel Insurance is
highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel.
Our insurances may not protect you. Please check your own policies.
Included in Land Cost
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Accommodation as
double occupancy basis in tents (shared tent / room basis for individuals)
and hotel/ pension. Your fellow campmates/roommates may be foreign as well,
adding to the international nature of your adventure.
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Services of a
professional guide, drivers and boat man.
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All airport
transfers in air-conditioned minivans (minimum 5 participants).
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Domestic airfare
return ticket (ADANA-?) or bus coach lines ticket any destination in
Turkey.
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Meals as indicated
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner).
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Bottled water and
all soft drinks on camping & cycling days and bottled water with lunch
and dinner throughout.
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Service charges and
taxes.
Not
Included in Land Cost
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International
airfare.
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Domestic airfare
in Turkey to KONYA airport.
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Airport
transfers for individual arrivals (less than 5 people).
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Post-Tour
Extension. Please ask for the possibilities.
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Items of a personal
nature such as liquor, laundry, phone calls, medical assistance, postage,
additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the itinerary,
traveler's insurance, gratuities to guide, drivers and crew.
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Trip cancellation,
travel delay or baggage insurance (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on
the web page).
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Passport or Turkish
visa fees.
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Charges incurred as
a result of delays beyond control of Ekomarin Sea Kayak Centre & Dragoman
Travel Agency.
Ride
Rating System
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The rating system separates
the degree of Difficulty and the
Length of the ride into two
separate indices.
Difficulty
|
Difficulty Level 1
- Easy Terrain
|
Flat, with some hills, but
not too long or steep. |
|
Difficulty Level 2
- Moderate Terrain |
Most of the terrain we
cycle is moderate. There may be frequent hills, but seldom exceeding
8% and uninterrupted climbs seldom exceeding 350 m (1200 feet). Daily
vertical totals should be generally less than 750 m (2500 feet). This
is terrain the average cyclist in good condition can handle. |
|
Difficulty Level 3
- Difficult Terrain |
This is for the strong
cyclist. The average cyclist needs special conditioning prior to
cycling difficult terrain. There may be frequent, uninterrupted climbs
exceeding 450 m (1500 feet) vertical with grades sometimes in excess
of 10-12%. Less steep, but long climbs at altitudes exceeding 2250 m
(7500 feet) also quality for difficult. Daily vertical totals
generally exceed 1000 m (3000 feet). |
Length
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Length Level A
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up to 45 Miles (72 Km) per
Day |
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Length Level B
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45 to 55 Miles (72 to 88
Km) per Day |
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Length Level C
|
55 to 70 Miles (88 to 112
Km) per Day |
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Length Level D |
greater than 70 Miles (112
Km) per Day |
Supported
icon will tell you if the ride is supported and has a sag van or 4x4 vehicle with trailer.
Ride Rating Comparison Chart
|
Length vs. Difficulty |
Easy Terrain
|
Moderate Terrain
|
Difficult Terrain
|
|
up to 45 Miles |
1A |
2A |
3A |
|
45 to 55 Miles |
1B |
2B |
3B |
|
55 to 70 Miles |
1C |
2C |
3C |
|
70+ Miles |
1D |
2D |
3D |
Sample Ride Rating
|
Ride Rating |
|
3A |
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 FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE
-
 DRAGOMAN
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CENTRE
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&
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TRAVEL AGENCY
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Uzuncarsi Caddesi No:
15, KAŞ
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07580, Antalya –
TURKEY
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Phone: + 90 242 836
3614
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Fax: + 90 242 836
3615
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