Page 62 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES Cappadocia

ABOVE Mountain bikers on the famous Slickrock Trail, Utah, USA
vs the Slickrock Trail
FORGET THE
SLICKROCK TRAIL?

For head-over-wheels mountain biking, Cappadocia’s extraordinary rock formations
THE BUILD-UP This sinuous track, which winds
rival Utah’s Slickrock Trail – and 4,000 years of human history is just part of the ride around sculpted red-rock formations on a desert
plateau in Utah overlooking the Colorado
River, is the world’s most popular mountain-
biking trail. It is rugged terrain, to be sure, and
Along the course of the river that runs through this
NEED TO KNOW dishes out some dizzying twists and turns along
9-mile- (14-km- ) long valley are more than 100
LOCATION Cappadocia ancient churches chiseled out of the stone. Other with some quad-burning climbs. The famed
is located in the Nevşehir “slickrock” is actually a sandpaper-like surface
province of central Turkey, #MBDL 4FB bikers rarely visit this peaceful, rural spot, which is that grips tires at gravity-defying angles and
177 miles (285 km)
*TUBOCVM shaded by apricot, walnut, and Russian olive trees. makes for a thrilling and challenging ride.
southeast of Ankara
VISITORS PER YEAR "OLBSB 563,& : Even though Cappadocia is a mountainous
Fewer than 2,000 *[NJS $"11"%0$*" region where elevations range from 3,280 to 5,580 ft THE LETDOWN Slickrock attracts over 100,000
DAYTIME "EBOB (1,000 to 1,700 m), the trails are never jarring or mountain bikers every year. Among the throngs,
TEMPERATURES Jan: *3"2 brutal, and a full-suspension bike, although useful, though, are many with an attitude – aficionados
4:3*"
32°F (0°C); Apr: 50°F (10°C); .FEJUFSSBOFBO who are more interested in showing off their
Jul: 68°F (20°C); Oct: 52°F (11°C) 4FB isn’t essential for most recreational riders. The
dramatic terrain is, in most places, ideally suited US$7,000 carbon-frame bikes than in just
getting out there and having a great time.
to first-time mountain bikers, but it also dishes out
Cappadocia has been at the crossroads of history enough contours, twists, and turns to keep
GOING ANYWAY? The Slickrock Trail is open
for thousands of years – Hittites, Persians, Greeks, professionals entertained for days. On the
all year round, but to avoid the searing summer
and Romans all had their day here, but they didn’t international mountain-biking scene, Cappadocia is heat, plan on tackling it from February to May
have mountain bikes with thick tIres to make this an up-and-coming destination – in 2007 it hosted or from September to November. The nearby
fantasy landscape more enjoyable. The dazzling the European Mountain Biking Championships and town of Moab is the gateway to two national
setting comprises volcanic rock cones, spires, and it now features an annual festival dedicated to the parks – Arches and Canyonlands – and offers
pinnacles, known collectively as “fairy chimneys,” sport, which takes place in June. And judging by easy access to miles of additional mountain-
which form natural pillars that are ideal for darting the smiles on the faces of riders moving gracefully biking trails and many other outdoor pursuits.
and skirting around on two wheels. Both a playful about this bewitching, bizarre landscape,
pursuit and a great way to explore the area, riding mountain biking in Cappadocia is here to stay.
among these surreal forms is a far more exhilarating
and picturesque alternative to the well-worn PRACTICAL INFORMATION
routes of Utah’s Slickrock Trail.
But this breathtaking, otherworldly scenery is Getting There and Around of Cappadocia. These intimate
From Istanbul, fly into Kayseri, and welcoming inns are carved
just the start of the mountain-biking experience in
which is 44 miles (70 km) into the limestone and are well
Cappadocia. There are also dozens of man-made northeast of Ürgüp, a town in the furnished, equipped with
wonders to take in along the way, giving the trip a heart of Cappadocia. A shuttle- electricity, plumbing, and air
fascinating cultural and historical dimension. You’ll bus service is available from conditioning, and offer a high
pass ancient cave dwellings that are still in use, Kayseri Airport to hotels in the standard of comfort. One of the
major towns of Cappadocia. best is the Esbelli Evi Cave Inn in
intricately carved pigeon lofts and monasteries
Where to Eat Ürgüp (www.esbelli.com).
with stunning frescoed walls and Byzantine art,
Turkish food is a delight, and When to Go
all of which invite inspection. As you ride through Cappadocia’s signature cuisine The best riding conditions are
Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage of dishes slow cooked in clay in May, June, September and
Site known for its towering 130-ft- (40-m-) high pots is no exception. Here you’ll October, when the weather is
find a good variety of small,
fairy chimneys, be sure to visit the centuries-old at its coolest and driest.
traditional restaurants and
rock dwellings and underground villages, as well fine-dining options. Somine Budget per Day for Two
as the informative Open-Air Museum, which boasts Restaurant in Ürgüp is one of the Budget US$100–200 for food
ten rock-hewn Byzantine churches. top restaurants in Cappadocia and lodging. Bicycle rentals and
Another rewarding day trip is a ride through (www.sominerestaurant.com). guided tours can be an extra
US$150–200 a day for two.
the Ihlara Valley, which is one of several sites in the Where to Stay
You don’t need to be a troglodyte Website
area where 4th-century Christians hid in rock-hewn
to enjoy the famous cave hotels www.cappadociaexclusive.com
buildings and natural caves to escape persecution.

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