We are organizing a ride in memory of all our loved ones we lost in the earthquake on February 6, 2023. Let me give the details right away:
Date: July 26, 2023, Wednesday
Start Time: 05:00
Route: Independence Monument (Start) –> Göksun (Return) –> Independence Monument (End) Detailed Route (Strava): http://mbb.bb/said-strava
Detailed Route (Garmin): http://mbb.bb/said-garmin
Total Distance: 145 km / 3585 m ascent
So, why is this ride named after “Said Hasırcı”, why on this date, why this route?
Last year, on exactly the same date (July 26, 2022), Said and I had completed this challenging ride together. Starting from the Kahramanmaraş Independence Monument, passing through 11 tunnels and 2 viaducts on the Literature Road, turning back from Göksun, and finishing at the Independence Monument was a unique experience for us. It was my first crushing ride in life. Said, being physically more advantaged than me, managed it easily and always supported me.
“Come on, bro, don’t give up, come on, bro, don’t give up!..”
And I didn’t give up…
On the morning of February 6, 2023, all of Turkey was plunged into deep mourning. Unfortunately, we lost nearly 50,000 of our people in the Maraş Earthquake, according to official figures. Everyone has lost someone. There are very, very few families untouched by this earthquake. Like many other loved ones, Said was among those we lost.
Now it’s our turn not to give up on Said.
This year (and hopefully every year), I will repeat this ride in the name of Said and all our losses. The same day, the same time, the same route…
First of all, this ride is not a race, but a social ride, however, it will be a difficult one. It will end in about 4-5 hours. Last year, Said and I finished this ride in 4:45.
To Register:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/766307/group_events/1378746
There will be two breaks. The first break will be across the fountain in Tekir Center. Here you can supply your water and food supplements. The second break will be in Göksun, depending on the group’s request. But if the team decides not to take a break, we will return without stopping.
On the return road, we can stop again at the Fountain in Tekir for water supply, but this will not be a break. You need to come prepared with your water and food supplies. The challenging climb and hot weather will put negative pressure on performance.
Official permits will be obtained for the ride, and we will have our service vehicle following us from behind.
