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Twice this week, Bodrum's streets have been peaceful. Jake and I have enjoyed taking our morning walk down the middle of the road, unbothered by car horns. Wouldn't it be wonderful if traffic could be excluded from the centre for a few hours every day, not just in the run-up to international sporting events.
Sunday saw Bodrum host it's first Global Run. Competitors ran three laps around Bodrum, starting at the cruise liner port and looping back at the marina. On a dull, pre-storm Sunday, there weren't many people out watching, but over 1000 runners were on the streets.
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| The race followed our afternoon dog-walking route. I now know that we cover 5 kms . |
The 6th stage of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey started at 11:30 in the main square today, but the roads were closed early so Jake and I again had a pleasant wander before the riders arrived.
All information about this year's race is on the http://www.tourofturkey.org/ website.
I wrote about the race last year in Bikes in Bodrum. This year I found a much better spot to watch the start but had to defend myself against the sharp elbows of the "professional" photographers who swung in at the last minute with long lenses flying.
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| Even professional sportsmen take time out for a holiday snap. |
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| The start. |
Hello:
ReplyDeleteWe applaud anything which takes traffic off the streets even if only for a few hours. Here we have an annual 'Green Day' which excludes motor cars from one principal street for about twelve hours. We suppose that it is a step in the right direction.
I will suggest a Green Day to our mayor.
DeleteLoved Jake's photo, it must be so pleasant to stroll with no traffic. How fun having the race passing through Bodrum.
ReplyDeleteJake got a bit scared as he assumed the runners were running away from something big and dangerous. He wanted to bolt too.
DeleteWe have fond memories of being trapped by the bike race on our first visit to Bodrum.
ReplyDeleteHilary's friend had made aşure to celebrate the departure of some problematic tenants... It was a 'ladies only' occasion. So she watched the exciting finish yesterday in the company of a roomful of many, many Turkish women. Who did seem to be fascinated by all that lycra....
Even though we've seen it before, it's still exciting, isn't it.
DeleteB to B, Your post reminded me that one of the main benefits to owning a dog is that they keep one fit. No matter what the weather, traffic or no, bless 'em, you've got to take them on a walk. Looks like your route is a good one. Jake looks great.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that one can walk anywhere with a dog. If you walk without one, in some places people can be suspicious.
DeleteGreat photos you have here, B2B - I love the one of the cyclists taking photos of each other....really nice one. I know you were there and Jake too but it does seem as though the runners didn't get much encouragement on their efforts...those streets are really very empty! Great to catch up again - I've been woefully neglectful recently and so am off now to see what other things have been going on in your neck of the woods! Axxx
ReplyDeleteThe two taking photos nipped through the barriers in front of me and went to pose in front of the boats, only about 5 mins before the start.
DeleteWe dreamt of a traffic-dream Bodrum, particularly at 4am! Well, it was our own fault for living on the one-way system. One year, the mayor tried closing the road off to traffic for a couple of hours each day during the height of the summer. It caused chaos and didn't last long.
ReplyDeleteYour road was in fact closed for a couple of months in the winter while they laid new water pipes. It was lovely if a bit muddy.
DeleteIt's just bliss isn't it when the rods are closed. Amazing in Istanbul, walking over the Bosphorus Bridge and Galata Bridge and taking all in. Glad Bodrum has a run now. We may come for it next year - and one day, people will take to the streets to cheer on the runners... :)
ReplyDeleteHope you come to run next year. Most Bodrumites had no idea the run was happening. Shows how unimportant online media is to most.
Delete. . if I wasn't selfish I'd suggest everyone who hates traffic moved to the countryside and . . . hang on, I've just spotted a flaw in that idea!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back.
DeleteI'm all for traffic-free areas. I think the centre of all towns should be closed off to traffic. Milas is a nightmare..so busy. Large parking areas on the outskirts of all towns is what's needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm neither a cyclist nor a dog-walker, but I too love traffic-free roads and am actually glad when some town-centre streets are pedestrianised, even though I go shopping by car. Great photos and isn't Jake a sweetie?
ReplyDelete