The route starts in the Ömerli neighbourhood of Çekmeköy and reaches Ağva through the village and forest roads around Darlık Dam, in Şile. The total distance is about 75 km.
Road conditions
The roads are asphalt, but they are narrow, twisty village and forest roads. The road towards Darlık is popular with motorcyclists; fatal motorcycle accidents have also occurred on it. A riding instructor stresses that this is a village road and that the problem comes less from the road than from speed and the urge to compete.
Things to watch for
- This road is not a race track; on blind bends a vehicle, tractor or animal may appear from the opposite direction.
- On shaded bends in the forest the surface can be damp and covered with leaves.
- If you ride in a group, ride in staggered formation, not side by side.
- Do not brake in the middle of a bend; set your speed before the bend.
If you want to continue along the coast from Ağva to Şile and Kandıra, see the Şile – Kandıra route. Top up on fuel when leaving Istanbul.