Lifestyle
Across Türkiye On a Tallbike (Video): A Bike Touring Film
Across Türkiye on a Tallbike (Video)
By Kristina, Lead Editor at CyclingTrend.com
There are bike travel films that make you want to quit your job, buy a one-way ticket, and disappear into the horizon with nothing but a handlebar roll and a vague plan. And then there are the rare ones that make you reconsider something even more basic: what, exactly, counts as a “proper” bicycle for crossing a country?
In the latest chapter of Alex’s long-haul Tall Bike Tour, Türkiye becomes the stage for a wonderfully impractical machine and a very practical kind of companionship: Nova, a stray puppy who joins the ride and quietly re-anchors the entire journey. The headline hook is obvious—crossing Türkiye on a tallbike is inherently cinematic—but the deeper pull is how quickly novelty fades into routine, and how routine, in turn, reveals character.
A tallbike is, on paper, a terrible touring choice. It’s harder to mount and dismount. It’s awkward in traffic. It draws attention in places where attention is already a currency. It complicates repairs and transport. And yet it’s also a rolling invitation: for conversation, for help, for shared curiosity. Watching Alex thread Türkiye’s roads on an elevated frame, you realize the tallbike isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a social catalyst.
The tallbike as a conversation starter—and a commitment device
One of the great myths of endurance travel is that grit comes purely from within. Sure, self-talk matters. So does fitness. But anyone who’s spent weeks moving under their own power knows momentum is also made of small external gifts: a stranger’s directions, a shopkeeper’s refill, an unsolicited “come eat with us” that resets your mood from grim to grateful.
A tallbike practically demands those interactions. People wave. Kids sprint alongside. Drivers lean out to ask questions. Even the skeptical become invested: “Where did you get that thing?” quickly turns into “Where are you going?” and then into “Do you have enough water?”
There’s another layer, too: riding something unusual can lock you into the journey in a helpful way. When you commit to an eccentric setup, quitting feels harder—not because you can’t stop, but because you’ve already accepted a level of discomfort and visibility. The tallbike becomes a commitment device. You’re not just bike touring; you’re doing a thing. And once you’re doing a thing, you keep doing it.
Türkiye: big skies, bigger hospitality, and the logistics in between
Türkiye remains one of the most compelling countries for long-distance cycling precisely because it refuses to be a single experience. Coastal humidity gives way to highland cold. Smooth tarmac becomes rough chipseal. Quiet farmland suddenly turns into loud, chaotic urban edges. It’s a place where a day can feel like three separate trips stitched together by snacks and headwinds.
From a touring standpoint, Türkiye also teaches the timeless lesson: you don’t need luxury gear, but you do need the basics to work. Sleep, warmth, hydration, navigation, and the ability to fix what will inevitably break. A tallbike adds spice to that equation, but the fundamentals remain the same.
If you’re building your own kit for a trip with this kind of distance and unpredictability, I’d start with reliability-first staples. A small power bank is an unglamorous hero when you’re filming, navigating, and messaging loved ones—something like the Anker PowerCore 10000 is a classic for a reason. For navigation, many riders now mix phone mapping with a dedicated GPS for redundancy; a unit like the Garmin Edge Explore 2 can be a calm backup when your phone battery is cooked.
- Slim Size, Big Power: One of the slimmest and lightest 10,000mAh portable chargers on the market. Provides 2 charges for iPhone 15, 1.93 charges for Galaxy S23, and 1.23 charges for iPad mini 6.
- Lightweight and Compact: With its compact 5.99 × 2.81 × 0.61-inch size and weighing a mere 8.6 oz, it's designed for on-the-go lifestyles.
- Tough and Trustworthy: Engineered for toughness with scratch resistance in mind. Its durability is certified by a 3.2 ft drop test.
- Two-Way USB-C Charging: The USB-C port supports both input and output functions, makes charging and recharging quick and easy.
- What You Get: PowerCore Slim 10000, USB-C to USB-C cable, welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Easy-to-use GPS cycling computer with 3” high-resolution, glove- and rain-friendly touchscreen that’s visible even in direct sunlight
- Simple setup complete with preloaded road, off-road and indoor activity profiles that are ready to use right out of the box
- Ride like a local, whatever your bike type, with improved ride type-specific maps that highlight popular roads and trails, searchable POIs and even eBike routing
- See high-traffic roads directly on the map to help you stay aware as you ride and make informed choices for your route
- When connected to your compatible eBike, receive navigation guidance and alerts based on your bike’s battery status, assist level and range
Night riding (even if you swear you won’t) happens. A dependable front light, such as the Cygolite Metro headlight, is less about “going fast” and more about being seen when plans shift. And for those inevitable “my hands are frozen but the pass isn’t done yet” moments, I’m still amazed how far a layered system gets you: a thin liner plus a packable shell glove often beats one bulky pair.
- Ultra long battery life with an extreme 2,000 lumen brightness, this powerhouse is fully loaded with unprecedented run times in a bicycle light this bright and compact. Cycling Tuned Optics gives this a long range and extra wide beam optimized for road and mountain
- Built-in patented OSP Technology with two-button design lets you fine tune the brightness and flash speeds to your cycling needs. And with 9 unique lighting modes plus a walking mode, and a run time range of 1:30 to 110 hours (yes, really), get ready to go the extreme distance
- 9 lighting modes: - Boost - High - Medium - Low - SteadyPulse - DayLightning Flash - Triple Flash - Zoom - Walking Mode. (see image # 5 for run times)
- SteadyPulse mode alerts motorists with attention grabbing pulses while its overlapping steady beam constantly lights your way at night. DayLightning Flash bursts lightning-like flashes to make you stand out on busy roads in broad daylight
- LOCK MODE: The light is initially set to flash rapidly when power button is pressed – THIS IS NORMAL. This lock mode feature disables the light for safe transport or storage. To use normally, simply press the power button for 6 seconds, let go when light stops flashing, and now it's ready to use
Nova the puppy: the emotional geography of the route
Then there’s Nova. If you’ve ever toured solo, you understand how quickly the mind fills silence. Some days it’s peaceful; other days it’s corrosive. A dog changes the entire rhythm. You stop more. You scan the road differently. You worry about temperature and water in a way that interrupts self-pity. It’s not just companionship—it’s responsibility, the kind that can keep you moving when motivation gets thin.
And let’s be honest: traveling with an animal also exposes the real-world constraints that romantic travel media sometimes glosses over. Heat management, rest breaks, safe sleeping spots, food logistics, vet access, border rules—none of it is insurmountable, but all of it is real.
If you’re ever tempted to follow a similar path with a four-legged co-pilot, prioritize safety and comfort over aesthetic. A durable leash and harness setup can be the difference between “wholesome travel moment” and “avoidable emergency.” Consider a secure harness such as the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, and don’t underestimate the value of compact hydration gear like the MalsiPree portable dog water bottle for quick roadside stops.
- LARGE DOG HARNESS: Ideal for larger dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Labradors, German Shepherds, Akitas, Chow Chows, Giant Schnauzers, and similar breeds. Before purchasing, please carefully measure your dog's chest girth to ensure the perfect fit.
- BUILT TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE - Made from heavy duty Oxford and Military Grade Nylon materials, the harness features reflective strips, a Gel handle for largel dogs no pull has a pulling strength of up to 750 LBS! Enjoy the Front & Back leash attachments and soft padding to protect your dog's trachea.
- 360° REFLECTIVE TRIM: Be seen at day and night thanks to the new trim designed to be more reflective than other harnesses on the market with extreme visibility to ensure your dog is easily seen in low-light conditions, enhancing safety during nighttime walks.
- MAKE EVERY WALK FUN – By purchasing our lightweight & breathable no pull harness for large dogs, your furry friend will move freely without rubbing or discomfort while looking great in the process. The front d-ring helps to promote no pull training and stop pulling, while not causing pain or choking. Simply attach the leash to the front clip
- HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SIZE - Longer straps with extra adjustment and reinforced safety clips helps you find the perfect fit. Please refer to the sizing chart in the main image. Our large harness for dogs has chest measurements 33 - 39 inches & Neck 17 – 27.
- Hydration Anytime, Anywhere: Keep your furry friend hydrated on all your adventures with the MalsiPree dog travel water bottle. Its sleek design and built-in portable dog bowl make it a must-have for any pet parent on the go
- One-Hand Wonder: Give your pup a drink with just one hand using this convenient dog water bottle portable. The water key and travel dog bowls combo make staying hydrated a breeze, saving water and effort
- Perfectly Sized for Pups: This lightweight travel dog water bottle holds 12oz, perfect for dogs of all breeds. Its compact size fits easily into your dog travel accessories, so you can focus on enjoying the day with your pet
- Spill-Proof Confidence: With its leak-proof lock, this dog water dispenser keeps water clean and your bag dry. It's a reliable companion for those long hikes and daily outings, ensuring no unnecessary mess
- Sturdy and Safe Design: Made from high-quality, BPA-free materials, this pink water bottle for dogs is built to last. It's a safe, durable choice for any dog travel adventure, perfect for your collection of dog accessories
The beauty of long videos: they leave in the “in-between”
The internet trains creators to cut faster, compress harder, and chase the next spike in attention. A 50-minute cycling travel video is, in 2026 terms, practically rebellious. But it’s also the right format for what bike touring actually is: a lot of in-between.
The in-between is where you learn a place. It’s where you notice the way wind changes the sound of traffic. It’s where you accept that the “perfect wild camp” might actually be the least perfect patch of ground you can find before dark. It’s where you discover that your mood is often a hydration problem wearing a philosophical disguise.
These longer films also do something important for aspiring tourers: they demystify. They show the mundane. They leave in the gear faff, the small setbacks, the repeated motions. And for a viewer sitting at home wondering if they could do it, that honesty is more valuable than any montage.
What I hope you take from this ride
Not that you need a tallbike to cross Türkiye. You don’t. Not that you should adopt a stray animal on a whim—responsibility is real, and it deserves planning and care. The takeaway is simpler: the “right” setup is the one that keeps you engaged enough to continue. Sometimes that engagement comes from efficiency. Sometimes it comes from comfort. And sometimes it comes from choosing a bike that makes strangers smile and makes you feel like a kid again.
If you’re itching to start with something smaller than a transcontinental ride, do a weekend “mini-tour” with your existing bike. Pack light, then note what you actually used. For carrying gear without overthinking it, a stable saddle bag can be a practical starting point; the Topeak BackLoader style of bikepacking bag is popular because it works across many bikes with minimal fuss. And if you’re on a budget, the most important upgrade might simply be repair readiness: a compact multi-tool like the Park Tool IB-3 can save a day that would otherwise unravel.
- High-Capacity Design: The 15 L seat bag carries up to 11 lb (5 kg) of gear on long-distance bikepacking adventures without the need for a rear rack.
- Waterproof Protection: An included 10,000 mm inner liner keeps clothing and equipment dry even in prolonged wet conditions.
- Stable Ride: The upgraded saddle-mount and compression strap system reduces sway and improves balance on rough terrain.
- Durable Materials: Lightweight polyethylene and nylon give exceptional water repellency, stain resistance and longevity; 19.93 oz.
- Quick Mount & Removal: Hook-and-loop fasteners allow easy installation and removal, for daily commuters and adventure cyclists.
- 3,4,5,6 and 8mm Hex wrench
- Straight blade screwdriver
- IB-2 includes above plus 1.5, 2, 2.5 Hex and T-25 Torx
- IB-3 includes above plus: composite wrapped tire lever two spoke wrenches and a 10-speed compatible chain tool
Watch the film for the landscapes and the tallbike spectacle, sure. But stay for the quieter message: travel doesn’t have to be optimized to be meaningful. Sometimes it just has to be sustained.
FAQ
Is a tallbike actually practical for long-distance touring?
Practical? Not really. Possible? Absolutely. A tallbike adds mounting difficulty, attracts attention, and can complicate repairs. But it can also build community on the road and keep the rider mentally engaged—two underrated assets on long trips.
Is Türkiye a good destination for bike touring?
Yes. Türkiye offers varied terrain, strong regional character, and frequent opportunities for resupply. Riders should plan for changing weather, long stretches between services in some regions, and traffic near larger cities.
What gear matters most for a multi-week ride?
Sleep system, reliable lighting, navigation/power redundancy, weather layers, and a repair kit. Comfort items are optional; function and dependability are not.
Should I tour with a dog?
Only if you can commit to the dog’s safety, hydration, heat management, food, rest, and veterinary needs. It can be deeply rewarding, but it also raises the logistical complexity of every day on the road.
How do I start bike touring if I’m new?
Begin with an overnight or weekend trip close to home. Use your current bike, keep the route simple, and treat it as a test to learn what you actually need—then scale up gradually.
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