Bike club offers opportunity to mountain bike, explore Turkey Published Aug. 19, 2011 By Senior Airman William O'Brien 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- An informal club of about 15 Team Incirlik mountain bikers of various skill levels, ranging from 19 to 48 years old, participate in the Incirlik Air Base, Turkey chapter of the Beer Belly Bike Club. Started in Korea in 2006, the Beer Belly Bike Club expanded to Incirlik when co-founder Hector Contreras and Philip Hammond, the club's current organizer, began riding together in the summer of 2009. In addition to here, three other European and several stateside chapters have started. "Even though we are called the Beer Belly Bike Club, we don't just sit around and drink beer. Our purpose is to promote cycling, regardless of your abilities or experience," said Hammond, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron power production foreman. "You don't have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy this amazing sport. We want to share our joy of cycling with everyone and promote the benefits we reap - camaraderie, friendship, better health, better cycling and just having a fun time." Beer Belly Bike Club frequents three routes of varying difficulty around the local area. They also occasionally ride other local trails and the Turkish railroad system, and the club's considering a trip to Cappadocia. "One of our usual routes is located in Adana near the city area," said Hammond. "Another is right here east of the base and is approximately 22 miles long. We also, ride at the Cukurova University on a set of trails where the Turkish mountain bike organization has annual mountain bike races." The Beer Belly Bike Club here meets at least once a week for a weekend ride and recently has been riding at least two times during the week. To decide where they will go, Hammond sends an e-mail to club members with options for the next ride. Based on their responses, he picks a place and informs the group when and where to meet via e-mail and Facebook. "We get out into the areas like in Pozanti, Turkey, where the German-built railroads from World War I are located; and the Mediterranean trip we take, that one takes about 4 ½ hours. We drive down about 20 kilometers, park and follow the old Air Force pipelines," said Hammond. For the tougher rides, Hammond said the veteran riders are willing to slow their pace to avoid leaving anyone behind. "Those of us with a little more experience will stay along with the newer riders and help them out," said Hammond. "So for the new folks, that's no problem. We'll ride along with you." The club offers Team Incirlik an alternative to running that offers them a good workout with less strain on joints. "It's good for your cardio vascular fitness," said Hammond. "I've personally lost 70 pound since I started. My orthopedic doctor, four years ago, said I needed to stop running, playing basketball and (playing) volleyball after I had knee surgery. But with riding, there's no impact on your knees and other joints." The club is open to anyone who is interested and requires no membership or commitment. "If you're looking for someone to ride with while you are here in Turkey, you've found us," said Hammond. "Hope to see you soon." For more information, visit their Facebook page, BeerBellyBikeClub_Turkey.