Mountain Bike Lessons in Ankara – Bisiklet Akademisi

If you are looking for mountain bike lessons in Ankara, Bisiklet Akademisi is one of the few cycling schools in Türkiye that runs a dedicated off-road skills programme alongside its learn-to-ride and children’s courses. Sessions take place on dirt terrain around the capital, and the academy also organises riding camps further afield, so it suits riders who already pedal confidently and now want to handle trails with more control.

The academy was founded in Ankara in 2017 and began running courses in early 2018. Training is planned by co-founder Enes Erdoğan, a sports science graduate of Hacettepe University who holds cycling coach certification and is named on the academy’s own site as national team coach for the Turkish Cycling Federation’s youth mountain bike categories. Ankara-based instructors run the day-to-day lessons and tours, with mountain biking listed among their teaching areas.

What they offer

• Mountain bike technical training – braking, cornering, gear use, riding rough ground and obstacles, and steep climbs and descents.
• Private or group format – the MTB course can be booked one-to-one or as part of a small group.
• Race-focused coaching – once riders reach the required level, individual training plans are available for those aiming at competition.
• Seminars and basic mechanics – sessions on bike care and trail-side fixes form part of the programme.
• Children’s club and learn-to-ride courses – for younger or newer riders who are not yet ready for off-road skills.
• Camps and tours – the academy has run trips to destinations such as Çamlıdere, Kemer, Alanya and Cappadocia.

Riders on the mountain bike course bring their own MTB and helmet.

The riding around Ankara

• Eymir Lake – a popular green escape on the southern edge of the city, with dirt paths and gentle climbs around the shore.
• Mogan Lake, Gölbaşı – open countryside and lakeside tracks just south of Ankara, good for building fitness and confidence.
• Çamlıdere – pine-forested hills north-west of the city, used by the academy for camps and longer rides.

When to ride

Ankara sits on the Central Anatolian plateau, so spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) usually offer the most comfortable trail conditions. Summers are hot and dry, which makes early-morning sessions a good idea, while winters can bring frost and snow. Contact the academy to check current course dates.

Getting to Ankara

Ankara Esenboğa Airport has domestic and international connections and is about 35–45 minutes’ drive from Çankaya, where the academy is based. The city is also linked to Istanbul and Konya by high-speed train, and by motorway to Istanbul in about five hours.

Tips for your ride

• Check your own mountain bike is serviced before your first session – brakes and tyres in particular.
• Bring a well-fitting helmet, gloves and plenty of water; the plateau climate is dry.
• Tell your instructor honestly about your current level so the session can start at the right point.
• Book mountain bike lessons in Ankara for spring or autumn if you want to avoid the summer heat.

Book your ride with Bisiklet Akademisi

Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp via the official website to arrange a private or group mountain bike session.