Adventure at the Summit of İzmir: Gravel Cycling Route from Evka 3 to the Fire Watchtower

We discovered the point in İzmir where the asphalt ends and the adventure truly begins! Starting from Evka 3 New Cemetery and pushing through lung-burning climbs to reach the Fire Watchtower at the summit, this route tests both your technical skills and endurance. As the Pedal and Patika team, we’ve documented every detail of this special day where we pushed our gravel bikes to their limits and said, “It’s exhausting—but totally worth it.”

How to Climb to the Fire Watchtower with a Gravel Bike? The Evka 3 New Cemetery route includes a challenging 9 km climb with gradients exceeding 10%. While climbing with a gravel bike, maintain a flexible body position, shift gears decisively, and during descents, shift your weight backward for controlled braking.

Technical Tips for Beginners in Gravel Cycling

As Ali experienced in our video, gravel cycling is not just transportation—it’s a balance and technique game. The motto “Don’t tense up your body, stay flexible” is the foundation of this discipline.

Have you read it?

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Gravel Bike Reviews

Gear and Chain Management

Being too gentle while shifting gears during climbs can cause missed shifts or chain jams. Based on our technical experience, firm and decisive gear changes are critical to maintaining momentum, especially on steep inclines.

You Are the Suspension: Body Position

Unlike MTB bikes, gravel bikes typically lack suspension systems. That’s where your body takes over the role of suspension.

• Flexibility: Keep your arms and core relaxed; allow the bike to move beneath you.
• Line of Sight: Don’t look directly at the ground—always focus 5–10 meters ahead.
• Descending Technique: On steep descents, shift your weight slightly behind the saddle to improve rear traction.

Route Details: Evka 3 – Fire Watchtower

This route offers some of the cleanest air in İzmir, but it also demands solid physical conditioning.

Climbing Section: Patience and Heart Rate Control

The dirt road that begins after the New Cemetery includes loose terrain and sharp turns. As seen in our video, when your heart rate climbs into the 160s, lowering your pace and listening to your body is essential for sustainability. After a 40–50 minute climb, the Fire Watchtower rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of İzmir.

Descending Section: The “Squeeze the Lemon” Braking Technique

The biggest mistake during descents is grabbing the brakes too hard. We call this the “squeeze the lemon” technique—apply the brakes gradually and smoothly, like squeezing a lemon. Sudden braking can lock the wheels and cause loss of control.

Technical Setup and Preparation

Before attempting such a route, make sure your bike is properly equipped for these conditions.

1. Tubeless Tire Advantage: Our preference is always tubeless. The sealant inside instantly closes small punctures, preventing interruptions during your ride.
2. Nutrition and Hydration: Always carry water and energy-rich foods to maintain blood sugar levels.
3. Safety: Helmet and gloves are non-negotiable. Also, stay alert for wildlife such as wild boars or stray dogs along the route.

What’s Your Favorite Route? We pushed our limits at the peaks of İzmir and had an incredible experience. What about you? Do you have a “must-ride” gravel route around İzmir? Let’s meet in the comments and plan new adventures together!

The bikes we used in the video are Bianchi Via Nirone Gravel 7. Click on the model to check out our detailed review.

If the video doesn’t play, you can CLICK HERE to watch it directly on YouTube.