A series of events regarding the EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail cycling route of the project “Sustainable development along the newest EuroVelo Route, the Iron Curtain Trail” (South East Europe Programme) successfully took place during the 20^th Youth Meeting of Ardas 2014 that was organised by the Municipality of Orestiada -Kastanies and Ardas regions.    

The EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail events were organised and conducted by the Greek project partner “ANTIGONE - Information and Documentation Centre on Racism, Ecology, Peace and Non Violence” in collaboration with the “Ecological Movement of Thessaloniki” that is responsible for the National EuroVelo Coordination Centre for Greece. The project is supported by the European Parliament and the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) while the Prefecture of Macedonia and Thrace participates as an Observer Partner for Greece.  

The events took place under the general title “Cycling in Ardas River: Sustainable mobility along newest EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail cycling route” in Ardas region, in the part that was newly inserted in EuroVelo 13 route. 

On Wednesday July 23^rd 2014, cyclists from Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey participated in a cycling route that was organised in collaboration with Risos cycling association of Orestiada, the athletic association EDOSK from Edirne and other associations and organisations from Bulgaria and Turkey.   

From Thursday July 24^th until Sunday July 27^th , under the framework of EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail cycling events, the visitors of the festival participated in cycling tours along Ardas river. Cyclists also had the chance to receive free instructions and technical assistance for their bicycles. Furthermore, during those days, bicycles were provided for free, thanks to the collaboration with “GREENWAYS” social enterprise. 

The four-day events reached to their completion with significant participation and resonance to the visitors of the festival. Participants expressed their vivid interest and wish to participate in further cycling trips along this new part of EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail route.

ANTIGONE – the Greek partner of the “Iron Curtain Trail” project, the National EuroVelo Coordination Centre for Greece and “GREENWAYS” social enterprise express their deep thanks to the Municipality of Orestiada, the Social Enterprise of Cultural Development of Orestiada, the Prefectural Unit of Evros, the Cycling Association of Orestiada, the association EDOSK from Turkey and the cycling association Thrakas Ipeas from Komotini, for their hospitality and support to the events. Also, deep thanks are expressed to all the cyclists who participated in the events along the newest EuroVelo 13 cycling route in Ardas river. 

More pictures are available in the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.312330065610651.1073741829.290595201117471&type=1 

 https://www.facebook.com/EuroVelo/photos/pcb.674964039250327/674963245917073/?type=1&theater

Video is available in the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ARgWBDE98s

More information on “Sustainable mobility along the newest EuroVelo route, the Iron Curtain Trail” project is available at: http://www.antigone.gr/gr/projects/project/3/description/ and http://ict13gr.blogspot.gr/ .