8 pilgrims cycle from London to Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Pilgrims traverse through 17 countries on two-month-long trip to arrive in the kingdom


News Desk August 10, 2019
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan receives 8 riders, cycling from London to Mecca for hajj, at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul on 13 July 2019. PHOTO:ANADOLU AGENCY

Eight British pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia after bicycling their way to Mecca after a two-month-long trip to perform the Hajj.


According to StepFeed, the pilgrims traversed through 17 countries to arrive in the kingdom.


The team's leader, Taher Akhtar, was quoted as saying: “The journey is spiritual, and despite its difficulties, it remains one of the most wonderful trips.”



Akhtar pointed to the difficulties his team had experienced during the trip, including fluctuations in weather, rain, storms, humidity and shortage of oxygen, in addition to hard roads, animals, and snakes.


Akhtar - a seasoned cyclist who has previously led trips to Mecca for Hajj - shared details of the epic journey.

The men went on a "Tour de Hajj" - a play on the annual bicycle race "Tour de France" - to convey that Islam's a religion of peace and tolerance among the countries they passed through.

More than two million Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage

The cyclers also hoped to use their journey to raise money for charity.

Upon their arrival in the kingdom after 6,500 km, Saudi authorities gave them a warm welcome as they were greeted by the chairman of the Society of Culture and Arts in Medina, Mishaal Al Touhami.

The "Tour de Hajj" group were also well-received by locals and cycling enthusiasts who threw them a traditional welcome.



 

COMMENTS (1)

Syed Ather | 2 years ago | Reply It would be nice to see their map for the route they took.
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