In the charming district of Gölpazarı, nestled amid the grandeur of Hasan Mountain in Bilecik, a captivating tale of passion and adventure unfolds through the life of Nedim Küçük, a 65-year-old paragliding enthusiast.

His childhood fascination with flight has propelled him on a remarkable journey across the skies.

A 65-year-old man with a paragliding dream

Joined by his comrades at an elevation of 1150 meters on Hasan Mountain, which is a paradise for distance flights, Küçük discovers solace in the camaraderie of fellow pilots who share his fervour. Situated just 17 kilometres from the town centre and a mere 6 kilometres from Çengeller village, the mountain treats them to the ecstasy of soaring over the mesmerizing landscapes of Gölpazarı, İnhisar, and Yenipazar districts.

Renowned for attracting paragliders from various cities like Ankara, Eskişehir, Tekirdağ, and Bolu, Mount Hasan has transformed into a sanctuary for adventure seekers like Küçük, who chose to trade the bustling streets of Istanbul for the serene skies of Gölpazarı following his retirement three years ago.

Acting as both the camp manager and a local pilot, Küçük fondly reminisces about the simplicity of childhood dreams – the elation of flying a kite, hinting at the exhilaration yet to come. His journey into the realm of paragliding commenced with two months of intensive training, culminating in his maiden flight at Tekirdağ Uçmakdere back in 2014.

Paragliding and shared dreams

“Retirement led me to Gölpazarı, and paragliding granted me the wings to soar the skies,” Küçük reminisced. At the age of 65, he radiates vitality, deriving immeasurable joy and adrenaline from this exhilarating sport, surrounded by spirited young aviators who inspire him to embrace life to its fullest.

Paragliding demands rigorous training and unwavering commitment, an aspect Küçük stressed while recounting his journey. With Mount Hasan’s summit towering at an impressive 1300 meters, the region provides an ideal training arena for budding paragliders like Burak Dikmen, a 29-year-old engineer from Istanbul.

“I commenced at THK İnönü Aviation Training Center, trembling with trepidation initially, but now it’s akin to riding a bicycle,” Dikmen quipped.

The sheer beauty of the hill’s elevation and the breathtaking vistas act as a magnetic force, pulling him closer to the heavens. “When I take flight, it’s akin to possessing wings, often finding myself gliding alongside denizens of the sky. The respect is mutual,” he added.

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Dikmen’s lengthiest flight has stretched an impressive 2.5 hours, and he aspires to cover an astounding 20 kilometres, eventually landing in his hometown of Söğüt.

For Yücel Badak, a 53-year-old truck driver, paragliding manifests as a long-awaited dream fulfilled. Reviving his childhood aspiration of becoming a pilot, Badak embarked on a journey of parachute training at the age of 45, eventually embracing the art of paragliding.

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