Sounds interesting ... 1300km, north to south, self supported.

http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/

Obviously given the current state of affairs it could be more interesting than you may like though.

- slugwash to the forum!


That does look pretty cool though.

Return Flights are about £270-360...

Return Flights are about £270-360...

Sounds very reasonable.

knowing what flight security can be like flying to Israel ... I wonder how difficult flying with a bike is ?

s8tannorm wrote:I wonder how difficult flying with a bike is ?

I bet it's impossible, bikes don't have wings for starters

I bet it's impossible, bikes don't have wings for starters

Well if you're going to be like that ... then, neither do helicopters

Looks a fantastic challenge! I'd never be fit enough in less than 12 months to take the challenge on! WRT is the first for me!

Guys shalom from Israel...

To fly to Israel with a bike is not an issue. It would be like flying to any other destination.
I would recommend just in case, to tape the box of the bike just after security just in case...but I do this when flying out of the US as well.

The challenge is tough...not easily...as we like...lots of climbs and the terrain in the south is challenging. BUT its going to be a memorable experience and worth the time and investment - I promise. The landscape changes as you ride south from green and high to desert views and weather.

There are some low cost flights to Israel, easyjet is flying out of the UK and others charter flights.

I hope some of you will be interested to join as we would love to see you coming along. If you do consider arriving, I am sure we can arrange accommodation as there are some local MTB riders volunteering to host overseas riders...and we would love to recommended what to do if you chose to stay...so its going to be fun!

If you have any question please feel free...

See ya, HLC

- slugwash to the forum!

It's a race though. It took me the best part of six months to get from one end of Israel to the other!

Had some great desert sleep outs under the stars though

HLC - Could you fly in with a strong bike box, leave it safe for the duration of race, and get the bus back to the start. Then pick up bike-box for return flight? (Hotels will often do this)

Rocky route? Wondering about rigid forks or if boingy forks safest bet.

Looking for a something next year and this is a good time of year. Will have to see what is left in piggy bank though.

I've just ordered an sd card for Israel

Blackhound - that shouldn't be a problem to arrange.

In principle depending on the amount of overseas riders...we plan to host those interested. The idea is that you can stay before and after at home of the riders place - sort out the gear and leave the box, get a lift to the start point and ride to Eilat. After just get back to the place you left it with....

So massively tempting but i'm more of a tourer than a racer!
I guess with the favourable temperatures, someone could travel really light.
Realistically, how long do you think this would take to complete the route? 6 days?
I think my other half would have major security concerns....

Dan - I guess it may take more than 6 days. I would say that for a fit riders 6 days is challenging for the others... 8 days may be realistic. But you are welcome to give it a try!

As to security... if it wasn't for the craziness around...I would have said 100% secure. Lets see how things evolve,..

Ops forgot to address the point...i would go with suspension fork not rigid...hard tail clearly...

Can't say I'm not tempted but it would be at a more relaxed pace if I was taking part.

s8tannorm wrote:I've just ordered an sd card for Israel

Booked your flight yet?

Booked your flight yet?

Not yet (although I've looked) ... you ?

Just FYI, we didn't update the site on this issue yet but we have a local provider that will give SPOT tracking device for the riders at a fixed price for the duration of the event - around 20 GBP (ish). And we have approval from Matthew Lee (from TD) that our event will be added to the trackleaders.com so you may be tracked and followed from home!

Thanks HLC, will give it consideration.

That looks incredible

s8tannorm wrote:

Booked your flight yet?

Not yet (although I've looked) ... you ?

I have looked also

What a great looking event !!

Who is seriously considering going ?

Who is seriously considering going ?

Puts hand up.

I've thought about it too.

Lots of plans for 2014 going on but this sounds tempting

paul78 wrote:Who is seriously considering going ?

My main constraint currently is a domestic one, but yes, I am seriously considering it.