Holy Land Challenge (HLC)
Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 4:00 pm
Guys,
HOLY LAND CHALLENGE (HLC)
There are already a couple of threads about this, but I thought that I would start a new one as the existing ones cover slightly different issues.
I just got back from a week in Israel where I hooked up with my Tour Divide buddy, Zohar. Along with a couple of other Israeli riders, he is organising the HLC - 'an Israeli Tour Divide'. Having ridden a tiny bit of the route with him and having been shown the rest of it, I believe that this race will become a bikepacking classic. Any bike packer who has the means to get out there should do so. Why am I so enthusiastic?
1. Israel is one of the interesting countries on the planet and Israelis are amazingly welcoming to visitors/tourists.
2. The HLC route has been specifically designed to maximise the 'Israel experience'. Racers are going to see mountains, the Mediterrean coast, Tel Aviv, the ancient quarter of Jerusalem, woodland, the desert and the Red Sea.
3. The route takes in some of key religious sites such as the place where Jesus (reportedly!) walked on the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem. Even if you are an atheist like me these places are bloody interesting!
4. The route is technically demanding and fun.
5. Flights are cheap from the UK with Easyjet: around £400 return with bike.
6. It will definately be sunny!
Website is here: http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/
See you there!
Jon 8-)
HOLY LAND CHALLENGE (HLC)
There are already a couple of threads about this, but I thought that I would start a new one as the existing ones cover slightly different issues.
I just got back from a week in Israel where I hooked up with my Tour Divide buddy, Zohar. Along with a couple of other Israeli riders, he is organising the HLC - 'an Israeli Tour Divide'. Having ridden a tiny bit of the route with him and having been shown the rest of it, I believe that this race will become a bikepacking classic. Any bike packer who has the means to get out there should do so. Why am I so enthusiastic?
1. Israel is one of the interesting countries on the planet and Israelis are amazingly welcoming to visitors/tourists.
2. The HLC route has been specifically designed to maximise the 'Israel experience'. Racers are going to see mountains, the Mediterrean coast, Tel Aviv, the ancient quarter of Jerusalem, woodland, the desert and the Red Sea.
3. The route takes in some of key religious sites such as the place where Jesus (reportedly!) walked on the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem. Even if you are an atheist like me these places are bloody interesting!
4. The route is technically demanding and fun.
5. Flights are cheap from the UK with Easyjet: around £400 return with bike.
6. It will definately be sunny!
Website is here: http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/
See you there!
Jon 8-)