The Holyland Trail is underway, Trackleaders here: http://trackleaders.com/holyland14

Good luck to all out there.

Good luck. Looks nice and warm out there

Not jealous at all no sir.

I was bang up for this but then we were going to go to Canada for easter but then didn't. Left it too late by the time I thought of it again...

Good luck to all those that are riding. Are there any from this parish other than James and Steve?

Paul78

Steve in the leading group of 3.

Hope someones taking the time for a few pics

It's making me wish I'd gone!

Hope they're having fun out there

Steve is getting a wiggle on fair play!

composite wrote:Steve is getting a wiggle on fair play!

Still is it seems!

Seems like Steve is a long way off course. Maybe a problem?

hope not.

looks like he's at the beach...

looks like he's at the beach...

Ice cream?

Odd - I checked just a couple of hours ago and it showed Steve just before Jerusalem, despite it recording that he had already passed through

If he keeps heading straight south that would appear to be the quickest route to the finish. Maybe needs to get there for logistics but has some sort of problem which means he couldn't do the route?

Shows that Steve has scratched now. Wonder what's going on? James still going well, couldn't see Paul.

slarge wrote:Shows that Steve has scratched now. Wonder what's going on? James still going well, couldn't see Paul.

James and Paul seem to have been riding together. Their markers have always been right on top of each other.

Looks like we could have a winner sometime tomorrow.

We have a winner. Hanoch Redlich finished about an hour ago

Looks like Paul and James could get it wrapped up by the end of today ... or maybe early tomorrow.

Really looking forward to seeing some pictures

Steve H's ride data is up on Strava. Titles of each day imply that he got ill. With what and how bad I'm not sure, but I guess that sort of thing is a risk when travelling far from home.

Yes Ian, I picked up sickness and diarrhoea. Couldn't carry on at any pace and if it continued so tough I didn't think I'd make the end before my flight home. Consequently I decided to take a short cut down the Dead Sea then rejoin the route for some of the desert riding,

A great pity that Steve - you were going very well for the first few days.

How was the route generally?

First few days were tough. I was ready for a longer stop when I was forced to change anyway.
The route was hard going, lots of up and down. Not too technical but enough to keep you on your toes. Some excellent scenery and historic landmarks. I needed to average 100 a day to complete in time and was concerned that I wouldn't be able to - harder than I expected! I understand that it got a little 'easier' after Jerusulem but still tough. The desert parts were fantastic, although I did miss some of this which is a shame. It was faster going, but in the heat harder to keep going. All the other british riders finished so I'm sure you will hear more about the route from them.
Organisers, riders, support was fantastic. Get it on the calendar for next year!

I am still in Israel but thought I would upload a selection of the shots I took.

I have to echo Steve's comment on how tough this event is ... Went thinking a 100 miles a day would be achievable but so much singletrack and climbing really slowed us down.

Totally blown away by the quality of the trails and also the hospitality we were shown the entire trip... It's a must to event !!! Max Morris stated it was tougher than both divide and AZT750 !!!

I loved it !!!!

(Forum has cropped my images and I don't have time to redo everyone to suit resolution so will amend when I get home but you get the general idea)

An amazing route .. and a tough one. The HLC is set to be a classic I think. First time in years that I've looked at a hardtail or susser longingly..! Israel is a fantastic place to ride and the scene over there is so good. The hospitality from the network of bikepackers out really made the trip. Some of the best singletrack I've ridden too. The route pretty much got the better of me in the final day or so, the heat, the loose desert trails, having to carry 7l of water and thinking it may not be enough, but none of that could overshadow the general atmosphere of the whole event. A learning experience for me. You get the riding challenge in spades as well as the thoughts that come from riding along razor-wired borders hearing large explosions in the distance, or see refugees running across no mans land into waiting cars that then wheelspin past you down the dirt tracks. Thought-provoking stuff when you're settling down in a bivi.