Are u free during April - the first holyland MTB challenge

[zkantor]

Hi friends,

I'm excited to share with you the first self supported MTB race across the holyland. More information http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/. We crafted a very challenging track across our country from North to South ending on the beach of the red sea.

If you are free on the 17th of April 2014 and having nothing to do….join us.
The MTB local community is honored to host overseas riders, so in case you’re considering or interested drop me a line and we have already volunteered hosts just waiting for guests…

It will be a memorable experience – I promise you!

Hope to see many familiar faces from TD2012 coming along…..

You're all invited!  

Bye Zohar Kantor

[Joliver]

Hi Zohar,

I can't seem to get the link to work.  Is it correct?

Thanks,
Jerry

[zkantor]

Hi Jerry,
I've checked again, it seems to work at my end.
I have written the site url below try to cut-and-paste it in your browser - hope it works.
Bye, Z

http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/

[zkantor]

We have a new url if it helps...
hlcmtb.com
Some info on site with route and more.
We will update the site with more information.
Zohar

[Joliver]

I think I was just having computer issues on that day.  It works now!  Super cool race!

[dgjessee]

Well this is intriguing indeed!

[zkantor]

Hi Guys....
Just a quick update for those considering ....interested...thinking...
We have updated the site with additional info and we have currently 27 local riders listed!
Zohar

[Emily]

From the route, it looks like this is mostly on the Israel National Trail? I didn't realize that trail was so MTB-friendly. How technical is the riding?

Looks like a cool race, best of luck with it!

[zkantor]

Hi Emily,

In fact the route follows 30%ish of the INT. Though in many case the route pass by or crosses the INT.
Through the center of Israel we mainly ride the INT but in the north and south less.

BTW, you are right the INT is not regarded as 100% MTB friendly. There is another initiative to make a similar INT MTB route but its in the making.
We feel that we have managed to create a nice blend of the majority of landscapes of Israel, ride classical places such as the sea of Galilee ride through Jerusalem as well as to add cool places like Tel Aviv for a nice beer...

The route is not technical, though some section do require attention   

FYI we have at present above 30 local riders attending and we hope for more...overseas 

[chainagent]

Hi,

very interesting event and a lot of great pics! Nothing for 2014 for me but maybe one year later. My wife will get a heart attack, because she is seriously concerned about the safety in this area. And I am honest - me too.

What is the best choice for the route - Hardtail or Fully?

       Kind regards from Germany

       Michael
   

[zkantor]

Hi Michael,

Just came back from a family vacation in schwarzwald. I regret not taking the bike with me though it would have been less of a family vacation...

I'm always speechless when it comes to answering or at least addressing your point regarding safety - and I admit, it's makes sense from your side. As I am travelling a lot overseas for business and watching TV in hotels and lounges..., it always surprises me how Israel appears from the news and how far it is from reality. Let hope that the situation will remain as it has been for a long time and there shouldn't be any issue.

FS has it's advantages...I will be riding hardtail and I am quite confident the majority will also do so.

Michael, you are invited to come over!

Best, Zohar

[IlanT]

The Israel National Trail was not originally designed as a bike trail. There is a more recent project (see here in English http://www.ibt.org.il/content3/heb/english), of creating a mountain bike specific national trail, and some segments are already in place for a couple of years. I had the opportunity to ride most of them several times, once even with a fully loaded bike in bikepacking mode. These trails (single tracks actually), are well planned and well maintained, and not too technical.

[Emily]

Thanks for the info, guys. I heard about the INT a while ago (from a friend who hiked part of it) and had thought it sounded like a fascinating trail. The desert part down south sounds wild.

Riding a bike is always a great way to get to know the landscapes and people of a country. I can't make it to your race due to work schedule but will keep an eye on your websites! Rock on.

[Couloirman]

I have been meaning to come to Israel for many years now, and the ride looks like a great way to see the country. I finish school just a few weeks too late or I would be all over this.  Maybe next year.

Any idea os an approximate breakdown of how much of the route is singletrack vs dirt road vs paved?

[ruthslp]

i LOVE the clarity u outline in the rules, awesome!

i would b intrigued to do this 'before' u may switch over to using
the mentioned newer formal mtb stuff

[zkantor]

Hi Guys, thanks for the feedback.
Not sure as to the exact percentage but I would say its mainly off road, paved section are minimal.
There are some nice sections of single tracks here and there but clearly, more dirt roads.
Not sure when the "formal" will be open and if we'll switch...we may just select some sections of it as we already did where possible.
FYI, we have 46 riders listed already...its going to be fun!

[james-o]

Zohar, you have one more now ) really excited to ride in Israel next year.. somewhere I may never have visited if we hadn't started talking about this event. 2 friends and I are signed up.

Would love to see a few pics of the trails. I'm not on facebook so post them up here if you can.

[zkantor]

Hi James,
That's great news - we're looking forward seeing you and your friends here!
I'm sharing below a link to many pictures.
Several of them were pictures taken from couple of rides we have done north to south (Eilat) though via a shorter route and different.
Other were taken by a close friend Yoav Lavi - "Septaa" and you can see many different views and landscapes of the country. Not exactly the route but views you'll see while riding...
In the upcoming days I'll make a share folders from pictures taken from the route but I guess this will give some taste for now.
Again, lovely you're making plans to come over, as we said, any help needed shot us an email.
Zohar

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3adzpcQKADvUHlRZFV2emstZDA&usp=sharing

[james-o]

Thanks Zohar..

  next year's looking exciting already.

[zkantor]

Hi Guys,

Just an update...we have already 64 riders listed!
http://holylandmtbchallenge.com/registration/
April is coming fast so hope to see more of you coming over!
Feel free ask any question or to send me a PM.

Zohar