MTBO at Gevaram

21 June 2010
Prior to the mountain bike orienteering event at Gevaram, I had begun announcing my intention to quit doing MTBO. Having tried it for 2 years, I still don't have the expertise or confidence to go out without a riding partner (Yuval). I'm happy to do MTBO in the fields of Yizrael, but not in the hills of Alon Hagalil. I do not have the skills or fitness of a serious trail rider. I prefer "KKL" trails to "singles", flat routes rather than climbs and steep descents, soft paths rather than rocky roads. Riding conditions at Gevaram were exactly the kind I prefer. I actually got to ride my bike -- rather than push it -- for practically the entire course. Makes me have second thoughts about continuing in the sport

MTBO at Eshtaol Forest

18 April 2010
My husband Yuval and I have been riding MTBO events together for the past two years. Often we ride the course with a couple friends (who may or may not have a map). I wear a Garmin Forerunner 305 and keep a log of my sporting activities. The MTBO event at Eshtaol Forest this past weekend proved quite a challenge for even the serious and seasoned riders. So I've decided to share my impressions of the event.

Bittersweet Serendipity While Cycling Near Shaar Hagai

14 June 2009
The plan for yesterday morning's bike ride was a loop from the Latrun Monastery to Shaar Hagai and back -- in the same area as last week's Israel Trail hike, but on different trails. After cycling for about 40 minutes, we reached our intended turn-around point. We paused to catch our breath at a junction on the steep climb up Givat Hatul, and did a quick rethink of our route choice. We decided that instead of turning off the trail, we would walk/push our bikes a short distance further to the top of the ridge. From there we could ride on flat or downhill trails. When we reached the top of the ridge, we were surprised and delighted! An amazing vista point overlooking Shaar Hagai. What a view! Engraved plaques present maps and history of the Burma Road and…