Hello,
My ride report of the volunteers' ride of the Israeli 1200 km brevet of 2018.
The route is similar to the route we rode in 2014, with some minor updates, mainly:
Don't go through Einat because of road works there, so use Road 40 from Petah Tikva till around the airport,
and don't visit Kama (which was a control in 2014.)
4 riders stood on the starting line: Assaf, Shuki, Udy, and myself.
Lina, Shuki's sister, volunteered to help us in Sde Boker and water in the desert sections.
Before the start, Assaf said he'll try to ride in under 80 hours, which at the time seemed fantastic.
I said I'll be happy with 88 hours.
We were at the start in time, but with all the escorts and photos, we started 6 minutes late.
We missed Usy right from the start.
We waited for him in Rosh Zipor, after the footbridge, and I leaned my bike against a bench, and went to look at the Yarkon River.
When Udy arrived - We continued together.
Without noticing it, I bumped the CatEye's sensor, and couldn't notice it because of the darkness.
When we were in a lit area, near the Mall I stopped and fixed it.
Since then, I didn't trust the CatEye's mileage.
It didn't bother me too much, as the Garmin was reliable, and I didn't navigate by distance.
From the Mall to Petah Tikva we rode on the sidewalk, for safety.
At Ganim Junction Udy was with us, but he wasn't i sight in Rosh HaAyin.
Towards Taybe we felt some raindrops, which turned into heavy rain by the time we passed Taybe.
Assaf stopped to put rain covers over his gear, and Shuki and me continued riding.
The rain stopped after a few moments, in Kalanswa.
We didn't ride too fast, hoping Udy will catch us.
We didn't spend too much time at the control in Caesarea - about 6 minutes, which are actually a lot for a picture control.
We saw Udy on the way back, about 10-15 minutes behind us.
We stopped for pastries at Hana Junction, and continued together.
We rode on the sidewalk in Petah Tikva - Too much traffic between Ganim Junction and Sirkin Junction.
The interchange with Road 471 was ok, and we crossed it with no major hassle.
In order to avoid the interchange with Road 1, we turned left at Bedek Junction.
In hindsight, maybe it was better to continue straight at El Al Junction.
Shuki had his chain jumping between two sprockets.
I rode behind him, and realized the cable was "too long" and advised him to turn his regulator anticlockwise.
He turned it half a turn, and said it was better.
Then he told us that yesterday he went to his LBS, to get his gears in order.
He didn't check the new tuning, and didn't ride until the start of the brevet.
Assaf moved forward after Nachshon Junction, and started opening a gap.
I chased him a little, but it felt too fast for me at this stage, and I let go.
Near Bet Shemesh we saw him answering nature's call, and we continued slowly.
Assaf caught up with us before the end of the climb, and a gap opened again.
I caught up with him at HaEla Valley, and Shuki was a little behind.
We all met at the HaEla Junction control.
I needed to check the WC, but couldn't there, so I said I'll start riding, and stop soon.
I stopped near Agur. Assaf went by fast, with Shuki close behind.
Soon after I was back on the bike I caught up with Shuki, with Assaf well ahead, riding fast.
Shuki stopped to regulate his rear derailleur again. I rode slowly till he caught up with me.
He said that he already did 2 full turns, and now it's ok.
We didn't stop in Urim for too long, and when we got to Sde Boker - Assaf was already there, after his shower.
Assaf arrived at 17:07, and me at 17:15
We said we'll all get up at the same time.
I was ready to go quickly, but I waited more than 20 minuted for the others.
We all left together at 22:42.
We rode together till Dimona, where we had food, and continued together.
Assaf was fast at the small climb near Zafit Junction, and Shuki was slow, so I was alone between them.
Descending to the Dead Sea was fun. Not too many vehicles, and no wind.
I didn't need to stop at Zohar Junction, and saw that there's a new bike path east of the road, with shades and inviting benches.
I met Assaf on the service road to Massada, and we spoke for a minute.
On the way back, my calculations showed he was about 10 minutes in front.
I met Shuki on Road 90, more than 20 minutes behind me.
I told him the gap isn't too big, as I intend to sleep a little.
I slept on one of the benches, not knowing whether Shuki has already passed, or not.
I climbed slowly to Hatrurim Junction, as I knew I needed to save some energy for the Big Crater, and I didn't know whether there will be head wind there.
A few km before Zafit Junction I met Lina, who told me that Assaf was a few km in front.
She gave me water and a sandwich, and we spoke a little. She also gave me a mix of nuts.
There was headwind in the Big Crater, and I rode slowly to save energy.
I walked on the climb to Avnon.
I wanted to eat in Yeroham, but it was before 12:00 noon.
I saw a kiosk but they wouldn't accept a credit card, so I left.
At Yaroham Junction I turned right (north, towards Dimona) and went into the fuel station.
After a few minutes I turned south again, and arrived in Sde Boker about an hour after Assaf, who was already in bed.
We've rode more than 600 km by that time, and now (in Assaf's eyes) was the time to split.
He said he's done some calculations at home, and he should start opening a gap starting from now.
Assaf arrived at 11:44, and me at 12:50
When Shuki arrived I told him I plan to start moving towards Eilat about an hour after Assaf. He agreed to join me.
When we woke up I was ready well before Shuki, and waited for him.
Assaf left at 15:10, and me at 16:21
I climbed to Nafha faster than Shuki, and reached Mitzpe Ramon before him.
The convenience store was packed full of people, and I stood in line for a good few minutes.
I bought 1 liter of chocolate milk, and drank it in under a minute.
The crowd was gone by the time Shuki arrived, and I told him I want to make the descent into the Ramon Crater in daylight, and that he should buy something he could consume while riding.
There was strong side wind on the descend to the Ramon Crater, and I felt the beginning of a shimmy, but I overcame it, and continued descending fast.
Shuki descended slower than me, and I rode slowly till he'll catch up with me.
He didn't arrive by the time I descended from Shdema to the Meishar.
The side wind was blowing fast, and the shimmy was very noticeable, so I descended very slowly.
When I was about to finish the Meishar, Lina was in an oncoming car, and stopped to chat.
She was on her way back from stashing water at Zihor Junction, and told me where it was.
She has an app that showed her Shuki's whereabouts.
She showed it to me, and I said he's not too far behind, so I'll wait.
We continued when he arrived.
We slept a little at Shizafon Junction. I wanted to sleep longer as it was comfortable, but Shuki wanted to press on.
By the time we reached Sayarim Junction (about 70 km from Shizafon,) we stopped for 2 more cat naps at bus shelters.
In one of the times Shuki said he couldn't sleep as a car stopped nearby, and disturbed him.
After Sayarim Junction there are no bus shelters, and we were tired.
I found a comm cabinet, which was set in a way that it blocked the chilling wind.
I slept, but Shuki couldn't fall asleep, so he woke me after 5 minutes.
I wanted to sleep for an hour at the control in Eilat, and Shuki was very tired as well, so he agreed.
When we woke we went to a 24 hours cafe, but they don't have any sandwiches too early in the morning, so we had pastries.
There was hardly any headwind on the way out of Eilat, and we made good speed.
I didn't want to stop at Yotvata, but Shuki ran out of water and wanted to stop there.
I climbed slowly to Shizafon as I wanted to save energy, and Shuki was behind me.
By the time he reached Shizafon I was ready to go.
He was efficient, and I laid down, not sleeping.
There was no strong headwind north of Shizafon, and we made good progress, going downhill without any efforts.
We stopped at Zihor Junction to get the stashed water.
I stopped at the top of Paran to take a pic.
Entering the Meishar, Shuki stopped to answer nature's call, and I continued slowly.
He asked me to text him whether I'll go into the Delek or the Alon store.
The Delek store was empty, so I stopped there, and it went smoothly, except an army jeep which almost ran me over (he was driving while looking the other way.)
I texted Shuki as I entered the store.
I got a text from Shuki when I was about 6 km north of Mitzpe Ramon, asking me whether I'm still at the store, and I replied that I already left.
Assaf arrived at 12:49, and me at 18:17
When Shuki arrived in Sde Boker I was already showered and already had some food.
We said we'll sleep 3 hours, and wake up at 22:00, and leave before 22:30.
I was ready by 22:15.
Shuki had some issues with his light, and Lina's husband (who came for the weekend) helped him.
Assaf left at 15:40, and me at 22:44
We rode slowly, enjoying the descends. We said we'll stop at Urim Junction, and Shuki remembered they have Jachnoon on weekends.
I said "I'll try." The Jachnoon was ok-ish, considering it was machine made, but the tomatoe salsa was sub par (to keep this post rated G...)
The roads were wet north of Urim. At first we thought it was the sprinklers, but it continued like that even after Reim Junction.
Shuki stopped for a mechanical a little before Beeri.
I stopped, turned, and asked whether everything was ok.
He said all was ok, and that I can continue.
I continued.
I felt some raindrops, so I was afraid of the rain and didn't stop, and kept riding until Shuki will catch up with me.
I texted him at Saad Junction, asking whether all was ok, and wrote him where I was. He didn't reply, so I figured he was riding.
He texted me after 2 hours, saying he's at Givati Junction.
I replied that I was after Hodaya, and asked what happened there, and he replied all was ok.
I wrote him I'll make contact from the control at Nachshon, as I dind't want to stop because of the rain, and he replied "ok."
I looked at my CatEye, and doing some calculations in my head, I realized we'll be a few km short of 1200.
With all the changes in the route due to road works etc., I was afraid there was a mistake (or two, or more...) and I need to notify Assaf which already finished.
I checked, and checked again, and was still missing a few km.
I couldn't check the Garmin, as the Connect doesn't let you record more than 27 hours - I divided the ride into several records.
When I reached Nachshon I opened the Garmin Connect app, and a calculator, and everything seemed right, and matching the route sheet.
When I was ready to leave Nachshon I texted Shuki, which didn't reply. I waited a few more minutes, and texted him again, that I'm leaving Nachshon, and wished him good luck.
After more than 15 minutes later he texted me that he was in Reem Junction.
I was already near Ramlod Interchange, and texted my location to him.
I felt good and strong all the way to the turn from Road 461 to the Tayasim Road in Tel Aviv,
but then I suddenly felt depleted, and I was crawling.
I regained my strength in Ibn Gabirol, and I was moving fast.
The city was empty, and I enjoyed it.
I finished in a little over 82 hours.
Tal.
My ride report of the volunteers' ride of the Israeli 1200 km brevet of 2018.
The route is similar to the route we rode in 2014, with some minor updates, mainly:
Don't go through Einat because of road works there, so use Road 40 from Petah Tikva till around the airport,
and don't visit Kama (which was a control in 2014.)
4 riders stood on the starting line: Assaf, Shuki, Udy, and myself.
Lina, Shuki's sister, volunteered to help us in Sde Boker and water in the desert sections.
Before the start, Assaf said he'll try to ride in under 80 hours, which at the time seemed fantastic.
I said I'll be happy with 88 hours.
We were at the start in time, but with all the escorts and photos, we started 6 minutes late.
We missed Usy right from the start.
We waited for him in Rosh Zipor, after the footbridge, and I leaned my bike against a bench, and went to look at the Yarkon River.
When Udy arrived - We continued together.
Without noticing it, I bumped the CatEye's sensor, and couldn't notice it because of the darkness.
When we were in a lit area, near the Mall I stopped and fixed it.
Since then, I didn't trust the CatEye's mileage.
It didn't bother me too much, as the Garmin was reliable, and I didn't navigate by distance.
From the Mall to Petah Tikva we rode on the sidewalk, for safety.
At Ganim Junction Udy was with us, but he wasn't i sight in Rosh HaAyin.
Towards Taybe we felt some raindrops, which turned into heavy rain by the time we passed Taybe.
Assaf stopped to put rain covers over his gear, and Shuki and me continued riding.
The rain stopped after a few moments, in Kalanswa.
We didn't ride too fast, hoping Udy will catch us.
We didn't spend too much time at the control in Caesarea - about 6 minutes, which are actually a lot for a picture control.
We saw Udy on the way back, about 10-15 minutes behind us.
We stopped for pastries at Hana Junction, and continued together.
We rode on the sidewalk in Petah Tikva - Too much traffic between Ganim Junction and Sirkin Junction.
The interchange with Road 471 was ok, and we crossed it with no major hassle.
In order to avoid the interchange with Road 1, we turned left at Bedek Junction.
In hindsight, maybe it was better to continue straight at El Al Junction.
Shuki had his chain jumping between two sprockets.
I rode behind him, and realized the cable was "too long" and advised him to turn his regulator anticlockwise.
He turned it half a turn, and said it was better.
Then he told us that yesterday he went to his LBS, to get his gears in order.
He didn't check the new tuning, and didn't ride until the start of the brevet.
Assaf moved forward after Nachshon Junction, and started opening a gap.
I chased him a little, but it felt too fast for me at this stage, and I let go.
Near Bet Shemesh we saw him answering nature's call, and we continued slowly.
Assaf caught up with us before the end of the climb, and a gap opened again.
I caught up with him at HaEla Valley, and Shuki was a little behind.
We all met at the HaEla Junction control.
I needed to check the WC, but couldn't there, so I said I'll start riding, and stop soon.
I stopped near Agur. Assaf went by fast, with Shuki close behind.
Soon after I was back on the bike I caught up with Shuki, with Assaf well ahead, riding fast.
Shuki stopped to regulate his rear derailleur again. I rode slowly till he caught up with me.
He said that he already did 2 full turns, and now it's ok.
We didn't stop in Urim for too long, and when we got to Sde Boker - Assaf was already there, after his shower.
Assaf arrived at 17:07, and me at 17:15
We said we'll all get up at the same time.
I was ready to go quickly, but I waited more than 20 minuted for the others.
We all left together at 22:42.
We rode together till Dimona, where we had food, and continued together.
Assaf was fast at the small climb near Zafit Junction, and Shuki was slow, so I was alone between them.
Descending to the Dead Sea was fun. Not too many vehicles, and no wind.
I didn't need to stop at Zohar Junction, and saw that there's a new bike path east of the road, with shades and inviting benches.
I met Assaf on the service road to Massada, and we spoke for a minute.
On the way back, my calculations showed he was about 10 minutes in front.
I met Shuki on Road 90, more than 20 minutes behind me.
I told him the gap isn't too big, as I intend to sleep a little.
I slept on one of the benches, not knowing whether Shuki has already passed, or not.
I climbed slowly to Hatrurim Junction, as I knew I needed to save some energy for the Big Crater, and I didn't know whether there will be head wind there.
A few km before Zafit Junction I met Lina, who told me that Assaf was a few km in front.
She gave me water and a sandwich, and we spoke a little. She also gave me a mix of nuts.
There was headwind in the Big Crater, and I rode slowly to save energy.
I walked on the climb to Avnon.
I wanted to eat in Yeroham, but it was before 12:00 noon.
I saw a kiosk but they wouldn't accept a credit card, so I left.
At Yaroham Junction I turned right (north, towards Dimona) and went into the fuel station.
After a few minutes I turned south again, and arrived in Sde Boker about an hour after Assaf, who was already in bed.
We've rode more than 600 km by that time, and now (in Assaf's eyes) was the time to split.
He said he's done some calculations at home, and he should start opening a gap starting from now.
Assaf arrived at 11:44, and me at 12:50
When Shuki arrived I told him I plan to start moving towards Eilat about an hour after Assaf. He agreed to join me.
When we woke up I was ready well before Shuki, and waited for him.
Assaf left at 15:10, and me at 16:21
I climbed to Nafha faster than Shuki, and reached Mitzpe Ramon before him.
The convenience store was packed full of people, and I stood in line for a good few minutes.
I bought 1 liter of chocolate milk, and drank it in under a minute.
The crowd was gone by the time Shuki arrived, and I told him I want to make the descent into the Ramon Crater in daylight, and that he should buy something he could consume while riding.
There was strong side wind on the descend to the Ramon Crater, and I felt the beginning of a shimmy, but I overcame it, and continued descending fast.
Shuki descended slower than me, and I rode slowly till he'll catch up with me.
He didn't arrive by the time I descended from Shdema to the Meishar.
The side wind was blowing fast, and the shimmy was very noticeable, so I descended very slowly.
When I was about to finish the Meishar, Lina was in an oncoming car, and stopped to chat.
She was on her way back from stashing water at Zihor Junction, and told me where it was.
She has an app that showed her Shuki's whereabouts.
She showed it to me, and I said he's not too far behind, so I'll wait.
We continued when he arrived.
We slept a little at Shizafon Junction. I wanted to sleep longer as it was comfortable, but Shuki wanted to press on.
By the time we reached Sayarim Junction (about 70 km from Shizafon,) we stopped for 2 more cat naps at bus shelters.
In one of the times Shuki said he couldn't sleep as a car stopped nearby, and disturbed him.
After Sayarim Junction there are no bus shelters, and we were tired.
I found a comm cabinet, which was set in a way that it blocked the chilling wind.
I slept, but Shuki couldn't fall asleep, so he woke me after 5 minutes.
I wanted to sleep for an hour at the control in Eilat, and Shuki was very tired as well, so he agreed.
When we woke we went to a 24 hours cafe, but they don't have any sandwiches too early in the morning, so we had pastries.
There was hardly any headwind on the way out of Eilat, and we made good speed.
I didn't want to stop at Yotvata, but Shuki ran out of water and wanted to stop there.
I climbed slowly to Shizafon as I wanted to save energy, and Shuki was behind me.
By the time he reached Shizafon I was ready to go.
He was efficient, and I laid down, not sleeping.
There was no strong headwind north of Shizafon, and we made good progress, going downhill without any efforts.
We stopped at Zihor Junction to get the stashed water.
I stopped at the top of Paran to take a pic.
Entering the Meishar, Shuki stopped to answer nature's call, and I continued slowly.
He asked me to text him whether I'll go into the Delek or the Alon store.
The Delek store was empty, so I stopped there, and it went smoothly, except an army jeep which almost ran me over (he was driving while looking the other way.)
I texted Shuki as I entered the store.
I got a text from Shuki when I was about 6 km north of Mitzpe Ramon, asking me whether I'm still at the store, and I replied that I already left.
Assaf arrived at 12:49, and me at 18:17
When Shuki arrived in Sde Boker I was already showered and already had some food.
We said we'll sleep 3 hours, and wake up at 22:00, and leave before 22:30.
I was ready by 22:15.
Shuki had some issues with his light, and Lina's husband (who came for the weekend) helped him.
Assaf left at 15:40, and me at 22:44
We rode slowly, enjoying the descends. We said we'll stop at Urim Junction, and Shuki remembered they have Jachnoon on weekends.
I said "I'll try." The Jachnoon was ok-ish, considering it was machine made, but the tomatoe salsa was sub par (to keep this post rated G...)
The roads were wet north of Urim. At first we thought it was the sprinklers, but it continued like that even after Reim Junction.
Shuki stopped for a mechanical a little before Beeri.
I stopped, turned, and asked whether everything was ok.
He said all was ok, and that I can continue.
I continued.
I felt some raindrops, so I was afraid of the rain and didn't stop, and kept riding until Shuki will catch up with me.
I texted him at Saad Junction, asking whether all was ok, and wrote him where I was. He didn't reply, so I figured he was riding.
He texted me after 2 hours, saying he's at Givati Junction.
I replied that I was after Hodaya, and asked what happened there, and he replied all was ok.
I wrote him I'll make contact from the control at Nachshon, as I dind't want to stop because of the rain, and he replied "ok."
I looked at my CatEye, and doing some calculations in my head, I realized we'll be a few km short of 1200.
With all the changes in the route due to road works etc., I was afraid there was a mistake (or two, or more...) and I need to notify Assaf which already finished.
I checked, and checked again, and was still missing a few km.
I couldn't check the Garmin, as the Connect doesn't let you record more than 27 hours - I divided the ride into several records.
When I reached Nachshon I opened the Garmin Connect app, and a calculator, and everything seemed right, and matching the route sheet.
When I was ready to leave Nachshon I texted Shuki, which didn't reply. I waited a few more minutes, and texted him again, that I'm leaving Nachshon, and wished him good luck.
After more than 15 minutes later he texted me that he was in Reem Junction.
I was already near Ramlod Interchange, and texted my location to him.
I felt good and strong all the way to the turn from Road 461 to the Tayasim Road in Tel Aviv,
but then I suddenly felt depleted, and I was crawling.
I regained my strength in Ibn Gabirol, and I was moving fast.
The city was empty, and I enjoyed it.
I finished in a little over 82 hours.
Tal.
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