A feeling of happiness hovered over me.

This happiness emerged about two years ago when I was introduced to the community.

I followed the HLC challenges and the Discover, and last year when Discover ended, I told myself, that's where I want to be, and so I reached April 4, 2024, standing at the starting line. I embarked on this journey, which for me is more a journey than a competition. During this journey, I used all the "tools" I had acquired over the years, and with their help, I reached the finish line.

The course, even if it needs improvements, was great, passing through various regions in our country and discovering small, new places within these regions, and magnificent landscapes.

The experience is immense, thanks to the amazing community here, Thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported, to those who came and met me along the way, you gave me the energy to continue.

It's enjoyable and fulfilling to be part of such a group, we'll continue to do so and even more.

My first attempt was two years ago. I signed up for the half HLC, and my goal was to finish three days. I found myself crossing the finish line second in the race. This experience made me change many habits in my life. Being conscious of nutrition and a routine of sports got me back to the weight I was in the army, and to a cycling fitness that left all my friends behind. I wanted to do the full HLC mainly to tackle the desert. It's a significant and physically daunting challenge. I trained seriously and felt ready. A week before setting out, I caught COVID. I was definitely bummed. Then I discovered there was another competition. Discover, a race that aims to be less stubborn and more participant-friendly. So last March, I set out, and on the first day, with excessive confidence, I burned through the climb to dawn and my Achilles tendons. From there, I continued with my father as my main support for most of the way. I met a dear person and benefited. I struggled with terrible pain, pedaling mostly standing up. The atmosphere was uplifting, and instead of continuing north, I cut to the Knesset in Jerusalem. At this point, after the initiation, I understood that the competitive event is the cherry on top of the preparation. The preparation is the significant and very rewarding part. I went on long weekend rides. I learned that it's fun to ride in the rain and cold. (I gave up snowboarding) I rode in crazy heat. And the goal was to do the full HLC this year. Well, no need to explain, but I ended up going to Discover. Honestly, not in the shape I was in last October. Because who thought about riding? I was very happy to meet the community again that's forming around the event. (She'll kill me for the nickname). This year I had a work plan, and I'm satisfied that I stuck to it to the end.

1. Don't overdo it and burn out at the start

2. Don't get injured

3. Don't arrive at night to Mitzpe Ramon and Har HaMasa.

4. Average over 120 per day. So from this perspective, I met all the goals. I arrived in Jerusalem without strength. Swollen face and the pulse didn't rise to a level that allows fast riding. I immediately understood that the next challenge was mud. I don't race against mud. I also don't take to the road. So I did what a mature and considered person would do. I pushed my bike onto a bus that took me home to the Golan Heights. Many thanks to Elad who's lifting something amazing here. And to Keren, who I think is the wind in the sails. Let's hope next time there will be more international participants. More women who already had a respectable representation this year. And even more participants. Ah.. Discover, not much less grueling than the HLC.

Less than 2km from the finish line, you will find a train station that will take you to any other train station in Israel - this is the best option!

Yes! You can also do that, but you are still fresh, so a few hours by bus is much cheaper

Planning to start from Lehavim? Great!
We are glad to tell you that there is a train to the starting point and we recommend to reach there in evening and starting in the morning