Israel Delight

A trip to Israel

It was in my mind for years now. Too many visitors from Israel, most of them good friends after the end of their riding event here, I had to pay a visit to their land, just maybe to meet some of them and get to meet some more. 

The Dudes

To be honest, this time, if it hasn't been for my good friend Sylviu, my trip to Israel would still be a just a thought.

Desert ending in the Dead sea

The plan? Set up a tent, let people know we are there, at the right place and the right time, it would be a cool event for our company. But there is more.

Betamotors is expanding. Not only in terms of racing, but also regionally. At the beginning of our career in North Star, the fact that we chosen Betamotors bikes was scary, made us feel insecure and  had to try a lot to convince people on the value of the bikes. Time changed everything. Since 2012 the brand has only success in all terms, racing, tech, sales and marketing, so people love them and love us as well. 

Why am I telling about Betamotors in my article for a trip to Israel? Well, because I was lucky enough, to be able to combine my trip there with the grand opening of Beta Israel, plus the presentation of 2017 Beta models of Beta (awesome bikes)

The 2017 Bikes

What a lovely crew, friendly, connected, with great enduro riding past (and future) , lots of ideas and actions. Next thing I know, I am invited to join the presentation and people are asking me on the Xtrainer which happens to be my bike these days and what a wonderful bike this is. 

Me and Idan

The night went well. So did the presentation, the Beer was plenty so were the snacks and people, who gathered in big groups around the bikes to open reviewing discussions, spreading positive news and remarks. 

The Teams

The day after, these guys were supposed to set up their official tent in an event, where Zulu Facebook Group (adventure riders) was making an enduro motorcycle gathering to present all the 2017 models and test rides. What a wonderful event. 

Beta Tent

The past days, we were working with Sylviu on our presentation to that event, we made some prints, brochures, roll up banners and some offers. Another good friend, Moshe, showed up early in the morning to pick us up, with his trailer, so we started working early on this, loaded up the gear and drove to the event area.

Our brochure and business cards

If you are a normal enduro rider you know the feeling. The weather is great, scenery around us is forest and trails and many many bikes. Beta, Sherco, TM, KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, they are all there, showing their beauties, and showing off (of course) with fancy tents, chairs, gear and people. Bikes and riders mixed in to a combination of cheers, happiness, greetings, talks, remarks, admiration and joy.

Riders testing the bikes

I had the chance to test a lot of bikes. Not actually test them, but ride them in the forest, in a place, I was there for the first time in my entire life, but I was also busy, promoting our rides in Greece and our events. The guys were more than helpful, helping me with the language, letting the visitors know about the feeling to participate in our rides, comparing our services with other providers that they had attended in the past. 



What can I say about the Israeli riders? The are cool, respectful, united, supportive and kind to each other. They are used to ride in a hard terrain, with high temperatures and dust. They are hard enduro riders in their majority and love nature. 

Our tent

Israel is controversial. Tradition meets modern times. The green landscape meets the desert. Strict religious people of all kinds survive with crazy party youngsters and bikes. Lots of bikes.  Sightseeing is breath taking, especially if you have hosts like Sylviu and Ronena, our friends there that during our staying, sacrificed time and obligations to make us feel like home and more than welcome. What can I say about the food in Tel Avid, or Jerusalem and it's historical value. How can I describe the wonder of the dead sea and the view across where the mountains turn purple and finally red during sunset. 

Dead Sea sunset

I will definitely be there again, as most of my discussions with local riders ended up in an invitation to ride.

Many thanks to: 

Zulu Facebook Group for such a wonderful event,

 Eddie Kaldes and Idan Levenhaim from Beta Israel, Dany Elyakim from Motorica, and Tomer Shemesh from iDrive for your time, coffee and talks. Zvika, Shachar, Berti, Stolo,  guys it was great seeing you after so long. 
Moshe, you're the man, thank you so much. Amir, nice seeing you again.

Sylviu, Ronena (Henry and the rest, apologies for disturbing your lives) no words can describe our feelings for you after this trip. Nothing would be possible without your love, friendship, support and efforts.