Colline, during the King's visit to Abu Dhabi (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
In many respects the State of Israel is a paradise for two-wheeled riders.
The weather here provides excellent conditions with few rainy days and extreme cold is quite rare.
There are views of all kinds and most areas are open for riding and do not belong to private hands.
Conditions that riders in other parts of the world can only dream of.
There is one thing, however, that is difficult to impossible for an Israeli to do, something that is routine in most of the world, for most riders - cross-country trips.
The ability to leave home for a trip "abroad" is almost non-existent. Until that happens, we have to be content with hearing other people's stories, such as that of Colline De Rancourt, who arrived in Israel by bicycle from France through Iran and Saudi Arabia, on Indian motorcycle, Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The map of Colline's journey, from France, across Europe to Iran (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
The French Indiana Jones
Colleen, a 36-year-old French archaeologist began her journey in France and rode along the Adriatic coast, Greece, Turkey and from there to Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
She stopped for a stopover in Israel, and it was an excellent opportunity for us to talk with those who met in the most direct way those who, for us, are still in a completely different world.
What makes a girl get on a motorcycle for a trip around the world?
"I've been riding for about 13 years and so have all my brothers and my partner" says Colleen.
"I've always loved to travel and for me the combination of a trip and a motorcycle is natural. Part of the experience of riding itself is special. Once you ride a motorcycle, you're outside and not locked in a car, much more accessible to the local people and they to you too."
By and large, Israel was not on her list of destinations.
The original plan was to continue to Cambodia, but the geopolitical situation there affected the journey and she decided to change course towards Dubai.
dangerous?
concerns?
"Part of the purpose of the trip was to enter lesser-known areas that have a deterrent factor. In Saudi Arabia, an acquaintance of mine from France, or Jordan, where I previously worked as an archaeologist, was waiting in Saudi Arabia. Israel is not familiar to me at all and I wanted to get to know it as well."
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In Canakkale, Turkey next to a model of the Trojan horse (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
A little different in the landscape...
Today you can find quite a few female amateur riders who do amazing things and you can follow their exploits on social networks.
The biggest ones actually make it a profession, with support from manufacturers in the field.
Colin's story is different in this cosmopolitan landscape.
She made the acquaintance with the local distributor of Royal Enfield, when she entered the agency in Tel Aviv to inquire about motorcycle care.
Shlomi Tevet, director of the Royal brand, understood quite quickly who was standing in front of him and took care of her care and hospitality.
You won't find tens or hundreds of thousands of followers on her Instagram account, and although she shares her story there, she only writes in French.
"I prepared for this trip for three years. In terms of costs - I took as a benchmark the minimum wage in France, about 1,500 euros, and I wanted to show that it is possible to travel, with a motorcycle, for the same amount. In France, there is also the option of taking a sabbatical year, in almost any job, so I also took advantage This. During the preparation time, of course, I saved money for the trip."
A simple motorcycle, cheap to maintain and above all can be repaired almost anywhere (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
However, while the adventure motorcycle category is at its peak, with motorcycles that are only getting bigger and more sophisticated.
Colleen takes a slightly more spartan approach with the choice of the Himalayan.
"The price of the motorcycle was undoubtedly part of the considerations in choosing it. The relatively low seat height was also an advantage for me and so was the weight, in case I had to pick it up if it fell. The simplicity of the motorcycle was also a good reason to choose it. It allows handling alone, if necessary, also in areas less accessible to the western world. Personally, I also liked the look - to me it reminds me of a motorcycle from the movie Mad Max."
At a meeting with bikers in Iran (Photo: Courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
Beyond the financial preparations, the motorcycle also needed changes, even if few: "I replaced the rear shock absorber and installed a reinforced chain and fog lights. I dismantled the back seat and installed a tool box in its place, but not many changes beyond that. I also took a few spare parts with me in case of need, such as pads Brake, filters, footrests and levers.
"Fortunately, with the exception of an electrical fault at the border between Turkey and Iran, where apparently they tampered with my motorcycle at the border crossing and created a short, which a local electrician helped me fix.
I didn't have to use any mechanical links.
Beyond that, I haven't had any trouble, not even an accident."
And if you had encountered problems, would you have been able to deal with them on your own?
"Six years ago I thought of becoming a motorcycle mechanic, so I learned the field regardless of the trip."
in Saudi Arabia.
Unpleasant, almost hostile attitude towards women in general and motorcycles in particular (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
Iran or Saudi Arabia?
Not exactly the most popular destinations...
Despite the Abraham agreements, it will probably take some time before we as Israelis can ride in countries like Saudi Arabia or Iran, so naturally, it is very interesting to learn what the feelings are in these countries in terms of personal safety and the safety of riding itself.
"In Iran there are only small motorcycles, and a lot of them, so you have to be very focused while riding. The Iranians are very hospitable people, huggable and I would even say that they protect you as a tourist. Although at the beginning of the journey in Iran I met a German rider, but later on I mostly rode there alone, without any A problem, I didn't feel unsafe for a moment.
In Iran, the feeling on the part of the population is grateful. For them, a biker is a source of inspiration. I was there right after the riots around the hijab protest started, and despite all that, everyone was welcoming, and more than once they offered me to stay with them." .
In Urmia, Iran, on an old Royal Enfield (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
"In Saudi Arabia the situation is completely opposite. There are almost no motorcycles there and there are hardly any women in the public space, certainly not with bare faces. The looks were hostile and the feeling was very unpleasant."
"In Dubai and Abu Dhabi it was safe, very cosmopolitan, for a moment I wasn't afraid. There are a lot of tourists and foreign workers there. Abu Dhabi is indeed more conservative than Dubai, but you can see everything there - from women walking in a mini skirt to those in traditional clothing."
And how was it in Israel compared to the other places?
"Arriving in Israel was a great ending to the part of the Middle East, because in my feeling it is the closest to a European country. The landscapes and people are indeed different in appearance from Europe - but still the presence of the Western world is very noticeable with you."
Thousands of kilometers, alone, far from home (photo: courtesy of those photographed, Colline De Rancourt)
What moments will you remember from the trip?
"There were many beautiful moments. The welcome from the women's cyclists' organization in Italy moved me very much, and in Turkey and Iran, the warm hospitality accompanied me almost everywhere, and there was a sequence of pleasant events for me. If I had to choose only one moment, I would probably choose Turkey, at the site of Gebakalitpa, one of the ancient places of worship The most known to mankind, and it was a lovely connection between me as a motorcyclist and as an archaeologist. I didn't build the route to reach certain archaeological sites, but anything I could pass along the way and see, of course I took advantage of the opportunity. The color and beauty of the mountains in Iran I also remember as uplifting moments."
What was the hardest moment?
"If I have to choose a negative moment, probably the whole riding experience in Saudi Arabia. The feelings there were really unpleasant and there was a stage when I thought of not continuing and retracing my steps to Dubai."
From the Alps to the deserts.
Here at the Italian-French border (photo: courtesy of the photographers, Colline De Rancourt)
And yet, move on
So what's next?
Are there already thoughts about the next adventure?
"I have been riding for four months and plan to return home before Christmas, when I send the motorcycle from Israel to Greece and from there I will ride home. Later on I have a little plan with my sister's husband: he is German and he has a motorcycle from the East German era at home. We plan to purchase a commercial vehicle and bring the The motorcycle to France. On the way we plan to stop in Belgium, at a friend's place, with whom we want to plan a trip in Asia. On this trip, we plan to purchase the motorcycles locally and not arrive by riding from Europe."
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