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explore the ANZAC legend where it was made
22 August 2017
Riding the ANZAC legend

A World War I campaign at the very foundation of the ANZAC legend celebrates a significant anniversary in October this year.

What better way to mark the occasion than with a mountain bike trek and a re-enactment?

In 1917, in territory that is now Israel, the Battle of Beersheva was won with a brave charge by the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade.

Now considered the last great cavalry charge of military history, this defeat of Ottoman forces turned the tide in the region, culminating in the British capture of Jerusalem and ultimately the establishment the state of Israel.

This tremendous significance of the battle, and the bravery of the ANZAC soldiers in the service of the British Empire, will be recognised on 31 October in Beersheva by the prime ministers of Israel and Australia, Benjamin Netanyahu and Malcolm Turnbull.

The dramatic highlight of the ceremony will be a re-enactment of the ANZAC charge by riders on horseback – some descendants of the original soldiers – in WW1 uniform, at sunset as per the original courageous action.

The Beersheva area and the Western Negev Plains have now been developed into a great region for cycling, so Israeli Australian Danny Hakim suggests a mountain bike trek to the battle re-enactment is the best way to explore the ANZAC legend where it was made.

With all proceeds to go to charity, Hakim has organised a set of three options – a two-day, 100km ride; a one-day ride; and a 13km family ride – culminating at the Battle of Beersheba anniversary ceremony.

For more details, read this article by Danny Hakim.

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