On the road to Bethlehem for John and his fellow pedallers was Nabi Musa, a Muslim shrine in the desert, reputed to be the burial place of Moses.
Then in baking heat they cycled another 13km into the heart of the desolate and beautiful scenery, before starting a 10km trek across the desert.
John said: “This was tough going, as there was of course no shade en route.
