About The Ride

Support | Three Riding Groups | En Route Education | Shabbat | The Organizations

Experience Israel in a way you never have!

The Israel Ride is an incredible opportunity for you to experience the beauty of Israel from the saddle of a bike. Both rides will be five riding days, covering between 200-300 miles depending on your riding group choice.

The Fall ride will start with two days of riding in Northern Israel, with a route that goes from the Kinneret to the Medierranean Sea. From there, riders will be bussed to the edge of the desert, and will spend Friday climbing up into the Negev and ride to Mitzpe Ramon – where participants will enjoy a restful Shabbat. On Sunday the ride continues through the Negev to the Arava Institute on Kibbutz Ketura. On the final day the route will follow along the Egyptian border through beautiful desert mountains and conclude with a breathtaking descent into Eilat. The Israel Ride ends with a swim in the Red Sea and a celebratory final dinner.

Support

The entire ride is on-road, and is fully supported for your comfort and safety. Participants stay in hotels and kibbutz guest houses. Your luggage will be transported daily and bicycles are picked up from the airport upon arrival.

Police, security, medical staff, and bike mechanics escort the ride every day. Rest stops with plentiful food and water will be stationed at regular intervals. All of the food on the Israel Ride is kosher.

• Chalutzim (Pioneers) is targeted to strong, experienced Riders. Chalutzim ride over 300 miles at a brisk pace and the most challenging terrains.
• Tzofim (Scouts), generally our largest group, rides about 300 miles (60 miles / day), following the standard route.
• Shomrim (Guards) ride about 175 miles (35 miles / day ), have more stops each day and do some extra touring along the way. Shomrim typically are bussed over a portion of the route each day in order to meet up with the group at the end of the day.

During the Ride, tour guides and environmental educators will provide commentary on the history and geography of Israel. The Ride gives participants the opportunity to meet the staff, students and alumni of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, many of whom serve as crew for the Ride.

While the riding groups may be divided during the day, most nights, and for all of Shabbat, the entire group will come together. Shabbat on the Ride is a special opportunity for you to relax and enjoy a variety of different activities. All participants enjoy Shabbat dinner together. In past years, three different types of optional Shabbat services have been offered, including an opportunity to experience the local Yemenite synagogue. Hiking, yoga and lounging by the pool are also popular activities.

Your participation in the Ride supports two outstanding organizations - The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and Hazon.

The Arava Institute teaches coexistence through environmental cooperation in the Middle East. Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians live and learn together on the Arava Institute's campus at Kibbutz Ketura (which riders will visit on the way to Eilat).

Hazon means “vision.” Hazon works towards a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community—as a step towards a healthier and more sustainable world for all. In addition to the Israel Ride, Hazon sponsors the New York Jewish Environmental Bike Ride, runs Tuv Ha'Aretz, the first Jewish CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture), and a conference on Jews, Food & Contemporary Life.