International Flights | Renting vs. Bringing a Bike | Bike Transportation

International Flights

Each participant is responsible for their own flight to Israel – we do not arrange group flights.

You should schedule your flights in order to be present at the orientation and the closing dinner:

Plan to arrive in Israel by 9 am on Tuesday, October 30th.
Plan to depart Israel after 7 am on Tuesday, November 6th.

If you are extending your stay in Israel, you can book extra nights at the opening and closing hotels.

Renting vs Bringing a Bike

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bike to Israel. On a ride of this length, you will most likely be more comfortable on your own bike that you have been training on. However, we do have a limited number of hybrid and road rental bikes available to rent.

Our Hybrid bikes are FUJI brand, which have a good climbing gear and upright handlebars which cost $125 to rent for the week.
We also have a limited number of Specialized road bikes which cost $225.

We assign rental bikes on a first-come first-serve basis. While we assign you a bike based on your height, we encourage you to come to the hotel early so your bike can be adjusted by our mechanics. If you choose to switch to a rental bike at the last minute, we cannot guarantee you a rental bike.

We do not provide helmets with the bike rentals – you MUST bring your own helmet. We also suggest that you bring any special accessories that will make you more comfortable including your seat. The bikes come with regular pedals, and we can install toe cages if you like. If you use cleats with cycling shoes you must bring your own pedals. Our superb mechanical staff will be able to help you make any necessary adjustments to your rental bike.

Bike Transportation

Flying with Bikes: In order to bring your bike on the airplane, it will need to be disassembled and stored in a special bike box you can buy or rent. Bicycle storage boxes range in style and price.

Most airlines will allow bikes on board as your second piece of luggage and will add an over-sized luggage charge. Be sure to ask about this before booking your ticket. Often if you have elite frequent flyer status the fee can be waived or lowered.

BikeFlights is our recommended travel service. They can:

• Ship your bike to Israel if needed
• Find flights with minimal and bike fees
• Provide insurance for you and your bike

Before the Ride: Starting the week before the Israel Ride an Israel Ride crew person will meet you at Ben Gurion airport and take your bike from you. Your bike will be safely stored until the Tuesday of the Ride, when bikes will be delivered to the starting hotel for assembly. We will have mechanics on hand if you need assistance. If you arrive earlier than a week before the Ride, we can arrange to store your bike at extra cost.

During the Ride: After building your bike, the empty boxes will be safely stored until the end of the Ride. Each night, your bicycle will be stored in a secure area, which will be locked or guarded all night. You do not need to bring a bike lock with you.

After the Ride: When you arrive at our final hotel, your bike case will be waiting, ready for you to pack up your bike. All the bicycles will be taken to Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday evening. Before you depart on your international flight, you can call our storage company who will meet you outside the terminal. If you are extending your stay for more than a week, there may be an extra charge for bike storage.