How much does the ride cost?

Riders pay a registration fee, and have a minimum fundraising requirement. In addition, riders must cover the cost of their travel to Israel, although nearly all costs on the ride itself are included.

How or why is this a fundraising trip?

The ride supports two organizations – Hazon and the Arava Institute. Both are small organizations that benefit tremendously from your fundraising. We have extensive tools to help with fundraising, including an online donation page and sample letters. We offer incentives to those who fundraise above their minimum.

How challenging is the cycling?

We offer three routes of varying cycling levels so riders can choose the route that is appropriate for their skills. Each route though does have some tough hills, so training for the ride is a must.

What is the on road support like?

We have a fantastic crew of alumni from the Arava Institute who support us with rest stops about every 15 miles. We also have a full mechanic team, medic team, lead cars, sweep vehicles, and cycling leaders. Each evening we have a short briefing describing the following day’s ride and distribute turn sheets for each route.

Do we just ride all day?

Due to the shortness of the late autumn days, we start riding early in the morning. We take extended rest stops for lunch (and sometimes breakfast) on the road. At many rest stops, our tour guide and environmental experts educate the riders about the history of the area and the current environmental issues. Our shortest cycling routes stop cycling at lunch and do some touring in the afternoon.

What is the Jewish content of the Ride like? Do I need to be Jewish?

All the programming during the Ride strives to make all participants feel comfortable and welcome, including those who are not Jewish. The ride education often has a Jewish theme, focused on the Bible or history of the land of Israel. While we take a break from riding on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, all religious programming is optional.

How do I donate to a rider?

The simplest way is to click on the rider’s name from the Rider List and donate via credit card from their personalized online donor page. You can also write a check to mail it to the Friends of Arava (Friends of the Arava Institute, 179 Boylston St. Building P,  3rd Floor, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130). Be sure to include the rider’s name in the memo line.