Itinerary

The Israel Ride is a seven day experience. We begin with a day for registration, orientation, building and testing your bike. The adventure continues with 5 days of riding with a day of rest (Shabbat) in the middle.

The North and The South

We are thrilled to announce that our 2012 Israel Ride will feature some of the best cycling in Israel. This includes two days of cycling through the northern forests followed by three days in the south, riding on the open roads in the Negev desert.

The route is still being finalized, but highlights include:

  • Riding along the northern border road
  • Visiting the bird sanctuary in the Hula Valley
  • Climbing the Golan Heights (strong riders only!)
  • Cycling around the majestic Kinneret
  • Relaxing over Shabbat in Mitzpe Ramon
  • A full day of riding in the open desert
  • Entering Eilat for a final ride to the Red Sea

Daily Itinerary

The 2012 Israel Ride route is still in development.
All details listed here are tentative. As we finalize our route options we will add more details including mileage and accommodations.

For more information about the pace of the day, please see the Daily Routine and Cycling Experience pages. Closer to the ride we will post a full list of hotels and route details.

Pre-Ride (Mon.) | Orientation (Tues.) | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Shabbat | Sunday | Monday | Closing and Post-Ride (Tues.)

Pre-Ride | Monday, Oct. 29

We hope to offer a pre-ride touring option, and will have options to book additional hotel rooms for those arriving before the Ride formally begins.

Orientation in Acco | Tuesday, Oct. 30

Our orientation will be near the city of Acco in northern Israel, on the Mediterranean Coast. Participants gather at the for registration, orientation, bicycle assembly, and a practice ride. It is important to leave yourself plenty of time to assemble your bike or find the proper rental bike, and take a test ride. We will provide information regarding transportation options to our start point.

The Northern Border | Wednesday, Oct. 31st

Riders will take a short bus ride to the heart of the Upper Galilee to begin our ride. In the morning, we will ride through the forests of the Galil, passing by small rural communities on the Lebanese border. We will then descend from the mountains to the Hula Valley, and visit the new bird sanctuary. November is prime bird migration season, when over 10,000 birds may be present. We will spend the night in the far north, in the shadow of the Golan Heights and Mt. Hermon.

The Hula and the Kinneret | Thursday, Nov. 1st

We will explore the various sources of Israel’s primary water system – the Jordan River and Sea of Galilee. We will traverse the length of the Hula Valley, full of farms, kibbutzim, and the headwaters of the Jordan River. We ride around the majestic Kinneret and learn about the water crises in Israel. Our hardiest riders will detour to climb up some of the Golan Heights. We will end the day with a ride into Beit Shean, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Northern Negev to Mitzpe Ramon | Friday, Nov. 2nd

We will start the morning early with a bus ride to transfer to the south. We will begin riding in the northwestern Negev, on the desert plateau above the Dead Sea. Our first day of desert riding will take us through small towns that serve as modern oases in the arid climate. We will visit Sde Boker, the historic site of David Ben Gurion’s kibbutz home and grave with views of the dramatic ravine at Wadi Zin. We end the day ascending to Mitzpe Ramon, overlooking the unique Makhtesh Ramon, a geological phenomenon not to be missed.

Shabbat in Mitzpe Ramon | Saturday, Nov. 3rd

Celebrate Shabbat as a community in spellbinding Mitzpe Ramon. Rest and rejuvenate yourself in this beautiful desert environment. Enjoy this much needed day of rest through a variety of prayer options, discussions, hikes, and relaxation. Learn more about the work of Hazon and the Arava Institute during optional sessions on Shabbat.

Mitzpe Ramon to Kibbutz Ketura | Sunday, Nov. 4th

After a spectacular descent into Makhtesh Ramon, travel across the heart of the ever-changing Negev landscape, stopping at a desert Ashram and an organic cafe. End the day with another dramatic descent to Kibbutz Ketura, home of the Arava Institute. Shomrim will have the opportunity to arrive at Ketura earlier to tour the experimental orchards and the kibbutz. At Kibbutz Ketura, relax by the pool and take a tour of the Arava Institute.

Overnight: Ketura Guest House

Kibbutz Ketura to Eilat | Monday, Nov. 5th

On the final day of riding, we will ride to the southern tip of Israel – Eilat. Chalutzim start with a climb out of the Arava valley, one of the steepest climbs on the route. There are two roads to Eilat – one follows the Egyptian border and the other is next to Jordan. Our final route will depend on our police permits, but we will all enter Eilat for a triumphant ride through the city to the beach. After a swim in the Red Sea we head to bike packing and a final banquet.

Travel Day | Tuesday, Nov. 6th

Your bikes will be trucked up to Tel Aviv to meet you at the airport when you are ready to depart, and we will help you make arrangements to return to the center of the country. You also have the option to extend your stay in Eilat or experience a tour of Petra. You can make arrangements for these extensions on our Tour Extension form available a few months before the Ride.