Throughout the Israel Ride, you will need to pack your belongings so they can be moved by our crew five times. We strongly suggest packing lightly!

Luggage| Laptops | Day Bags | How Much to Bring

Luggage

We recommend that each rider bring only one piece of luggage. While our crew transports everyone’s luggage between hotels, each afternoon you will need to bring your luggage to your room and each morning return it to the lobby. Some overnights are at motel-style guest houses which can be spread out. At least one hotel is only accessible by stairs and bellhops are hard to get for our early departures, so it is a good essential for you to pack light and in one bag.

Please remember that our crew move over 150 pieces of luggage each day, so we ask that you keep your bags to under 50 pounds (the standard requirements for flying). Luggage is transported in a large truck which is packed tightly. Please remember that we are traveling through a desert so suitcases can get dirty.

Bicycle boxes (both cardboard and hard cases) are transported straight from the start of the ride to the end, where they are stored until the end of the Ride.

Laptops

If you wish to bring a laptop we will transport it in a car, separately from the luggage truck. However, all laptops must be in a dedicated carrying case or sleeve – if a laptop is stored in a larger bag we cannot transport it separately due to space constraints. Laptops should be brought down to the lobby each morning where there will be a designated drop off area. They will be at the Israel Ride reception area when you arrive to the next hotel.

Day Bags

Each day riders can place a “day bag” on the bus which acts as the sweep vehicle for their group. This bag is only accessible at breakfast and lunch, but is a good place to keep extra energy bars, emergency needs, and other items that you might want on the road. Shomrim riders often place extra clothes or shoes in their day bag for the touring portion of the day. Those joining in morning shacharit services at the breakfast rest stop can place their prayer items in their day bag as well.

Day bags are placed under the bus, and often are moved by other riders or by the Israel Ride staff if other items need to be placed under the bus. Please note that since we are traveling through the desert day bags can often get dirty.

How Much to Bring

Please refer the packing list (coming soon) for a full list of items needed or recommended on the Israel Ride.

Bicycle Clothing

The Israel Ride provides one jersey to every rider, which we ask that you wear on Wednesday (the first day) and Sunday. In addition, we recommend bringing two other jerseys. Many riders wash their bicycle clothing at some point on the ride (a hotel sink is usually fine and they will typically dry overnight). Therefore, you do not need five complete sets of cycling clothing.

Mornings can be chilly (although it typically warms up) and there is a possibility of rain throughout the Ride. Be sure to have layers that you can wear while cycling.

Bicycle clothing includes riding jerseys and biking shorts. A bike jersey offers some features you won’t find in a tee-shirt. The main benefits of a bike jersey include back pockets, a long front zipper for temperature control, a long back and shorter front to fit well while riding and a tight fit to reduce wind drag. Biking jerseys are also made of technical material that will wick away sweat. Cotton shirts are not recommended for cycling. The main purpose of bike shorts is to provide comfort during long bike rides. Bike shorts are designed specifically for the needs of a cyclist. These needs include padding in the right places, strategically places seams, tight-fitting, flexible materials like Lycra and spandex that reduce air resistance and allow a full range of motion on the bike, and the right amount of breathability and wind block.

You must bring your own helmet, even if you are renting a bike, to ensure proper comfort and fit.

Regular Clothing

Many riders overestimate how much regular clothing is needed. Remember that you only wear regular clothing for a few hours each night from when we get to the hotel in the late afternoon until after dinner. Evenings and Shabbat are casual, although layers are recommended since it can get chilly in the desert at night.