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29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
About the Ride:
FIDF Ride Israel will be an exhilarating trip featuring up to six days of cycling, covering more than
250 miles and ascending over 22,000 feet. This challenging and fun tour will provide riders the
opportunity to experience the beauty of Israel from their bike saddle, visit unique military sites
and learn about the historical and geographical background of Israel and its borders, all while
enjoying the challenge and exercise along the way. Riders will cycle alongside wounded IDF
veterans, who will share their incredible experiences. The strength of these wounded soldiers
will encourage and inspire riders throughout this unique journey through Israel!
Ride Experience and Health Recommendations:
This ride is not recommended for beginner or untrained cyclists. Past experience with long
distance (>50 miles) and multi-day (2+ consecutive) rides is suggested. Although certain skill
levels are not required, there are some challenging elements and it is highly recommended to
prepare and train for the ride. There will be options along the route for bus transportation for
those in need of a break. FIDF Ride Israel is not a race and offers cyclist the opportunity to
challenge yourself while enjoying the beauty of Israel.
Ride Support:
All routes will be accompanied with extensive road support including: mechanics, first-aid, rest
stops, tour guides, and service staff providing food and water. Rest stops will occur every 15-25
miles and will include snacks, fruit, energy bars, water and energy drinks. However, if there is a
specific item that you prefer for your diet or energy, we suggest bringing it on the trip.
Bicycle Information:
There will be the option to rent a bike, but we highly recommend that you bring your own bike
on the tour. Our professional staff will be available to assist you assembling and break down
your bikes at the beginning and end of the trip. You will receive full technical support during
the ride, but please note, while there will be no labor charges, riders who bring their own bike
will be responsible to pay for the cost of any replacement parts that are required.
If you choose a rental bike, we will need your height, as well as the brand and the size of your
road bike at home in order to properly fit you with a bike. Renters should bring your own saddle
and peddles (clipped), but most importantly don’t forget (a must!) your personal riding gear
(helmet, gloves, water bottles, and several sets of cycling clothing). If you would like more
information on the rental bikes, please contact: Daniel Ratner, G2 Travel Operation Manager at:
+972-3-7943535 or [email protected]
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
Flight and Travel Information:
Each participant is responsible for arranging their own flights and transportation to and from
Ben Gurion Airport. Riders will be responsible for getting themselves to the bus departure
location in Tel Aviv (location TBD) on Saturday, October 13th.
Please note: For those who observe Shabbat, please contact the tour agent to help coordinate
travel and accommodation arrangements.
Riders who want to extend their stay in Israel before and/or after the tour may do so on their own. If you need assistance with travel arrangements, please contact: Daniel Ratner, G2 Travel Operation Manager at: +972-3-7943535 or [email protected]
Accommodations:
All accommodations will provide premium amenities and will be comfortable and convenient for the riders. Single and double room occupancy are available. Please mark your accommodation requirements on the registration. Details on pricing are included on the registration form.
October 13 – 16: The first three nights will be spent at the Galilion Hotel. The Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Hula Valley, Mount Hermon and the Galilee and Golan Mountains. http://www.galilion.co.il/en/
October 16-18: The fourth and fifth night will be spent at Isrotel Dead Sea, footsteps away from the shore of the Dead Sea https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-dead-sea
October 18 – 20: The sixth and seventh nights will be spent at Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem, a stylish hotel, located in the heart of Jerusalem within walking distance from the Old City, Western Wall and many other attractions, including Machane Yehuda Market. This is the perfect hotel to discover this beautiful ancient city. https://www.fattal-hotels.com/hotels_in_israel/jerusalem_hotels/leonardo_boutique_hotel_jerusalem/
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
2018 FIDF Ride Israel Itinerary:
The preliminary itinerary of the 2018 FIDF Ride Israel is subject to change due to IDF and security
approvals, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. A finalized version of the
itinerary will be published closer to departure.
Every morning, riders will enjoy breakfast at the hotel prior to departure for the day. Daily lunch (in addition to snacks) will be provided en-route. Depending on the day’s activities, there will be free time at the hotel, nightly group dinners, FIDF programming and a briefing about the following day’s route. Please note that sunrise is around 6:30am and sunset is around 6:00pm.
Saturday, October 13, 2018: Welcome to Israel!
The tour bus will depart in the morning (time and location TBD) from Tel Aviv with a stop at a
Druze village for an authentic lunch, and then on to the hotel for the remainder of the day.
Upon arrival to the hotel, our mechanics will be available to help participants assemble, check and test ride their bikes. Riders will end the first evening with a welcome dinner and informational meeting with details about routes, safety updates and to get excited for the week ahead. *For those who observe Shabbat, please make arrangements to arrive to the Galilion Hotel on Friday afternoon (strongly recommended) to spend Shabbat on location or plan to arrive no later than Saturday evening in order to join the group and start the ride on time.
Overnight Accommodations: Galilion Hotel
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
Sunday, October 14, 2018: Ride Day 1 - Israel-Lebanon Border & Upper Galilee
This day will begin with a visit to one of the IDF outposts on the Ramim Mountain Range, on the
border with Lebanon. Following our visit with the IDF soldiers, we will cycle the length of the
Lebanon border to Kibbutz Bar’am. From there, we will ride along the quiet roads of the Upper
Galilee enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Israel’s northern region overlooking the Hula
Valley, the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon.
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 52 miles Accumulated Climb: 4,974 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1894871372
Overnight Accommodations: Galilion Hotel
Monday, October 15, 2018: Ride Day 2 – Mt. Hermon, Syrian Border & Golan
Heights
We will begin the day with a short ride to visit the IDF base at Mount Hermon the tallest peak in
Israel. This is one of the most significant IDF security bases in the Northern Region of Israel.
Following our visit, we will head back down to the Hula Valley by way of the Druze villages, the
primary population in the northern Golan Heights. The Hill Line is comprised of a series of
dormant volcanoes bordering the former Tapline Road that once connected between Iraq and
Lebanon. On our way, we will stop at various historical sites spread out along the base of the
Golan Heights.
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 64 miles Accumulated Climb: 3,180 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1894875053
Overnight Accommodations: Galilion Hotel
Tuesday, October 16, 2018: Ride Day 3 – Road to the Dead Sea Route or
Optional Rest Day
The group will begin with a bus ride (approximately a 3 hours) south and will have the
opportunity to choose either going directly to the hotel at the Dead Sea to relax and enjoy the
beach or cycle along the Dead Sea shoreline until reaching the hotel.
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 45 miles Accumulated Climb: 2,057 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1894877084
Overnight Accommodations: Isrotel Dead Sea
Wednesday, October 17, 2018: Ride Day 4 – Mount Sodom and the Big Crater
Riders will climb from the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth (approx. 1,200 feet below sea level), toward the city of Arad (approx. 3,000 feet of climb over 12 miles or so) and ride southbound through The Big Crater, one of the world’s natural wonders. We will finish the ride with a steep and short climb up the walls of the Big Crater and conclude in the town of Yeruham. Riders will then be transported back to the overnight (approx. 50 minutes).
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 51 miles Accumulated Climb: 4,993 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1894878107
Overnight Accommodations: Isrotel Dead Sea
Thursday, October 18, 2018: Ride Day 5 – Jerusalem Hills
We will begin our day with a trip from the Dead Sea to the Northern Negev or the Lakhish
region and the border villages of Amatzia and Shekef (approximately a 75-minute trip). From
there, we will cycle by way of Beit Guvrin and the communities of Luzit, Sarigim and Leon
situated on the Judean plains just outside the ancient city of Jerusalem. We will start our climb
in the Judean foothills of Nes Harim. After a short rest we will descend into the German Colony
or Emek Refa'im, and continue our climb to Sataf National Park, where we will conclude the
day's ride and board the bus for the trip to our hotel in Jerusalem.
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 48 miles Accumulated Climb: 5,050 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1896870887
Overnight Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem
Friday, October 19, 2018: Ride Day 6 – Jerusalem Tour
On the final day of the tour, participants will have the opportunity to choose between the
option of a bike tour or a historical walking/bus tour.
The first option will be to cycle the Sovev Jerusalem Bicycle Trail that departs from the center of
the city, passing through some of the most scenic and historical sights of Jerusalem and ending
at the beautiful overlook at Mount Scopus.
The second option is to enjoy a guided bus/walking tour of the city’s streets and the various
historical sites.
29 E Madison Street, #1010 Chicago, IL 60602-4550 ph: (312) 372-8500 fax: (312) 372-8515 [email protected]
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law
In the afternoon, participants will meet back at the hotel with our team of mechanics to
disassemble and pack their bicycles and enjoy free time.
The 2018 FIDF Ride Israel will conclude with a Shabbat Dinner and celebratory ceremony!
Daily Cycling Distance: Up to 21 miles Accumulated Climb: 2,500 feet
Link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1772616260
Overnight Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem
