CYCLE The Negev Desert

1 – 9 November 2008

 EMMS Bike Ride Itinerary 2008

 

The Negev Desert is a fascinating part of Israel and has within its borders the Ramon Crater – a natural phenomenon, with fossils dating back 180 million years.  The ride passes by Beersheva, the southern extent of the old kingdom, crosses the Ramon Crater and takes us down to Eilat on the shores of the Red Sea.

DAY 1 Saturday 1 November

Overnight flight from London to Tel Aviv

DAY 2 Sunday 2 November

An early morning arrival in Tel Aviv, then it’s a 2 hour transfer to Nazareth by air-conditioned coach.  We will visit The Nazareth Hospital, with a chance to see the project for which we are raising funds.  We transfer south via the Dead Sea where we will have the opportunity to swim/float in the Sea. We travel along the shores of this famous sea, the lowest point on earth, and pass Qumran, site of the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls through Ein Gedi, and Massada, famous fortress built by King Herod as a possible retreat in case of defeat in battle.  Although he never used it, Massada became the last Jewish stronghold where some 900 zealots decided to commit suicide rather than be taken into slavery by the Romans.  We transfer to Arad for bike fitting and after an evening meal together we hear more about the challenge ahead from the guides who will accompany us for the week.

DAY 3 Monday 3 November

Arad - Dimona - Yerucham - Mashabe Sade                                                             85km

We start our journey cycling westward on the main road to Beersheva for about 10kms, then head south towards the desert town of Dimona.  Continue to Yerucham through the Negev to our night stop at Kibbutz  Mashabe Sade.

DAY 4 Tuesday 4 November                                                                                              

Mashabe Sade - Avdat - Mitzpe Ramon                                                             62km

We begin the ride on the main Beersheva - Eilat road and pass ancient monuments en route.  Our first port of call is Sde Boker, established in 1952 at a time when there was no road or water supply, just vast plains.  Our route takes us to Avdat, through an area where the Nabatean traders once ruled.  The large buildings we see perched on top of the Acropolis dominate the surrounding plain.  From Avdat we make our way to Mitzpe Ramon through the wilderness of Zin, where the tribes of Israel wandered three thousand years ago on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land.  Our overnight stop is at the Ramon Inn.  In the evening there is a chance to visit the Observatory, where we can hear an explanation of the unique geological features of the area.

 

DAY 5 Wednesday 5 November                                            

Mitzpe Ramon - Ramon Crater                                                                                                45km

Today we circle the Ramon Crater which has yielded rare fossils dating back over 180 million years.  This is an unusual and difficult terrain.  Legend has it that this was one of the stages where the tribes of Israel rested during their desert journey.  The whole area is a nature reserve where pistachio trees, white wormwood (used as a remedy by Bedouins in their tea for stomach pains and colds) and desert rhubarb grow.  Keep your eyes open - you may also glimpse some of the wildlife.  We stay overnight in a Bedouin camp in the crater.

 

DAY 6 Thursday 6 November          

Ramon Crater - Paran - Shacharut                                                                                94km

Today is our longest cycling day.  First we cross the crater to the valley of Paran where the Israeli army started its Sinai campaign in 1956.  From Paran we continue towards Beer Manucha and the plain of Arava, dominated by the mountains of Edom rising in the distance.  We continue south towards the Gulf of Eilat for our overnight at Shacharut. 

DAY 7 Friday 7 November               

Shacharut - Timna - Eilat                                                                                        64km

Our last day of cycling takes us due south towards the Red Sea via Timna and the pillars of King Solomon.  This area contains ancient copper mines - the earliest mining appears to have taken place around 1153BC.  We finish our ride on the shores of the Red Sea in Eilat.

DAY 8 Saturday 8 November

Eilat – free day                                                                                        

A free day in Eilat, where you can relax on the beach, or take one of optional excursions.

Day 9 Sunday 9 November

Travel Day

Internal flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv to connect with the international flight to the UK for our flight back to the UK.

This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change.  Distances are approximate.

Remember, this is not a ‘holiday’ but a challenge which cannot be completed without adequate training.

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