Jerusalem to Eilat on desert backroads
From the Judean Mountains to the Red Sea
You may have driven or even ridden to Eilat- but you’ve probably never heard of the forgotten Western Road 10. This road is so hidden that most Israelis have never heard of it. It is open only for special occasions or upon specific approval. This journey will take you on the lesser-known roads, from the scenic hilly city of Jerusalem to the desert cliffs of south Judea, through the western Sinai border, and all the way to the red mountains of Eilat. Since we will be venturing out of civilization, a high level of cycling is required. But in a reward, you will get a glimpse of the real countryside and Israel like you have never seen before.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Experience riding with no traffic on a military road reserved for your group
Accomplish crossing half of the county from the capital to the southern tip of Israel
Experience an authentic, intimate, and historically enlightening connection to this epic land and its vibrant people!
Day 1 – Arrival
Welcoming everyone with an opening ceremony! Enjoy local wine and beer while being introduced to our staff. Going over the tour plan with you, and to answer all your questions. If you brought your bike with you, our mechanic would happily help assemble it and ensure it's ready for action. If you rent a bike from us, the mechanic will make personal adjustments, so you feel as comfortable as if it were your own. If time permits, an optional walking tour of the old city will be offered.
Accommodation: Jerusalem
Day 2 – The ride begins
We will start our day at Bar BaHar, a famous coffee shop for local cyclists. Once fueled up, we will cycle through the famous biblical Judean mountains, hearing the ancient stories while passing the actual sites. You will be following ancient Roman paths that have been continuously used for thousands of years. Continuing to cycle, we will go along the border with the West Bank. Overlooking the dividing barrier, you will get a geopolitical overview from our local guide. As we reach the edge of the desert, enjoy being transferred to a microbrewery for a cold drink, tour, and delicious lunch. You will be spending the night in Arad. Unwind and individually enjoy a sunset view on one of the many lookouts this small town offers.
Accommodation: Arad
Day 3 – Into the Desert
After breakfast, we ride into the backroads of a forest. Pre-1948, before the establishment of Israel, this land was no more than a hilly desert. Today after planning hundreds of thousands of trees, it is the final frontier before the desert continues to the Sahara. You will pass by vineyards and tiny villages before witnessing the lush green turn to dusty yellow as you enter the Negev. We will pass by development towns built quickly in the 50s to host new immigrants. Today they look like oases with buildings standing in amongst the empty desert. Our ride ends at a classic Kibbutz, Mash’abei Sadeh. Once you're showered and refreshed, enjoy a tour of the kibbutz. We may also visit Ben-Gurion's retirement home in Sade Boker.
Accommodation: Mash’abei Sadeh
Day 4 – Road 10 North
Goodbye sweet kibbutz life, we are heading ever deeper into the wilderness. You might be surprised to see many different types of experimental solar fields along the journey. This region is famous for R&D in desert energy and water preservation. You will ride until you reach the border with Egypt, where you will be greeted by IDF soldiers who will open the gates to the restricted area. As this is a private organized tour, you have special permission to ride the notorious Road 10. This is an unique opportunity to have the road to yourself- no traffic at all. Just you, the bike, and your thoughts. By late afternoon you will arrive in Mitzpe Ramon. This is the largest town in central Negev (5,000 inhabitants) and is a beautiful rest stop for the long journey to the city of Eilat. Built on the cliffs of the largest crator in Israel. After you're refreshed and have enjoyed lunch, you can visit the visitor center to learn about this geological wonder, or explore the lovely artsy quarter. Highly suggest returning to sit on the cliff's edge for the “golden hour” – where the sun magnificently changes the crater's colors during sunset.
Accommodation: Mitzpe Ramon
Day 5 – Road 10 South
Continuing deeper into the wild desert today you will be riding the Queen’s Stage. This day has longer climbs and the road is less maintained. The landscape becomes rockier and steeper. In these parts, you might witness wild donkeys- their descendants were gifts from the Republic of Iran- 11 Asiatic Wild Donkeys in the name of relations with the Shaa. With no predators, their numbers are in the hundreds. Wait, Iran? Yes, this was in 1968 pre-Islamic revolution when the new state of Israel and Iran relationship was in good condition. There, riding alongside the border, are fantastic views of the Sinai Peninsula- this harsh desert known as the famous 40-year wandering-through-the-desert journey the Israelites traveled from Egypt to Israel 3,200 years ago. We end our day staying at the uniquely spiritual Kibbutz Neot Samadar. This establishment is known for its unique artistic architecture, organic desert farming, and overall alternative lifestyle.
Ride distance: 132km (option to shorten the ride to 100km)
Accommodation: Neot Samadar
Day 6 – Down to Eilat
On our final riding day, you are treated to a smooth ride with light accents, long descents, and little traffic. This part of the desert is an elevated Plato with no villages- only massive military training bases. Don’t be surprised if you cycle alongside a platoon of tanks. The mountains change colors from yellow to red and purple as you head farther south. These 700-year-old magmatic rocks are unique to this area and what gives the sea nearby the name “the red sea”. Your day will end in the tourist city of Eilat. After refreshments, we will gather together for a farewell dinner to share memories with friends and staff.
Accommodation: Eilat
Day 7 – Relax and farewell Options from Eilat
Spend your last day relaxing in the resort city of Eilat. You can enjoy beach time, shopping, or maybe a massage. If feeling active, we highly recommend scuba diving in the northernmost coral reef in the world. The water is crystal clear with a year-round temperature of 22 degrees.
Transport to Tel Aviv/ Airport or Continue to Petra, Jordan
