Desert BikeAir
Amazing Mountain Biking adventure in the Negev desert
February 28 – March 4, 2019
An amazing 3 days mountain biking adventure through the Negev, Israel’s magnificent southern desert.
Plus Optionals: Sugar Trail, Jerusalem, Timna Park
Just book the next Desert BikeAir tour – Feb. 28 – Mar. 4 / 2019
We will take care of all the rest.
The Israel Bike Trail, Israel’s spectacular southern mountain biking path, runs mainly on flowing singletracks, along pristine and uninterrupted desert landscape. We invite you to enjoy the trail, the amazing vibe the desert creates, and make new mountain biking friends from all over the world.
Package includes it all: Accommodation in unique desert khans, optional high standard bike hire, all food needs, including authentic local food, local desert made wines and free local craft beers, full logistical support, airport transfers.
Tour is guaranteed regardless of number of participants.
Itinerary
Day One – February 28
Pick up from Tel-Aviv airport at 18:00
Meet the team, your tour mates, prepare your bikes or get to know your hired bikes, and enjoy the opening dinner.
Accommodation:
Desert Shade – A very basic but great vibe eco camp, located right next to Mizpe Ramon.
Day Two – March 1
Mizpe Ramon to Machtesh Ramon
Yo Negev! Here we come! Celebrate the trip’s kick off by riding high up on a magnificent cliff, hugging the rim of Machtesh Ramon, the world’s largest crater, 40 km long. Say hello to the Negev ibex and eagles who make this cliff their home. Use an ancient camels path to descend to the crater’s floor, and ride through magnificent geological formations colored adobe red, turquoise green, pitch black and desert brown.
- Riding Distance: ~45 km;
- Uphill: 190 meters.
- Downhill: 710 meters
- Total: -520 meters
- Accommodation: Desert ‘khan’ in the Ramon Crater. Campfire and cold beer under million stars, and a great vibe!
Day Three – March 2
Machtesh Ramon to Tzofar
Exit the Machtesh (Crater) through the Nekarot creek, and ride along the world famous Spice Road, where merchants made their way to the east thousands years ago, climb up a thrilling single track, negotiating huge surfaces of dark stone. Crossing to the other side of the mountain range, you will slide fast to the remains of the ancient Nabatic town of Moah. From there, ride North to an agricultural settlement named Tzofar, where we’ll spend the night. Riding distance: ~40 km.
- Uphill: 350 meters.
- Downhill: 540 meters
- Total: -190 meters
- Accommodation: Desert Khan near Tzofar
Day Four – March 3
Shaharut to Timna park
From your night camp, you’ll be picked up by our private bus to Shaharut, a remote village and desert community, where you’ll start your trip’s last riding day… and a most spectacular finale. From Shaharut, ride high up on a mountainous single track offering a dazzling desert scenery. Riding way above the world-famous Timna Valley Park, you will observe the remains of ancient copper mines built by Kings Ramesses, David and Solomon. You will also take in the incredible Timna sand rock formations and natural sculptures and arches. From there, you will start a tantalizing descend heading to the Red Sea, riding along spectacular wadis, canyons, and mountain ridges. Ride ends at the amazing colorful Timna park,
- Riding distance: 50 km
- Uphill: 530 meters.
- Downhill: 820 meters
- Total: -290 meters
- Accommodation: Desert khan in Timna park
Day Five – March 4
End of Tour
Following breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport.
Flying home from the Tel Aviv airport, you can either use our transfer (a 5-hour ride),
or board a 50-minute flight (for ~€100).
Additional Options
February 28 – Sugar Trail & Jerusalem
Enjoy the famous Sugar trail sliding in the desert east of Jerusalem + a short and amazing urban ride in beautiful Jerusalem.
- Price: 49 Euro per person
- Price includes: Guiding, transfers, beverage
- Price does not include: Lunch & additional bike hire day
- Pickup: February 28, 7:00, Ammunition Hill (Givat HaTachmoshet), Jerusalem
March 4 – Half day ride in Timna park
Timna park, where our tour ends, is one of the most beautiful parks in the world. We invite you to ride the new 30 km singletrack found in the park. A quite easy singletrack demonstrating the present mother nature gave to this piece of land.
- Price: 46 Euro per person
- Price includes: Guiding
- Price does not include: Food & additional bike hire day
- Transfer: After the tour you’ll be transferred to the airport and/or Tel Aviv
Riding
The very high standard Israel Bike Trail is a combination of flowing singletracks dirt roads, with a few technical challenges that can be easily negotiated on bike or on foot. Bike-friendly for both experienced and casual MTB riders, the trail is well marked and easily followed without a map or a GPS.
Each day, mountain bikers wake up and start biking whenever they’re ready. Biking is either on your own or in small groups – which-ever suits you best. Our experienced mountain biking guides will be last on the trail, bringing up the rear and helping out when-ever necessary.
Bike Hire
We invite you to hire one of our brand new Trek Fuel EX 9 27.5 (*), offering 120mm Fox suspension, Sram X1 1×11 gear, Shimano XT brakes, and off course an adjustable seat post.
In addition, we’ve got 15 Trek demo bikes of all types – ask us for the full list.
Bike hire price is 40 Euro per day.
In case you consider bringing your own bike, we recommend a full suspension bike of 100-140mm travel.
Gear: We recommend a back pack capable of carrying 3 liters of water, basic fixing tools, and some food.
Regular helmet is off course mandatory, sun glasses. Protective gear is not required, unless you are used to put them on in any ride. Basic first aid is always good to have.
You’ll need two suites of biking clothing, something warm to wear in camp during night time, and that’s it. Your personal bag will be transferred by our crew from each accommodation to the next, so there is no need to schlep anything along the trail..
Food and Drink
Each biking day ends with a campfire and cold beer under the stars, leading up to a sumptuous dinner with meat and vegetarian options. Each day starts with a generous Israeli breakfast, then pick up or make your lunch pack, and head out for another incredible riding day in the Negev!
Safety
Our 4-by-4 vehicles, equipped with all the necessary gear to help solve problems along the trail.
International Vibe
Meet people from all over the world sharing all the love to mountain biking. Ride with them during the day, and join them during the evening for a local craft beer next to the campfire. Can you imagine the vibe?