Page 48 - Holyland Magazine - 2023 Edition

The trail from Mitzpe Ramon to Eilat begins begin at the stage that runs from Neot Semadar
from the town of Mitzpe Ramon, located at the to the most isolated and remote town in Israel
rim of Makhtesh Ramon, a geographic feature - Shaharut. On this day (it's tough to believe),
unique to Israel, and as the travel down its we will cross impressive dunes, and towards
length, riders will continue to enjoy spectacular the end of the day, we will look out over the
views of the crater. The route uses the ancient Araba from the Shayarot Range. Tomorrow we
tracks of camel caravans that transported the will face the toughest day of riding yet, close
spices and fragrances of frankincense and salt to 50 km of desert trail, part single track, that
from Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the ports of winds along the Eilat Mountains and descends
the Mediterranean Sea - Gaza, Ashdod and to Timna Park. You need to set out very early
from there to Europe. Down the length of in the morning and take large amounts of food
the trail, you will see Nabatean and Roman and water with you. Anyone who has made it
fortresses. this far, will be able to handle the riding, but for
A glimpse of water and greenery. Photo: Hillel Sussman
those who are not as skilled, this is one of the
The first day of the trail ends at the bottom toughest days on the trail.
Pedaling through the sand. Photo: Shai Giterman, of Makhtesh Ramon, at the well-kept Khan
Adrenaline
Be'erot, managed by the Israel Nature and The prize for making it this far is ending the day
Parks Authority. On the second day, we'll ride in Timna Park. Tomorrow, the last day on the
through Israel's largest canyons - the Nekarot trail is easier and shorter, so take some time
River. After investing much effort, we were able in the morning to explore the network of bike
to create a trail on one of the sides of the river, trails recently developed around the park and
making it possible to ride down the length of ride between its pillar- and mushroom-shaped
the deep and impressive river. While on the rock formations. Set out on the final leg that
trail, we will pass through the ancient inn for ends after a glorious view of the Gulf of Eilat
travelers, Khan Nekerot and Khirbet Katzra. and the neighboring countries: Jordan, Egypt
The day ends at the impressive site known as and Saudi Arabia.
Moa.
What’s still in store?
The third day of our ride begins at the khan This coming year, we look forward to
in Moa and ends after passing a spectacular completing large parts of the northern
desert single-track built by volunteers on segment, from Mount Hermon to Nazareth,
Moshav Faran, which offers an example of the and we may also be able to complete one of
impressive agriculture that developed under the impressive tourist bike paths in Jerusalem,
the extreme climate of the Araba. On the fourth allowing riders to travel through time from the
day, we ride down the length of the Syria- Old City and the Western Wall to the modern
African Rift, southward through the Araba, city, past the Knesset and the Israel Museum.
A coastal view. Photo: Hillel Sussman near the border with Jordan and the beautiful The planning team is currently preparing the
scenery of the mountains of Edom. On the fifth final plans for this fascinating urban route.
day, we will have to work hard to ride or walk
uphill to Ketura, depending on your level of There are still hundreds of miles left to build
fitness. Regardless, within about an hour you on the trail and much to do until we complete
will have made it to the top and be able to look this important national project. Our vision is
down at the scenes of the stage, which ends to fill Israel with bikers from around the world
at Kibbutz Neot Semadar, a green community and bring them closer to Israel through their
with organic farming. And... nothing could be bicycles. In recent years, Israel has rapidly
better than capping off this tough day with a become a biker’s paradise, with hundreds
nice meal at Pundak Neot Semadar. of miles of mountain bike trails throughout
the entire country. Even now, each stage
Every day offers its own peak, and just when we launch becomes a hub for bikers and
you think you've seen everything, you have introduces them to more and more of the
another three incredible days ahead. They country’s hidden gems.

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