Jerusalem to Petra and Back 2020

This Ride has been Cancelled

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Note: before signing up for this ride, please consult the current US State Department cautions for travel in this area -- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html

OVERVIEW: Come join us as we embark on one of the world's great journeys, following in the footsteps of biblical stories and heroes, as well as TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), as we start this 14-day tour by exploring the Holy City of Jerusalem in its anticipation of the holiday season. Following our time in Jerusalem, we cycle south to the Dead Sea and Masada, floating in its salty embrace and soaking up the history of the region. Continuing south, we head up the winding Scorpion's Ascent for grand views of the Arava Desert and make our way to the Negev Desert, eventually reaching the water-sport Capital of Israel, Eilat on the Red Sea and then crossing into Jordan to the seaside town of Aqaba, Jordan. After we explore its grandeur, we will experience first hand the enchanting Wadi Rum Desert that so enraptured TE Lawrence, even spending a night in a Bedouin Camp. And then the prize: we cycle to Petra, the ancient Nabatean City, one of the world's new seven wonders. After more exploring, we will cycle into the Jordan Valley and return to Israel, stopping in Jericho before our triumphant return to Jerusalem. We stay at the Ibis Hotel overlooking the Old City and its walls.  With nearly all meals included and wonderful happy hours featuring local microbrew beer, wine and middle eastern snacks, this promises to be an epic tour! Tandems and E-bikes are allowed on a case by case basis - please contact the ride leader before signing up.

RIDE RATING:  The tour is approximately 400 miles in total and we climb about 23.000 feet.  While the average climb is about 2300 feet a day (level 2), we do exceed this on days 5 and 12.  These two climbs, the Scorpion's Ascent and Mt. Nebo are both very challenging with pitches exceeding 12%, but they are both quite doable. The average daily distance is 43 miles, but there are 3 days with distances over 50 miles.  Riders should be capable of riding these distances and elevations.  The roads are all paved and in reasonably good condition.  While Gordon Active will transfer luggage and be available for emergency support due to injury, illness or mechanical problems, it is expected that riders be willing to cycle the entire ride, except for group transfers.  

WEATHER:   The November weather should be ideal in the southern desert area and aided by cooler temperatures, mornings in the mid-50s F, daytime highs in the 70s F, and minimal rainfall. It is the perfect time to ride the southern part of Israel and into Jordan and the winter flowers should be in bloom. In Jerusalem, the average November temperatures are in the mid-60s by day so a jacket at night is recommended.

LODGING & MEALS:  The lodging includes 3 and 4 star hotels/resorts (in Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Aqaba) as well as guest house/hotels that have grown from the Kibbutz movement, and a Bedouin camp. They are very clean and many have available excellent spa treatments (not covered). The meals are served buffet style and include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and will even leave cyclists full!  For those chosing to arrive a bit early, accomodation can be arranged in Jerusalem for the cost of $120/night/pp double occupancy. 

LOGISTICS:  All participants should plan on arriving into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv no later than November 5. There will be an optional bike tour of Jerusalem on the morning of November 6 for those interested. Gordon Active can help with transportation to/from the airport upon request.

Day 0: Nov 5 - Independent Arrival in to Israel 

Day 1: Nov 6 - Arrival in Jerusalem (optional bike tour, bike fittings, welcome dinner)

Day 2: Nov 7 - Jerusalem to Dead Sea (62 mi., 2788' ascent) 

Day 3:  Nov 8 - REST DAY Tour Masada and enjoy the Dead Sea

Day 4: Nov 9 -  Dead Sea to the Peace Trail (50 mi., 2493' ascent)  

Day 5:- Nov 10 - Peace Trail to Yeruham via Scorpions' ascent (37 mi, 3746' ascent) 

Day 6:  Nov 11 - Yeruham to Mitzpe Ramon (34 mi., 2057' ascent)

Day 7:  Nov 12- Mitzpe Ramon to Kibbutz Lotan (63 mi., 1968' ascent) 

Day 8:  Nov 13 - Kibbutz Lotan to Aqaba (45 mi., 2500' ascent) 

Day 9:  Nov 14 - Aqaba to Wadi Rum (25 mi. 1000' ascent) 

Day 10:  Nov 15 - Wadi Rum to Petra (30 mi, 1900' ascent) 

Day 11:  Nov 16 - (REST DAY) Tour Petra, transfer to Madaba 

Day 12:  Nov 17 - Madaba  to the Dead Sea via Mt Nebo (45 mi., 4761' ascent) 

Day 13:  Nov 18 - Jordan to Jericho/Jerusalem (19 mi., flat) 

Day 14:  Nov 19 - INDEPENDENT DEPARTURE 

COST & ADMINISTRATION:  The cost for the entire 14-day tour is $4,86.00 per person and includes 13 nights accomodation in double occupancy rooms, 13 breakfasts and 13 dinners, as well as 10 lunches.  Also included are daily briefings and happy hours featuring local beer, wines and snacks.  Cold water and snacks/drinks for riding days are provided.  Any luggage delivery/portage fees, and tips for the guides and local staff, are covered by the tour cost.  Also included are an air conditioned vehicle when the group is transferred, cycling guide, luggage transport vehicle, a Gordon Active  tour t-shirt, entry fees to tourism sites, storage for bike cases, maps and handouts. FIT files will be available for download prior to the ride.

The price does NOT include the following:  Bike rental, (high end light weight road bikes are available directly from Gordon Active, ($420 for a road bike and $340 for a hybrid), cost of replacement tubes, tires and parts for non-rental bikes, exit tax from Israel - $30, visa fee to Jordan - $60, exit tax from Jordan - $15, personal incidentals at hotels. 

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY:  We welcome single participants, whether you share a room with another single or you choose to pay a solo supplement of $949.  If you wish to share a room with another single, it’s preferable that you try to find your own roommate, and then notify the Ride Leader of your intended roommate.  If you do not have a roommate in mind, the Ride Leader will assist you by providing names of other singles looking for roommates.  If you sign up for this tour and pay the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be given until June 15, 2020 to find a roommate.  If you are unable to find a roommate, you will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee and processing fee) or pay the $949 single supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, you may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. 

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If the cancelling participant cannot be replaced, Gordon Active will charge the following amounts:  $50 for cancellation 60 to 46 days in advance (9/7 to 9/21), $1000 for cancellation 45 to 31 days in advance (9/22 to 10/4), $3552 for cancellation 30 to 8 days in advance (10/5 to 10/28), $4179 for cancellation 7 days or less in advance (10/29 to 11/5). There may be additional costs that cannot be recouped so, remember, if a rider cancels and cannot be replaced, the rider may not receive a full refund.

If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP:  To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description.  When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online.  Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $2000 will be due. Final payment of $2860 will be due on August 1, 2020.  BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description. Wait listing is encouraged.