Frequently Asked Questions

Bike Logistics

How do I transport my bike?

Participants are responsible for getting their bike to and from Israel. Most airlines allow bikes as checked baggage but may charge as much as $300 each way. Some airlines do not charge for this service. Quality rentals are also available

If I bring my bike, do I need a bike case?

A bike case is not required, but is highly recommended. An alternative is to pack your bike in a used bike box that you can get from your local bike shop.

Do I need to schlep my bike case me when traveling with the group in Israel?

Upon your arrival in Israel, the logistics of moving your bike will be taken care of by the tour. You will be taken to our hotel in Tel Aviv and your bike will meet you, fully assembled, at the beginning of the bike tour in Nahariya. Your bike case will be waiting for you in Sha'ar HaNegev.

What happens with my bike when the ride concludes?

Your bike case will be waiting for you in Sha'ar HaNegev. Once packed it will be transported to either the airport or your hotel in Tel Aviv

How can I rent a bicycle in Israel?

We have arranged a group rate for bicycle rentals at Rent-a-Bike LTD. Please don't wait to reserve your bicycle as the supply is limited.

What kind of bicycle should I use?

A Road Bike.

Can I use a tandem?

Yes, they work best with another rider to help pedal.

What happens if I get a flat or have a mechanical problem with my bike?

The sag wagon will be available to help with mechanical problems. We recommend that each rider carry spare tubes, patches and a pump or CO2 cartridges for self repair.

Can I leave the trip for a day or two and then rejoin the group?

Yes, but you are fully responsible for the costs and transportation associated with leaving the trip. Alexander Muss can help advise and make the arrangements for you.

I’m arriving several days before the ride, will there be someone to pick me up at the airport?

Transportation will be provided to Tel Aviv from the airport between April 8 and 10.

What happens if I get sick on the trip and can’t ride?

A sag wagon is available for participants who do not wish to ride a portion of a ride.

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Travel Logistics

Can I have single occupancy?

Yes, for an additional fee

Do I need to stay in the same hotel with the group on the first night?

Yes, all participants need to stay in the hotel as of Saturday, April 10th.

What hotels are available near the start?

The group will stay at the Dan Panorama in Tel Aviv. We have arranged a group rate at the Dan, so if you would like to arrive early, please identify yourself as a Bike Israel participant when making your reservation

Are my flights to/from Israel included?

No, Participants are responsible for arrangements and cost of travel to Israel.

What flights should I take to/from Israel?

You should arrive in Israel in time for the kick-off dinner on April 10th.

Can I extend my visit, either before or after the ride?

Yes, Participants are responsible for all costs and arrangements

If I make a deposit, am I guaranteed a spot on the trip?

Yes if your deposit is accepted for the trip (not the waiting list), your spot is guaranteed if you also meet all fundraising/payment milestones.

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Security/Safety

Will we ride through any dangerous areas?

Safety of our group is paramount in planning each day’s ride.

How will our security be maintained?

Trained security and medical technicians will accompany the group each day.

Traffic in some areas of Israel is very heavy, and they aren’t accustomed to many cyclists. Will we be safe in places like Jerusalem?

The route has been planned to avoid areas with the heaviest traffic to cyclists. We will not ride in dense urban cities such as Jerusalem but will ride just outside of the densest areas

I don’t speak Hebrew. What happens if I get lost?

A written itinerary will be provided to each participant with each day’s route and destination in English and Hebrew. Additionally, the group will be available by cell phone. We have arranged a group phone plan. Please contact TBD

What happens if I have a crash or some sort of injury?

Medical technicians will accompany the group each day.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

YES. Nobody will be permitted to ride without a helmet.

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Itinerary and ride related

Will I be able to keep up with the group? Do I need to keep up?

This is not a competitive ride. You will ride with people of similar riding abilities. A sag wagon will be available for riders who fall behind. The experience of riding in Israel will be enhanced by daily lunch and programs packed with learning and fun.

What should I pack?

Below is a suggested packing list

• Sunscreen
• Hand lotion
• Hat
• Flip-flops or après ride/excursion shoes
• Sweatshirt
• Small bag for things needed on the ride (carried by the sag)
• Pump
• Patch kit
• Tire-irons
• Tube (I have a bunch from UCC that I can dole out or bring)
• 3 or 4 bike clothing kits, preferably 4. We will have one laundry day. Should include shorts, jersey, socks, gloves .
• Optional: arm and leg warmers, shoe booties, etc
• Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Bike shoes
• Base layer clothing( to wear under jersey)
• Water bottles (2 large size min)
• Bathing suit
• Casual clothes for the trip (should include at least one pair of long pants and respectful shirt for Shabbat and meetings with MOP)
• Camera
• Journal
• Medications (per individual)
• NSAID -Tylenol, Advil etc
• Toiletries
• Muscle soother (Ben Gay)
• Money for incidentals, gifts, etc
• passport
• If bringing bike, your bike and all the tools needed to put it together
• If renting, pedals and hopefully tools needed to put the pedals on (if non-standard)
• Light jacket for rain
• Bike computer (maybe just for those that don’t need much of an install)
• Cellphone or rent in Israel

Will I have any free time during the trip?

Yes, All meals are planned and there will be programming scheduled most day but you can feel free to explore on your own as long as you are ready to leave with the group each morning. Saturday April 17 is a free day in Jerusalem.

What will the weather be like?

Very similar to San Diego.

Will there be guides to explain what we see?

Yes

What is the elevation of the trip?

Similar to San Diego Coastal and Inland

Will I be able to do laundry on the trip?

Laundry service will be provided

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Special needs

I am strictly kosher. Will I be accommodated?

Yes

Are there any age restrictions?

No one under 18.

How can I observe Shabbat?

Friday evening and Saturday will be spent in Jerusalem.

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Money related

Is the deposit or any money raised refundable if I can’t make the trip?

No.

I wasn't able to attend the ride in 2009, what about the deposit and money that I raised for the Bike Israel 2009?

You may apply the funds raised in 2009 to Bike Israel 2010. Please note that the Bike Israel 2009 registration fee will not be applied to Bike Israel 2010

How can I and/or my friends and family make a donation?

It's very easy to make a donation to a rider. Donations can be made in one of three ways:

• Use Active.com. You can donate to a rider using your credit card. Your donation will be reflected on the rider's page immediately. Please note that a donation can be made to support a specific rider, or to support all of the riders.
• By check. You can write a check payable to "UJF San Diego" and deliver to UJF San Diego. Please write "Bike Israel 2010" and the rider's name in the memo. These donations will be reflected on the rider's page within two weeks of the check being submitted to UJF
  
  Please send checks to:
  4950 Murphy Canyon Road, suite 100
  San Diego, CA 92123
• Via your donor advised fund. Please request funds transfered to UJF San Diego. The request must reference Bike Israel 2010 and the rider's name. These donations will be reflected on the rider's page within two weeks after the DAF transfers the funds to UJF. Please note that most DAFs transfer funds either monthly or semi-montly

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Physical preparation

How much training should I do before the trip?

Your fitness level should be sufficient to ride at least 50 miles per day for a week. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the ride.

Am I required to participate in the Sunday morning preparation rides?

No, we would encourage you to participate in all activities with the group before the trip. Meeting the participants and sharing your in preparation will add to your enjoyment of the entire experience.

I don’t know if I’m strong enough. How can I determine if I’ll be able to make and enjoy the ride?

Preparation is the key to enjoying this experience. Almost anyone can reach the level of fitness required to complete the ride.

How do I know if I will be fit enough to ride the whole way?

The ride is in April next year which means that there is plenty of time to get into shape and to train. We will start training in January and if you stick to the training program, you will be able to ride. Any multi day ride is tough, even for the most seasoned cyclists. It hurts to get back in the saddle day after day. But, this is really offset by the experience and a little ibuprofen.

The terrain in Israel is very similar to San Diego and we will do many rides here which will prepare you for the routes that we will be riding.

If you want to do this ride, you should be able to ride about 40 miles, including a hill like Torrey Pines. If you start the training with this kind of solid base, we will work with you to ensure that you are ready for our ride….BUT, you have to be committed and disciplined.

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Other

I would like more than one Jersey. Can I order additional jerseys?

Additional Jerseys will be available for purchase.

There is a limited supply of Bike Israel 2009 jerseys available for purchase.

Can my family stay with me while on the ride? Can they meet me at the end?

Anyone traveling with the group on the ride will be responsible for the entire $10,000 contribution. The event in Sha'ar HaNegev will be open to family and friends of the rider for no extra charge. (We will need confirmation of this participation in advance)

Will there be trophies for the fastest riders?

No

How many riders will participate?

We are planning on a maximum of 40 riders.

Who will staff the trip?

Alexander Muss Institute. (http://www.amiie.org/)

What is included in the trip?

• Sponsorship includes all your expenses on the ground in Israel
• Eight day fully supported bike tour, which includes six days of riding, plus an optional bicycle tour of the Sha’ar HaNegev after the last riding day
• All group meals
• Quality accommodations
• Pick up and drop off from Ben Gurion Airport
• Approximately 50 miles of bike riding per day
• Tour leaders
• Mechanical support
• Support vehicles
• Spirit of the event is to enjoy the people and the land and support our friends in Sha'ar HaNegev
• See Israel from a new perspective via the bike
• Daily "mini-tours" of the land and the people by experienced guides
• Concluding celebration in Sha'ar HaNegev with dignitaries

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