Information Pack

NORTH to SOUTH CYCLE 12-19 MAY 2019 2019 Cycle Challenge

The magic of the North to South route is that participants will day cycle, participants will gain an appreciation for lesser known cover the entire tiny, but unbelievably diverse, country. aspects of the land and people of Israel.

The landscape transforms from the green Mediterranean of Our route presents a modest challenging ride for all cyclists, the north to the stunning scenery of the arid deserts as we ride whether on tandem or regular bikes, which is why the tour is led south. by the very best specialist local guides Israel has to offer.

The route immerses participants in stunning landscapes and Every day is made easier by breath-taking views and landscapes, invites them to dig deeper into Israeli culture - through this five- and by the encouragement of our expert team.

• Five consecutive days of cycling from Metulla to Eilat - 500km • Enjoy your own road bike for this amazing experience • See all of Israel’s 4 borders; Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt • Includes all accommodation and meals on cycling days • Concludes with a celebratory dinner in Eilat • Meet and ride with some of our blind clients who we support

Although the demands of the North to South route do not leave hid from the same Saul); through Roman history (Beth She’an is much time for extracurricular visits, we will be riding past, one of the most impressive Roman sites in the country); through and will be sure to discuss, some of Israel’s most impressive the kibbutz movement and building of the modern country. historical sites. We have built in time in your route to have an exclusive visit to We will be reminded of Israel’s very long history as we ride past the Ramon air force base which will be a fascinating opportunity sites dating back to the bible such as Beth Sh’ean (King Saul’s body to understand the role and importance of the Israel Air Force in was hanged on the walls of Beth She’an after he was defeated at both the history of Israel, and in today’s defence of the nation. Mount Gilboa by the Philistines), and Ein Gedi (where King David

Following this ‘challenging’ five-day cycle, the group will be well- one of Eilat’s best restaurants, on Saturday night. deserving of some serious relaxation over Shabbat. We will be delighted to have spouses/families join us for the Shabbat will be enjoyed in Eilat – Israel’s ultimate Red Sea Eilat weekend and will be happy to accommodate those wishing ‘holiday’ destination. The group will enjoy a traditional Shabbat to arrive/depart before/after the Friday/Sunday (subject of meal together on the Friday night and then a closing dinner at course to availability). Throughout the ride, the safety and security of participants is our absolute priority. To this end the ride will be accompanied throughout by a team member with full EMT (medic) qualification or higher.

All food provided will be kosher with a kashrut certificate Accommodation over Shabbat will be Shabbat friendly in a available for participants to inspect, with the exception of kosher hotel. Unless otherwise indicated breakfast and lunch the Neot Smadar vegetarian café which only uses kosher and are dairy and dinner is a meat meal. vegetarian organic produce but does not have a certificate.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for blind and visually impaired Israelis, including IDF veterans and victims of terror. We do this by providing them with independence, safe mobility and self-confidence through the assistance of trained guide dog partnerships.

For many blind and visually-impaired people the world can be a dark and isolating place. The Israel Guide Dog Centre for the Blind (IGDC) offers a beacon of light and hope for blind Israelis. The Centre serves as a positive model of social integration, and has dramatically impacted on the lives of thousands of Israelis over the past 25 years.

The Centre was founded in 1991 by Noach and Orna Braun, who you will meet on day one of our adventure. You will hear personally from them how they have facilitated hundreds of ‘guide dog partnerships’. Before the IGDC existed the only way for blind Israelis to receive a guide dog was to travel overseas, to be fluent in English and to receive government approval. Today we offer all blind and visually- impaired Israelis the ability to have a trained guide dog provided free of charge in Israel. Sunday 12th May 2019 Arrival and Israel Guide Dog Centre

Arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be greeted by our guides and representatives. An air-conditioned coach will be waiting to take you to the inspirational Israel Guide Dog Centre where you will be met with refreshments. You will have the opportunity to meet the CEO and Founder of the Centre and his staff as well as a number of blind clients and their guide dogs and you will also enjoy a tour of the Centre. Following dinner at the Centre you will return to your coach to travel north to Manara. Upon arrival at Manara Lodge your staff team will be waiting to greet you. Your bikes will be couriered up to the north separately.

Monday 13th May 2019 This morning once you are re-united and the historic ‘Good Fence’ Metula to Beth She’an with your bike, space will be provided between the two countries through Cycle 108 km along routes 918, 888 & 92 for you to re-assemble your bike. Our which Israel formally provided the trained mechanics will be on hand for Maronite Free Lebanon State with assistance, if required. Later, your much needed access. bike boxes will be transferred to Eilat where you will be provided with Your route today takes you through them again at the end of the cycle. green and lush scenery and close to the drained swamps of the Hula You will meet with our professional Valley and on to the lower Golan tour guides and receive a detailed Heights. You will continue to Lake overview and briefing of the Kinneret, hugging the east side of upcoming five days of cycling the lake, and follow route 90 onto with plenty of opportunity to ask Beth She’an. questions.

Following the bike assembly and checks, transfer from Manara Lodge to Metulla in order to start the ride at Israel’s northern-most point. Metula lies on the border with Lebanon Sunday 12th May 2019 Arrival and Israel Guide Dog Centre

Tuesday 14th May 2019 Beth She’an to Ein Gedi - Cycle 131.5 km along route 90 Today’s route is on the road 90 through ‘Ha’Bika’, we ride in the Jordan river valley on the left side of the Jordanian Moab mountains, with the Jordan river forming the natural and political border between Jordan and Israel.

As we cycle we will see Bedouin and Palestinian villages, understanding a little bit about how they live, and we will ride close to the Palestinian town of Jericho. We descend to the Dead Sea area – the lowest place in the world. Today we will have ridden through a dramatic change of scenery, from the green north into the arid desert scenery of the Judean desert.

Day 4 Wednesday 15th May 2019 Ein Gedi to Yeruham and visit Ramon Air Force Base. 45 km from Yeruham to Ramon AFB Today is a real treat and an experience not to People will have a more leisurely breakfast be missed. today as we will begin the day with a transfer to the ancient city of Yeruham. From here we will We will continue to feel the connection to mount our bikes and cycle a fairly challenging both desert and water with stunning views route to Ramon Air Force Base where we have of both the glimmering Dead Sea and the arid a ‘VIP’ visit and tour arranged for you. Included but richly coloured Judean desert. We will see in this visit will be lunch on the base and some views of the famous fortress at Massada. memorable moments to be explained in more detail once you arrive. From here we will take the coach to our evening stop at Har Hanegev, where your bikes will be awaiting your arrival. Thursday 16th May 2019 Mitzpe Ramon to Ketura 104 km along route 40

Today we ride our desert route along feel as we continue through the desert route 40. We leave the field school and until we reach the Faran valley and ride through the small town of Mitzpe awe inspiring panoramic views of Ramon, descending through twists desert landscape. At Neot Smadar we and turns into the Maktesh Ramon (or will have the opportunity to stop at a Ramon Crater) – the largest erosion ‘desert oasis’ for an additional snack crater in the world. The road undulates stop and respite, before continuing to through the crater, with gentle inclines Kibbutz Ketura. and declines until we exit the crater. We will experience an ‘infinity road’ Friday 17th May 2019 Ketura to Eilat 91 km on route 12

Departing Ketura you will ride route 12 into Eilat. To get onto this scenic road you will need to back track a little from Ketura. You will then ride along the Egyptian border with truly stunning dramatic mountainous scenery as you descend into Israel’s southern most city of Eilat. Upon arriving at the hotel you will be re-united with your bike cases and you will be responsible for packing your bikes into their cases, our mechanic(s) will be on hand should you need assistance.

Shabbat 18th May 2019 Today we have a free day to relax in the country’s most relaxing city! Agamim Hotel (standard rooms) Agamim has a wonderful pool and you are a short walk from the beach. We are able to offer day trips to Petra at an additional cost should this be of interest to any participants. Celebratory dinner at the Ranch House Restaurant.

Sunday 19th May 2019 Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to either Eilat or Tel Aviv airport is available Agamim Hotel (standard rooms) for an additional cost. extending your stay in Israel, we recommend the following for a return back to London. Flights Outbound: Sunday 12th May 2019 Option 1: Take the internal flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. You will need to book your own flights for this challenge but you Internal flights from Eilat to Tel Aviv can be booked via Arkia must be at Ben Gurion airport for 15:30 to meet the transport to (http://www.arkia.com) and Israir (http://www.israir.co.il). the Israel Guide Dog Centre. When booking either of these airlines, please be advised that it is not uncommon for the internal flights to be delayed and this We recommend the Easyjet flight departing from Luton at 07:15 should be allowed for when booking your flight from Tel Aviv. and arriving in Tel Aviv at 14:15 local time. Option 2: Take the 4/5hr organised bus transfer (at a Taking your own road bike supplement) from Eilat to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv. These will be If you are taking your own road bike, this will need to be booked scheduled to meet the various recommended flights departing in as sports equipment at an additional charge. on Sunday 19th May 2019.

We recommend that you hire a hard bike box from your local Note: At the time of publication Wizz Air are planning a direct cycling shop. We can arrange for this on a limited ‘first come, route from Luton to Eilat but this has not yet been confirmed. first serve’ basis and for an additional cost. If returning back to London via Tel Aviv, we recommend the The Easyjet website has the following information regarding Easyjet flight 15:10/18:40 Tel Aviv to London Luton or the transporting bicycles: Easyjet flight 20:50/00:15 Tel Aviv to London Luton.

How to pack your bike Option to stay on You can take your bicycle with you but it needs to packed in the You are welcome to stay on in Israel after the challenge, but following way before it can be put in the aircraft hold: please do contact us at IGDCB as soon as possible and advise us of your plans – this ensures that we reserve the correct • The bicycle must be packaged in a bicycle box or bicycle number of places for our return transfers. bag • Only one bicycle per box/bag is allowed Baggage • The handlebars must be flush with the frame Your hold luggage should ideally be a soft shell bag (it can have • Pedals must be removed or flush against the frame wheels). Baggage allowance on Easyjet is 20kg and goes up in • No other items can be carried in the bicycle box/bag (i.e. 3kg increments if you want more. This is in addition to your bike, clothing) for which there will also be an additional charge enforced by the • We strongly recommend deflating the tyres and packing airline. Any excess baggage charges must be met by you. the bicycle in a hard case where possible to protect your bicycle during transit. You will also be permitted one item of cabin/hand luggage. We recommend that you pack a spare set of cycling clothes in your A non-refundable fee will be charged. A bicycle can be added hand luggage and carry your cycle helmet. at the time of making your booking. Alternatively if you wish to add a bicycle once your booking has been confirmed and your Passport & Visas booking was made online at easyJet.com please login to your A 10-year passport is essential. It must have at least six months My easyJet account and go to ‘My bookings’. Click the ‘View’ validity still remaining. button on the required booking and ‘Add Sports Equipment’ Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassy for from the menu on the right hand side. entry requirements.

If your booking was made through the Easyjet contact centre, Insurance at the airport or by a travel agent you can add a bicycle by Travel insurance is a compulsory condition of your booking and contacting our Customer Service Team. should cover emergency medical treatment, air evacuation and repatriation to your home country. You should also ensure Inbound: Sunday 19th May 2019 that it covers you for cycling in conditions encountered on your You will be finishing in Eilat for this challenge and you will need challenge. to return to Tel Aviv for the return flight home. If you are not We will require full details of your policy, including company Secure storage facilities will be provided wherever possible name, policy number and 24hr medical emergency number prior throughout the challenge at our various accommodation stops, to your departure. but the security of your bike will be your own responsibility during the day, so please bring your own lock for use. If you are bringing your own bike please ensure it is comprehensively insured.

If you do not own a suitable road bike we do have a limited All meals and snacks will be provided, with the exception of lunch number of road bikes for hire. on Saturday. These will consist of a buffet style breakfast at the We can provide prices and specifications on request. accommodation, picnic lunch en route and an evening meal at our Please do advise if this is required by contacting us immediately local hostel/kibbutz. on 020 8090 3455 or [email protected] All meals provided will be kosher. Vegetarians or any other dietary requirements can be catered for as long as we know in advance. Just fill in the appropriate section of your registration form. We recommend you also bring your own preferred energy snacks and isotonic drinks for use while cycling. You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit.

All travellers are advised to ensure that their diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date. A booster dose is needed All accommodation is booked on a twin sharing basis (with if it is longer than 10 years since you had your last vaccine against some triples) in local Kibbutzim and youth hostels with the final these diseases. The NHS Fit for Travel site also has information weekend at the Agumin hotel in Eilat. Single person supplements on other precautions to consider. may be available.

The local currency is the Israel Shekel (ILS). Taking a credit card is recommended. Please let your bank know in advance that you will be travelling with your card.

Equipment List This list is as comprehensive as possible but you should consider bringing whatever items you would normally bring on a multi-day cycle event.

Essential Kit • Your own road bike (we do have a limited amount of bikes for hire upon request) • Your own cycling helmet • Cycling gloves • Cycling shorts or bibs and cycling short-sleeve tops (However many you feel you will need for the 5-day cycle) • Small rucksack • Two water bottles (we recommend 750ml or 800ml bottles) or “Camelback” hydration system • Sunscreen (factor 50)

If you have a preference for a certain type of energy gel, hydration tablet or other supplement please do bring your own with.

Optional Items • Casual clothes for the evening • Smart clothes for the weekend in Eilat activities We recommend that all personal cycling equipment is placed in a named bag WHAT’S INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED All meals on each of the cycling days with specific dietary requirements met on request Drinking water for all cycling days Snacks and fruit for all cycling days Back up support vehicles Local cycling guide Medical support Bike mechanic Flights and other associated travel costs are NOT included in the cost of this challenge Road bike Personal expenses, including any alcoholic beverages during meals Personal travel insurance (this is a requirement of the trip) Personal cycling equipment, helmet and clothing Tips for staff Extra meals / favourite snacks Event branded cycling jersey (can be purchased at time of booking)

FITNESS LEVELS This is an endurance cycle ride that has been designed to be WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET TIRED? challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you train There are regular rest stops and toilet breaks on the trip – one beforehand. Remember, you are cycling for five consecutive in the morning and one in the afternoon, plus a good lunch stop days and in hot temperatures, covering an average of 90 km a every day. Don’t worry if you need to take more rest stops as well day. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this challenge. during the day. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group on the cycle ride to ensure no one is left alone. Remember, this Cycling training tips can be found on the British Cycling website is not a race. at: www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/training-plans USEFUL TRAINING TIPS DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE? Whatever your physical condition, the key is to build up your No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation to stamina and strength. You’ll need to increase the capacity and accommodation by our support vehicles. You’ll need a small day efficiency of your body’s cardiovascular system and improve pack/bum bag/hydration backpack while cycling, to carry items the endurance of your muscles – building up their repetitive such as a camera, sunscreen and snacks etc. movement strength allowing you to cycle for longer. Plus you’ll need to get your body used to sitting on a saddle for 4-6 hours a WHAT SORT OF BACK-UP IS THERE? day. This is best achieved by training consistently over a period There’ll be a strong support team with a professional ground of time – so don’t leave it to the last minute! And the best way to handling crew as well as local guides and your team mechanic. prepare for a cycling challenge is cycling! Full, comprehensive medical kits will be taken and we are never If you haven’t exercised regularly for a while or perhaps never, too far away from hospitals. An air-conditioned vehicle will then you will really need to start training at least four months follow the group, providing support if needed with some space before the challenge and begin by cycling at least three times a available for those wishing to take a well earned rest. You will week. also be able to leave any spare kit and/or your day bag there Check out the British Cycling Training Plans here: during the day, so there is no need to carry any other equipment www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/training-plans while cycling. How To Book Now you’ve read the itinerary and seen what’s involved, please secure your place by booking now and filling in the enclosed registration form.

The cost of this event is £2995 / $3900 / CA$ 5055. You will see that there are three options that allow you to pay the entire cost outright with no fundraising required, cover your costs with a reduced amount of fundraising required, or pay a standard registration amount and fundraise the remainder.

Pricing options: A = Standard registration and minimum fundraising B = Cover costs / reduced minimum fundraising C = Pay outright - no fundraising required

Please ensure that you tick the relevant box in the registration form for which option you are choosing.

Help with your target

Fundraising can seem a daunting prospect, especially if you have 6. Tell people why you are fundraising for this event and how never done it before. their donation can make a real difference to the lives of blind and visually impaired Israelis. Don’t worry we are here to help you all along the way to your target. 7. Once your page is set up, email the link to your friends, family and colleagues, link to your Facebook page and tweet about Any problems just call us on 020 8090 3455 and good luck! it. It’s a good idea to ask those likely to sponsor you with a larger amount first to encourage other sponsors to be just as Online Fundraising generous with their gifts. The simplest way to ask friends, family or colleagues to sponsor you is to set up an online sponsorship page. 8. If you want to place a picture of one of our clients with their guide dog or our Canvelo cycling team on your fundraising Here’s how to do it: page just email us at [email protected] and we will send you some images to use. 1. Go to our approved fundraising website, Virgin Money Giving at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving Online sponsorship saves time as you don’t have to collect donations. It also reduces our costs so we can spend more 2. Select British Friends of the Israel Guide Dog Centre for the money on helping our blind and visually impaired clients. A pdf of blind as your charity. our sponsorship form is attached should you need this.

3. Follow the instructions to set up your page Offline donations Please send in any offline donations with a copy of the 4. Choose your fundraising target, using the minimum sponsorship form. Cheques should be made payable to ‘BFIGDCB’. fundraising target as above. (Obviously we love you to raise Please bank any cash donations and send in a personal cheque more than the minimum!). to cover the amount. Or, if you have an online fundraising page it may be easier to donate to your own page to pay in any offline 5. Choose your page title and team members if you have them. sponsorship. (We recommend that you use your name and some variation of the ISR:N2S CYCLE CHALLENGE wording). Israel Guide Dog Centre PO Box 756 Borehamwood WD6 9JE 020 8090 3455 [email protected] www.israelguidedog.org.uk Registered with

UK Registered Charity No. 1027996