Home >> Israel By Bike >> Why a Bike Trip? Why a Bike Trip?

We believe that a well-organized outdoors trip is a simply spectacular way to experience a country like Israel. There is no better way to really get a sense for the land and the nature around you. Why Israel? The secret is that Israel is a simply amazing and unique country for outdoor touring. And through our trips, we are eager to share that secret with the world. What makes Israel so special for a biking-based trip?

Diverse terrain
Situated at the geological crossroads of three continents, Israel is full of breathtaking terrain. And what makes Israel's land so special is that within its narrow borders, bikers are exposed to a very broad spectrum of eco-systems and terrain. You will see transitions from alpine prairies, rolling mountains, snow-covered peaks, winding rivers, sandy shorelines, lush green fields, vast desert wilderness, and of course, the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. All of this can be found in a country roughly the size of Rhode Island. You really have to see the terrain to believe it.

World class trail network
In addition to having the right natural resources, Israel boasts a great road and trail network. Paved roads are generally wide enough and maintained in order to comfortably accommodate cyclists. "Aggressive" car traffic can be a problem in some areas, but for the most part, there are enough quiet back roads to provide road riders with a serene touring experience [note: Israel By Bike! trips do not cycle on Israeli roads out of safety concerns]. Mountain bikers are in for something special. Because the Israeli culture embraces outdoor activities, an extensive network of dual-use mountain biking trails has been developed over the years. Bikers can expect to see fire roads, technical single track, and hard-packed desert where pretty much everything is a trail. Tying all of this together is the Israel National Trail (Shveil Hotzei Yisrael). Like the Appalachian Trail in the United States, Israel's National Trail covers the entire north-south length of the country (~850kms). Participants on Israel By Bike's off-road trips are sure to become very familiar with its distinctive orange, blue, and white trail markers.

Year round biker-friendly climate
Israel is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean and benefits from the mild weather characteristic of other well-known Mediterranean countries. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are tepid and occasionally wet. Bottom line: every season is biking season in Israel.