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Ride Details
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2023 ISRAEL BIKE RIDE
NOV 12 – NOV 19, 2023
Immerse yourself in Israel’s stunning landscapes from the Negev desert to the Judean mountains and celebrate the commitment and vast diversity of the United Hatzalah volunteers across the country…on the seat of a bike.
Our Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and Bike Fitting
Arrival and bike fitting: Arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be greeted by Pomegranate Travel representatives. A coach will be waiting to take you South into the desert to the town of Mitzpe Ramon – the starting point for tomorrow’s ride. This afternoon/ evening you will get settled and be fitted for your bikes. Time allowing, you will be encouraged to take your bikes out for a test ride – cycling along the Ramon Crater offers stunning views. You will meet your crew and receive a detailed overview of the upcoming five days with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. You will then enjoy a good dinner and good night’s sleep, ensuring you are ready for tomorrow’s challenge. Overnight: Ramon Suites, Mitzpe Ramon
Day 2 – Mitzpe Ramon to Yerucham
68.27 KM, Elevation Gain 464M
Nice ride on road 40 to an amazing viewpoint in Mitzpe Ramon.
We will finish the day in Dimona with a visit to the United Hatzalah volunteer home and bus ride back to Yerucham. Overnight: Desert Iris, Yeruham
Day 3 – Yerucham to the Dead Sea
85.5 KM, Elevation Gain 617 M .
Today’s epic ride will take us through the big Makhtesh (המכתש הגדול) and the colorful sand site to our first rest stop of the day, from there we will ride to Hatrorim junction for the best part of the day – a long descent to the Dead Sea. Overnight: Leonardo Inn Dead Sea
Day 4 – Dead Sea to Almog, along the Dead Sea
80 km, Elevation Gain – 745 M
A ride on road 90 alongside the Dead Sea with some rolling hills and beautiful views. Overnight: Almog
Day 5 – Bus to Emek Harazim and ride to Beit Shemesh
38.85km, Elevation Gain 631 M
Today on the ride from Jerusalem to Beit Shemesh, we will face the most iconic climb in israel – Nes Harim. We will start the ride on Emek HaTzvaim and from there we will ride to Bait Zait and then climb to Tzur Hadassah and Nes Harim. From there we will have the longest descent of the day to Beit Shemesh, for a visit to the United Hatzalah Logistics Center, the finish point for the day. Overnight: The Orient in Jerusalem.
Day 6 – Nes Harim to Jerusalem
27.km, Elevation Gain 503 M
On the final day’s challenge we will visit the first train station, Mahane Yehuda Market, the Old City and more. We will start the ride from the hotel through the city on the border of the new and old city. Our final stretch will take us down into the Beit Zayit Valley and onto Mount Herzl military cemetery, a site of major national importance for Israel and the Jewish people, where the nation’s great leaders are buried. We will then cycle on to our final destination, the United Hatzalah Headquarters for an incredible finish. Overnight: The Orient in Jerusalem.
Day 7 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
Today we have a free day to relax in the comfort of our hotel. You may choose to join our outstanding tour guide and explore the Old City of Jerusalem, or stroll some of Jerusalem’s charming streets and passageways. After shabbat, we will have a group dinner in Jerusalem. Overnight: The Orient in Jerusalem.
Day 8 – Departure Day
Following breakfast, your coach will arrive to transfer you to the airport.
Support United Hatzalah
With over 6,500 volunteers United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Services organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel.
See Israel Like Never Before.
FUNDRAISING
Your support saves lives.
United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah’s service is available to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. United Hatzalah has more than 6,200 volunteers around the country, who respond to 2,000+ calls every day. They are available around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Fundraising Commitment
Riders commit to fundraising a minimum of $6,500 (USD) in order to participate in the bike ride. Riders who do not meet the fundraising goal must pay the balance in US dollars to Friends of United Hatzalah Inc prior to the ride start date in order to participate. Please note that, in accordance with IRS regulations, payment by a rider to cover the fundraising target balance would not be tax deductible.
Impact Opportunities | ride kit | product dedication | ride sponsorship* |
---|---|---|---|
$50,000 e-bike unit | x | x | x |
$36,000 ambucycle | x | x | |
$18,000 day of lifesaving | x | x | |
$14,000 e-bike | x | x | |
$10,000 train+eqip medic | x | ||
$5,000 medic bag | x |
Fundraising FAQs
Why United Hatzalah?
United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer emergency medical service organization that provides fast and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah’s service is available to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. United Hatzalah has more than 6,500 volunteers around the country, who respond to 2,000+ calls every day. They are available around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This ride is a unique opportunity to meet the diverse individuals who volunteer to save lives across the country and to support those efforts through your participation.
Can I ride to sponsor a specific vehicle or device?
Yes! Starting at $7,500 for a medic bag and defibrillator, up to $225,000 for a Mobile ICU Ambulance, we have many opportunities to sponsor and dedicate a lifesaving device, piece of equipment, or vehicle.
What currencies are accepted?
We are able to receive tax-deductible donations in multiple currencies, including USD, CAD, NIS, EUR and GBP. All donations made to your fundraising page will be tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law in the receiving country. USD donations are received by Friends of United Hatzalah, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), Tax ID No. 11-3533002. CAD donations are received by United Hatzalah Canada, Charity ID 83825 5180 RR0001. EUR donations are received by United Hatzalah France, Association no. W751225617 and donors will receive a CERFA certificate applicable for French donations. GBP donations will be received by British Friends of United Hatzalah Israel, Charity No. 1101329. NIS donations will be received by United Hatzalah of Israel, Charity No: 580465979
Are all donations to my ride tax-deductible?
All donations made to your fundraising page will be tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law in the receiving country. USD donations are received by Friends of United Hatzalah, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), Tax ID No. 11-3533002. CAD donations are received by United Hatzalah Canada, Charity ID 83825 5180 RR0001. EUR donations are received by United Hatzalah France, Association no. W751225617 and donors will receive a CERFA certificate applicable for French donations. GBP donations will be received by British Friends of United Hatzalah Israel, Charity No. 1101329. NIS donations will be received by United Hatzalah of Israel, Charity No: 580465979
What are acceptable forms of payment?
Donors can submit donations online with a credit card directly on your personal fundraising page, mail a check or pay via bank transfer. We recommend against sending in cash.
What is crowdfunding and how will I start fundraising?
Crowdfunding is a form of fundraising that works by encouraging friends and family to support your initiative and the organization by virtue of that support. After you’ve registered for the ride, a member of our team will be in touch to set up your fundraising page. After that, you can start sharing your unique page with people everywhere!
Will you help me fundraise?
Yes! We will help you every step of the way starting with setting up your fundraising page and tailoring it to your needs. We will also share best practices and a fundraising toolkit, content about United Hatzalah and sample emails to send to friends and family. United Hatzalah cannot use its social media, website or newsletter platforms to share your personal fundraising page.
Can I sponsor myself?
You may sponsor yourself, however you will not be able to receive a tax-receipt for donations made to your page in your name.
What happens if I don’t reach the minimum fundraising goal of $6,500 USD?
Riders commit to fundraising a minimum of $6,500 (USD) in order to participate in the bike ride. Riders who do not meet the fundraising goal must pay the balance in US dollars to Friends of United Hatzalah Inc prior to the ride start date in order to participate. Please note that, in accordance with IRS regulations, payment by a rider to cover the fundraising target balance would not be tax deductible.
Questions?
RIDE DETAILS
Fundraising Commitment
Riders commit to fundraising a minimum of $6,500 (USD) in order to participate in the bike ride. Riders who do not meet the fundraising goal must pay the balance in US dollars to Friends of United Hatzalah Inc prior to the ride start date in order to participate. Please note that, in accordance with IRS regulations, payment by a rider to cover the fundraising target balance would not be tax deductible.
Flights
Flights to and from Israel are the responsibility of the rider. On arrival day, the group will be picked up from the airport and trasported to the first hotel. We will share suggested arrival times to best coordinate group transfer.
Accommodation
All accommodations are booked on the basis of two people sharing a room. Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of $1,000 USD, payable to our third-party vendor. This payment is not part of the fundraising total and, in accordance with IRS regulations, is not tax deductible.
Insurance and Safety
You are responsible for your own safety. All riders are required to purchase personal travel insurance.
Meals/Kashrut
United Hatzalah covers all meals for the duration of the ride. Food is all Rabbanut certified kosher.
Fitness
The ride is physically demanding and it is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate level of fitness and are in good health
Bikes
We strongly encourage you to use the bikes we provide, which are road bikes with hybrid capabilities. You may, however bring your own bike. Bike details:
FRAME – Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum
FORK – Steel, straight blades, fender/rack mounts
WHEELS – 700c, 6061 aluminum double-wall
TYRES -Nimbus Reflect, 700x32mm, 26TPI, Flak Jacket protection DRIVETRAIN – 24 Speeds, Shamino Altus
CASSETTE-Shimano, 8-speed, 11-32t
BRAKES -Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Support
The touring route is led by a specialist local guide. You will be also be accompanied by a support and transfer vehicle, and of course, United Hatzalah medics.
Weather
The weather varies throughout the ride, from warm to chilly. There is a also a chance of rain throughout the ride, which can create colder misty days.
Terrain
The majority of the ride takes place on the road, with some off road portions.
Clothing
We provide one jersey to every rider and we recommend bringing two additional jerseys. We will send a complete packing list prior to the trip.
Learn More About Our Ride
REGISTRATION
RIDE REGISTRATION NOVEMBER 12-19, 2023
To help offset the costs of the ride and ensure the commitment of the riders, there is a one-time non-refundable registration fee payable in US Dollars to Friends of United Hatzalah Inc. The registration fee does not count toward the fundraising commitment and is not tax-deductible.
REGISTRATION FEES
Riders who register before June 30, 2023 will receive a Premier Rider cycling jacket.
May 1 – June 30, 2023: $100
July 1 – Close: $250
Current Registration Fee: $250