Israel Ride Eligibility

Participants must meet the following criteria:

• FUNDRAISING: Commit to meeting the minimum fundraising requirements (see below).
• AGE: Riders must be at least 12 years old. Please note: this is a very strenuous physical undertaking – your child should be mentally and physically prepared. Riders under 18 years old must cycle and remain with parent or guardian at all times.
• HEALTH: Be in good health. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as a pacemaker, we may require a doctor’s note. If you have any doubts about your health, please see a doctor before you begin your training.
• INSURANCE: Participants must carry health insurance to join the Israel Ride, and are responsible for all personal medical costs incurred during the Israel Ride. Personal insurance may not cover all oversea expenses. We strongly recommend supplemental traveler’s insurance, including: Health/accident coverage, Medical evacuation, and Trip cancellation/interruption. (We suggest viewing travelinsurance.com.)
• Due to the nature of some hotels along the route, the Ride is not 100% ADA compliant. Questions? Contact us.
• COVID COMPLIANCE: At the time of the Ride, all riders must meet the current requirements for entry to Israel, including the necessary level of vaccinations and boosters. 

Registration Costs

Registration fee does not count towards fundraising as it is not tax-deductible. All costs listed are in USD.

Self-funders will be issued a tax receipt after December 31 stating the amount personally donated and the value of goods and services that are not deductible. For the 2022 ride, the value of goods and services received by riders will be $2500. Please contact IsraelRide@friendsofarava.org for more information.

We strive for 50% of our fundraising to go to our beneficiary while the remaining 50% of our fundraising and 100% of our registration fees cover Ride costs.

Please see below for additional fee and upgrade information.

Additional Fees

Other costs you are responsible for include:

• Bike Fees: Each rider must either rent a bike or cover the costs of transporting your personal bicycle within Israel:
  • $125 to bring your own bike (covers transport and storage throughout Ride, including bike transport to/from the airport)
  • Rentals: $325 Hybrid Bike; $425 Road Bike. All rental bikes are owned or vetted by the Israel Ride.
  • Limited $600 Class 1 E-Bike rentals – requires advanced permission. Please email us.
• Phone: all participants must have a working cell phone with data in Israel. We use text messaging to communicate while on the road, and to reach you in an emergency. We have a rental discount for 019 Mobile here. Their SIM cards, cell phones, and MiFi devices are available for pick up in the Ben Gurion Airport upon your arrival.
• Tips for the ride crew who provide luggage transport and on-road support for the week ($100-$200 suggested per rider)
• Incidental costs incurred during hotel stays, including internet and alcoholic beverages.
  
• Israel Ride merchandise (for purchase on the Ride and online) as well as any shopping purchases during the Ride

Optional Upgrades

Single rooms are available for the full week or just Shabbat. (No singles at Ketura.)

• Full Week Single Room: $950 Upgrade.
• Shabbat Guests: $425 Upgrade. This fee is for Friday and Saturday nights. This fee is per guest who will share a double occupancy room with the host at our secondary hotel, the Ramon Suites. All guest overnights include: Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Shabbat services, and other activities.

Scholarships

Young Rider Scholarship

A limited number of partial scholarships for young riders may be available. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more.

Rider Cancellation Policy

The registration fee is non-refundable. If a rider registers and is not able to join, then the registration fee will be used to defray the general expenses of the Ride.

Regardless of when you cancel your participation, donations are non-refundable but can be reassigned to another rider. Please contact us to learn more.

Rider Credit Policy:

Should the entire 2023 Israel Ride be postponed or canceled, riders will be eligible for a 100% refund of the registration fee or full credit of registration fee and fundraising to 2024.

If a rider cancels at least 60 days before the Ride (on or before August 31, 2023): The registration fee can be held as a credit towards registration for the 2024 Israel Ride, minus $200. If the cost of registration rises for the next year’s Ride, the rider will be asked to pay the difference between the fee that they paid and the actual registration fee for the 2024 Israel Ride. Add-ons are fully refundable.

If a rider cancels within 60 days of the Ride (after September 1, 2023): The registration fee is non-refundable and cannot be rolled over. Add-ons are not refundable.