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ISRAEL : THE ROAD
T0 PETRA
JORDAN, ISRAEL
Patron Her Majesty The Queen
Registered Charity No. 1059050
OCT
15-22
CHOOSE A CHALLENGE AND CHANGE LIVES
Key facts about The Road to
Petra Cycle 2017
• Part of Norwood’s 25-year celebrations
• Five consecutive days of cycling via Jordan – 344km
• Climb to the magnificent Kerak Castle
• Visit the ancient Unesco World Heritage Site of Petra
& Little Petra
• Includes end of ride celebratory dinner and beach
BBQ in Eilat
• Riding as part of a team and alongside the people
we support
Over the past 25 years, we’ve accomplished some
spectacular feats; from the places we have visited,
to the tests of endurance, to the phenomenal
amounts raised. In fact, when we launched our
inaugural event in 1992, we were the very first UK
charity to introduce the overseas cycle challenge.
In the years since, we’ve cycled in America, Costa Rica, France, Kenya
and India – to name a few – and trekked Greece, China and Iceland.
During that time, there’s been laughter, tears, amazing adventures,
friendships that will last a lifetime and funds raised that will change
lives forever.
Many of our international challenges also offer the chance to share the
experience with those Norwood supports – riding tandem or trekking
together, pushing each other to the finish.
Every single challenge offers you the chance to truly test yourself
and achieve your personal best; whether that be time, distance, sheer
endurance, or raising vital funds for the thousands of vulnerable
children and their families, children with special educational needs,
and adults with learning disabilities that Norwood supports.
To celebrate 25 years of Norwood Challenges, we’ve created a
particularly special calendar of UK and international challenges for
2017 – we look forward to sharing it with you.
“
“Everything ran like clockwork, the ground staff were terrific and it
was just such a wonderful experience. In the evenings everyone
mixed with each other brilliantly and I just couldn’t be happier.
The only thing is I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms now.
I’ve been to spin class this morning to start preparations for next year!”
Sam Cohen, Israel Cycle Challenge participant, 2016
We organise a series of cycle and trek challenges every year and we’re
sure there’ll be one that appeals to you. So if you want to be part of
something truly amazing and help change lives, read on…
2
ISRAEL : THE ROAD
TO PETRA
OCT
15-22
8 days • 5 days cycling
Challenge rating
344
KM
Follow this ancient trail in our exciting challenge for those
ready to be wowed by Israel’s stunning landscape – rivers
and lakes, mountain ranges and famous historic sites. Five
days of cycling, including across the border into Jordan, will
see you climb up to Kerak, overlook the Sea of Galilee and
ride up to one of the ancient world’s most breath-taking
wonders, Petra.
The peerless World Heritage Site of Petra, a nourishing feast for the
senses and the soul, would be the highlight of any cycling challenge. But with
Norwood’s Road to Petra Cycle Challenge 2017, the journey is as
spectacular as the destination. From the shores of the Dead Sea, up the
slopes of the Gilboa Mountains and finally drinking in the sights of the
majestic desert road to Eilat, your mind will have plenty to distract your
body from the intense physical challenge you’re putting it through. And
Petra is far from the only historic site you will explore: the mountain top
castle of Kerak and the 6th century synagogue at Beth Alpha alone would
be enough to catch even the most seasoned traveller’s eye. And at the end
of the week Norwood’s 25 year celebrations will give you a chance to swap
stories and enjoy the company of our other intrepid cohort of cyclists and
trekkers before heading home.
ISRAEL
Israel is a maze of contradictions: a new nation built upon ancient lands,
alpine peaks with desert views and a rich religious history embedded in
a modern, multicultural society. The dramatic and varied landscapes of
The Scriptures live on through the country’s world-famous mountains,
warm deserts and welcoming coastlines. Relations with eastern neighbour
Jordan have been stable and relatively amiable for some time now. The
busy Beit She’an river crossing is an impressive and timely reminder of the
fruitful relationships between the two countries. Jordan itself is a
sprawling kingdom full of archeological treasures and heritage stretching
back millennia – all wrapped up in Petra, the jewel in the region’s crown.
CYCLING IN ISRAEL
One of the greatest joys of biking in Israel is how wide-ranging an
experience it is; and Norwood’s Road to Petra Challenge lets you
experience the full range of terrain and climates. There is a newly-opened
custom cycle route from Metulah in the north to Eilat in the south; built
to accommodate the growing number of cyclists flocking from around
the world to experience this magical route. Even the Negev Desert has
bicycle-friendly pathways to ensure nobody gets left behind in the dunes.
Israel is a country that is quickly falling in love with cycling, so this may be
one of the last chances to visit before the locals come out en masse and
commandeer the roads for themselves.
33
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1: SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER
Arrive at Ben Gurion airport for 14:30
to take the group transfer to Ein Gev
Kibbutz Hotel on the shores of the Kinneret.
Bike assembly, dinner and briefing.
DAY 2: MONDAY 16 OCTOBER
EIN GEV TO JORDAN
CYCLE: 75KM, FOLLOWING THE SHORES OF THE DEAD SEA
We start off on bike paths alongside the Kinneret until we re-join the
road for the 1st climb of the tour, 6kms to the Belvoir Castle viewpoint.
There will be a chance to take in the view and visit the castle itself.
We eventually re-join the main road heading towards our lunch stop at Beth
Alpha – a 6th century synagogue on the northern slopes of the Gilboa
Mountains. After lunch we cross the border to Jordan. In the evening
you can unwind with a swim and some leisure time before dinner.
DAY 2: EIN GEV TO JORDAN
1k
500
0
- 500
- 1000
24
68
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
DAY 3: TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER
DEAD SEA TO KERAK
CYCLE: 85KM, THE TOUGHEST OF CLIMBS TO KERAK CASTLE
We start the day with a beautiful, rolling ride beside the Dead Sea, before we hit
the start of the sharp and gruelling climb to Kerak castle at 61km. Take the option of
travelling direct to the top itself for a guided tour, or face this challenge head-on and
break up the ascent with the optional stops along the way. There’s a final cut-off time
for reaching the top (to avoid riding in darkness), so if it all becomes too much, grab
the opportunity of the motorised assistance and a well earned drink. Then it’s a
transfer to Petra Palace Hotel where we check in, have dinner and find all about what
lies ahead in Petra tomorrow.
DAY 3: DEAD SEA TO KERAK
4k
3k
2k
1k
0
- 1000
5
4
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
THE ITINERARY
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER
PETRA AND OPTIONAL “LITTLE PETRA”
CYCLE: 18KM
It’s just a short walk from the hotel to reach the entrance to Petra itself for
a morning guided tour of the Unesco World Heritage site. After the tour,
lunch is served in a restaurant near the hotel after which there is the option
for a stunning and challenging 9km ride to “Little Petra” to explore the less
crowded site and scramble amongst the cliffs before riding back on the same
road to take in the sunset. Luckily we’re back at the same hotel in time for a
swim and a restful evening before we’re back in the saddle tomorrow.
DAY 4: PETRA AND OPTIONAL “LITTLE PETRA”
3.8k
3.6 k
3.4k
3.2k
DAY 5: THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER PETRA TO THE RED SEA
CYCLE: 62.5KM, A DAY OF CLIMBS AND CAMPING
We begin the day with a very steep climb out of Petra, with stunning
views of the mountains and terrain, and continue climbing until the road
levels out at 23.5kms. Then it’s time to enjoy some wonderful downhill
through more stunning desert scenery. We will be passing Bedouin camps,
camels and other wonderful examples of desert life along the route, so have your
camera ready. One more sharp ascent then it’s the “best” downhill all the way to
Roberts Rock. We are camping tonight but the mild temperatures mean we will do so
in comfort.
DAY 5: PETRA TO THE RED SEA
6k
5k
4k
3k
2k
1k
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
5
THE ITINERARY
DAY 6: FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER
ROBERTS ROCK TO EILAT
CYCLE: 100KM, OUR FINAL JOURNEY INTO EILAT
Our last day is a long fast ride along the desert valley floor. We start
at 350m and gradually descend to sea level – hopefully with a tail wind
to help us along. It’s a long straight road all the way to the Wadi Araba
Crossing/South Border where we cross back into Israel at 93 kms. Once
through, there are just a few kilometres until we reach the Queen of
Sheba Hotel for the celebrations.
DAY 6: ROBERTS ROCK TO EILAT
1.5K
1K
500
0
10
15
20
25
35
30
40
45
50
55
60
DAY 7: SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER
A FREE DAY IN EILAT OR AN OPTIONAL TOUR OF PETRA
All riders enjoy a well-earned day off the bike today with an option
to rest by the pool or take a trip across the border for an exceptional
historic tour of Petra (additional charges apply). A magical week is
rounded off as we celebrate 25 years of international challenges with a
beach BBQ at Dolphin Reef resort.
DAY 8: SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER
RETURN JOURNEY HOME
Transfer included to Eilat airport for an internal flight
to Tel Aviv or take our organised 4/5hr coach transfer
(supplement charged) direct to Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv
for the journey home.
6
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TRAVEL DETAILS
Flights:
Outbound: Sunday 15 October 2017/Tel Aviv. You will need
to book your own flights for this challenge but must be at
Ben Gurion airport for 14:30 to take advantage of the group
transfer to Ein Gev. We recommend the Easyjet flight
EZY2083 07:15/14:15 London Luton to Tel Aviv.
Inbound: Sunday 22 October 2017/Eilat. You will be finishing
in Eilat for this challenge and will need to return back to
Tel Aviv for the return flight home. If you are not extending
your stay in Israel, we recommend you either:
1. Take the internal flight from Eilat to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv.
This can be booked via Arkia (http://www.arkia.com/) and
Israir (http://www.israir.co.il/). When booking either of these
airlines, please be advised that it is not uncommon for the
internal flights to be delayed and this should be allowed for
when booking your flight from Tel Aviv. Bus transfers to Eilat
airport are included in the cost of your challenge.
2. Take the 4/5 hr organised bus transfer (at a supplement)
from Eilat to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv. These will be scheduled
to meet the various recommended flights departing on
Sunday 22 October.
If returning back to London, we recommend the Easyjet
EZY2084 15:10/18:40 Tel Aviv to London Luton or the Easyjet
flight EZY2086 20:50/00:15.
You will only be met on arrival for the recommended flights.
If you wish to travel outside of the dates of this challenge but
still take advantage of the group transfers, you must meet at
the specified meeting points at the scheduled times.
Option to stay on: You are welcome to stay on in Israel after
the challenge, but please do contact us at Norwood as soon
as possible and advise us of your plans – this ensures that we
reserve the correct number of places for our return transfers.
Baggage: Your hold luggage should ideally be a soft
shell bag (it can have wheels) with a weight allowance not
exceeding 20kg. Any excess baggage charges must be met
by you. You will also be permitted one item of cabin/hand
luggage. We recommend that you pack a spare set of cycling
clothes in your hand luggage and carry your cycle helmet.
Passport & visas: A 10-year passport is essential. It must
have at least six months validity still remaining. British
passport holders do not need a visa to enter Israel.
Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassy
for entry requirements. If you are interested in taking the
optional tour to Petra on Saturday 21 October, a visa will
be required to enter Jordan. Details will be provided
but please visit www.fco.gov.uk for the most up-to-date
entry requirements.
7
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Insurance: Travel insurance is a compulsory condition
of your booking and should cover emergency medical
treatment, air evacuation and repatriation to your home
country. You should also ensure that it covers you for
cycling in conditions encountered on your challenge.
We will require full details of your policy, including
company name, policy number and 24hr medical emergency
number prior to your departure. Alternatively we can
add you onto the Norwood policy for an additional charge.
Please contact us direct for full details.
BIKE HIRE: Your bike hire is included within the cost
of this challenge. Please bring any personal cycling
equipment with you in a named bag.
HEALTH: You should bring your own regular
medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a
small first aid kit. All participants will be required to complete
our medical form. If you are over 65, we will also require a
medical declaration letter from your GP confirming that you
are fit to undertake this challenge.
ACCOMMODATION: All accommodation is booked on
a twin sharing basis (with some triples) in local Kibbutz
and youth hostels with the final weekend at the Queen of
Sheba hotel in Eilat. There will also be one night of
camping at Roberts Rock. Single supplements may be
available upon request – although NOT available for the
night of camping.
FOOD:All meals and snacks will be provided, with the
exception of lunch on Saturday. These will consist of a buffet
style breakfast at the accommodation, picnic lunch en route
and an evening meal at our local hostel/kibbutz. All meals
provided in Israel 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.
8
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
VACCINATIONS
CURRENCY
All travellers are advised to ensure that their
diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to
date. A booster dose is needed if it is longer than
10 years since you had your last vaccine against
these diseases. The NHS Fit for Travel site also has
information on other precautions to consider.
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.
KIT LIST
We will supply you with a comprehensive kit list once you register to take part. You won’t need any specialist equipment, but you
will need to bring:
ESSENTIAL
OPTIONAL
Your own helmet
Casual clothes for the evening
Cycling gloves
Something smart for the weekend celebrations
Cycling shorts
All personal cycling equipment in a named bag
Small rucksack or bike bag
Two water bottles and/or Camelbac
hydration system
Sleeping bag/liner
WHAT’S INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
All transfers if taking the recommended flights and meeting at the
appointed times
All accommodation (based on twin/triple sharing rooms)
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 cycling days
Back up support vehicles
Local cycling guide
Medical support
Bike mechanic
Free 25 year celebratory cycle jersey
Bike hire
Flights (internal and international) and other associated travel costs
are NOT included in the cost of this challenge
Personal expenses, including all alcoholic drinks during meals
Personal travel insurance (this is a requirement of the trip but
Norwood can organise this for you)
Personal cycling equipment, helmet and clothing
Tips
Necessary visas, tours and entry fees
Optional Saturday tour of Petra
Extra meals
9
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FITNESS LEVELS
WHAT SORT OF BACK-UP IS THERE?
This is a tough cycle ride that has been designed to be
challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you
fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are cycling for
five consecutive days and in hot temperatures, covering
long distances and a mixture of terrain. The
fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this challenge.
Cycling training tips can be found on our website
(www.norwood.org.uk/challenges/training). Why not
join one of our Norwood Cycle Club rides on a Sunday
or our weekly (free!) spinning class? It’s a great opportunity
for you to meet our Norwood team and fellow participants.
There’ll be a strong support team with a professional
ground handling crew as well as local guides and your
team mechanic. Full, comprehensive medical kits will be
taken and we are never too far away from hospitals. An
air-conditioned vehicle will follow the group, providing
support if needed with some space available for those
wishing to take a well earned rest. You will also be able
to leave any spare kit and/or your day bag there during
the day, so there is no need to carry any other equipment
while cycling.
DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE?
No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation
to accommodation by our support vehicles. You’ll need
a small day pack/bum bag/hydration backpack while
cycling, to carry items such as a camera, sunscreen and
snacks etc.
10
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET TIRED?
There are regular rest stops and toilet breaks on the trip –
one in the morning and one in the afternoon, plus a good
lunch stop every day. Don’t worry if you need to take more
rest stops as well 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 is not a race.
TRAINING
TRAINING
USEFUL TRAINING TIPS
All of our rides are designed to be challenging but
achievable by anyone as long as you train beforehand.
You’ll be cycling for five consecutive days, in hot
temperatures and with some challenging climbs - the
fitter you are, the more likely you are to enjoy it.
Whatever your physical condition, the key is to build up
your stamina and strength. You’ll need to increase the
capacity and efficiency of your body’s cardiovascular
system and improve the endurance of your muscles –
building up their repetitive movement strength allowing
you to cycle for longer. Plus you’ll need to get your body
used to sitting on a saddle for 6 hours a day. This is best
achieved by training consistently over a period of time –
so don’t leave it to the last minute! And the best way to
prepare for a cycling challenge is cycling!
If you haven’t exercised regularly for a while or perhaps
never, then you will really need to start training at least
four months before the challenge and begin by cycling
at least three times a week.
Look at our online training guide for full details at
cms.norwood.org.uk/challenges/training.
BOOKING
HOW TO BOOK
Now you’ve read the itinerary and seen what’s
involved, please secure your place by booking online at
cms.norwood.org.uk/challenges or call us directly on
020 8420 6811. Places are limited and are issued on a
first-come, first served basis.
The online registration is payable via Paypal,
credit/debit card or Amex. If you’d prefer to pay by
cheque or bank transfer, please contact us directly.
Options to pay in instalments by direct debit are
also available.
There’s also a bit of form filling to do, but it’s essential
to make sure that all these forms are completed to
ensure that you have the best possible experience with
Norwood. Once we have received your registration,
we’ll confirm your booking and send out regular
updates with everything that you need to know.
Pricing options
C
Option
A
B
Registration
Fee
£395
£1,700
£3,395
Minimum
Fundraising
£3,000
£1,695
--
A = Standard registration and minimum fundraising
B = Cover costs / reduced minimum fundraising
C = Pay outright - no fundraising required
If you sign up to two international challenges in
2017 we will reduce your combined minimum
fundraising target by £500.
Under 35? There is a £500 reduction on your
minimum fundraising.
11
FUNDRAISING
HELP WITH YOUR FUNDRAISING TARGET?
Fundraising is largely a test of imagination, organisation
and perseverance. The more you make your own personal
fundraising campaign stand out against everyone else, the
more successful you’ll be. While you are responsible for
raising the funds yourself, that doesn’t mean we can’t offer
some hints to help you on your way.
Fundraising online
When you sign up to one of our challenges we’ll send you
our fundraising e-kit, packed full of tips to help you achieve
your fundraising target. It will show you how to do everything
from creating your own ‘sponsor me’ email signature, to
getting your Facebook header image to link to your online
fundraising page. The e-kit also includes a step-by-step
guide on how to set up your Virgin Money Giving account.
Virgin Money Giving lets you create your own personal online
fundraising page. It makes collecting your donations quick,
secure and easy. Money raised through Virgin Money Giving
goes directly to the charity, so there’s no need to chase up
donation money.
Fundraising with friends, family and colleagues
We’ll send you lots of ideas on how you can make your
fundraising efforts go further – whether it’s organising a
quiz for your colleagues or a hosting a coffee morning
with friends. If you’d prefer to raise money offline you can
contact the Challenges team to arrange other ways to collect
your sponsorship.
Please remember: we cannot accept cash donations by post. If
you do wish to send in your donations this way you will need to
write a cheque for the amount – payable to Norwood – and
post it, along with your details, to:
Norwood, Broadway House, 80-82 The Broadway, Stanmore
HA7 4HB.
For more fundraising information or materials, please
contact the Challenges team on 020 8420 6834 or
[email protected].
12
HOME
SCHOOL
LIFE
Children and their families
facing individual challenges
Children and young people with
special educational needs
People with learning disabilities
and/or autism, throughout their lives
N
W
E
S
Norwood works with 56 local authorities
and has 55 homes and centres across
London and the South East.
Norwood provides services
for thousands of people.
Follow us
@norwoodchals
It costs £35 million a year for Norwood to
provide our services. Every year we must raise
over £12 million from voluntary donations.
Norwood has a workforce of over 2,000,
made up of 1,250 staff and hundreds
of dedicated volunteers.
norwoodchallenges
norwoodchallenges
Disclaimer: In some cases not all funds raised will go to Norwood and may be used to partially cover participant’s costs.