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ISRAEL : DEAD SEATO
RED SEA CYCLE
Patron Her Majesty The Queen
Registered Charity No. 1059050
OCT
15-22
CHOOSE A CHALLENGE AND CHANGE LIVES
Key facts about the Dead Sea
to Red Sea Cycle 2017
• Five consecutive days of cycling between two famous
seas – 379km
• Via the Scorpion Pass, the Ramon Crater and
spectacular Masada mountain-top complex
• Part of Norwood’s 25-year celebrations
• Includes end of ride celebratory dinner and beach
BBQ in Eilat
• Includes accommodation and meals on cycling days
• 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, Norwood Cycle Challenges 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
DEAD SEA TO RED
SEA CYCLE
OCT
15-22
8 days • 5 days cycling
Challenge rating
379
KM
A tough and rewarding ride between two of the world’s
most famous seas. Undulating roads, tough mountain
climbs, Masada, the formidable Ramon Crater and
other worldly landscapes.
The Dead Sea is not a large body of water but it perhaps has the richest
history of all: from its past as one of the world’s oldest holiday resorts, as
far back at the days of Herod, right up to its status as a global source of
wonder and faith in its restorative qualities. It is therefore a fitting starting
point for a cycling route that takes riders’ breath away with a combination
of stark natural beauty and an embarrassment of cultural and historic riches.
This ride includes a number of steep climbs, up to the magical highaltitude fortresses of Masada and the heart-shaped Ramon Crater – a
volcanic marvel in the Negev desert. A dramatic, truly unique challenge that
ends in the more tranquil yet no less impressive Red Sea port of Eilat. This is
one week that is guaranteed to stay with you forever.
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. Since the 1940s it has become a beacon of
hope for Jews around the world, as well as a thriving tourist destination for
reasons entirely separate from race and religion. The dramatic and varied
landscapes of The Scriptures live on through the country’s world-famous
mountains, warm deserts and welcoming coastlines. It is also one the most
fascinating cultures on Earth and a destination no visitor ever forgets. Riding
the full length of this enigmatic and spiritual land in one week is truly a once
in a lifetime event.
CYCLING IN ISRAEL
One of the greatest joys of biking in Israel is how wide-ranging an
experience it is; and Norwood’s Dead Sea to Red Sea 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 AIRPORT
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER
Travel with the group or meet at Ben Gurion
airport for 14:30 to take advantage of the transfer to
Kibbutz Almog. Bike fitting, enjoy dinner and attend the
start of tour briefing.
DAY 2: MONDAY 16 OCTOBER
ALMOG TO MASADA
CYCLE: SHORES OF THE DEAD SEA - 66KM
It’s a great warm up day of cycling as we start with a long gradual descent,
following the shore line of the Dead Sea on Route 90, pass Qumran and
head into Ein Gedi. It’s a long undulating road but there’s an optional dip
in the Dead Sea at Ein Bokek before we head to the dominating skyline
of Masada.
DAY 2: ALMOG TO MASADA
- 250 m
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DAY 3: TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER
MASADA TO HATZEVA
CYCLE: THE PEACE ROUTE AND THE BADLANDS - 88KM
With an optional early sunrise climb of Masada itself, we’re off again on Route 90
through Ein Bokek. We stop off at the Dead Sea factory for an introduction to the local
geology before turning off the main road to enjoy a gentle descent. With desert
greenery on either side including Tamarisk, this is one of the most diverse nature aras
in Israel – including wild pigs, mongoose, otters and more. It is a fascinating mix of
flora and fauna that only thrives here because of micro-ecosystem unique to this area.
Cycling the quiet desert “Peace Road” on bumpy tracks we head up through the
reservoirs to the “Badlands” lookout and the glorious stretches of sculptured sandstone
and the desert beyond. We stay at the remote Hatzeva Field School.
DAY 3: MASADA TO HATZEVA
-150 m
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THE ITINERARY
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER
HATZEVA TO MITZPE RAMON
CYCLE: THE PEACE ROUTE AND THE BADLANDS - 88KM
This is a day tougher than the relatively short distance suggests. Leaving Hatzeva,
we’re soon off on more impressive cycling routes – with the Scorpion Pass ahead
of us – a thrilling climb entailing 20 switchbacks and gradients ranging from 8-17%.
The effort is rewarded with stunning views and an impressive skyline as we enjoy the
undulating descent down towards the Makhtesh Gadol (The Big Crater in English, yet
still smaller than the Ramon Crater). The serious ascents completed, there are minor
climbs and winding descents until we reach the Yeruham Lake; proud of a tough day
completed. A short transfer and we’re back at Har Hanegev.
DAY 4: HATZEVA TO MITZPE RAMON
600 m
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DAY 5: THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER
MITZPE RAMON TO KIBBUTZ LOTAN
CYCLE: OUR LONGEST DISTANCE AND THE RAMON CRATER – 102.5KM
Now on Route 40, we’re heading towards the formidable Makhtesh; twisting and
turning as we descend into the crater itself, dominated by the magnificent walls
that surround us on all sides. As we exit this undulating path, there’s a series of
challenging climbs, a steady 20m climb, a glorious descent and an “infinity road”
turning into the Paran Valley. Throughout there are awe-inspiring panoramic views of
the desert landscape – all before lunch! There’s relief as the road flattens out and finally
respite, with a stop with a final long steep descent into Kibbutz Lotan.
DAY 5: MITZPE RAMON TO KIBBUTZ LOTAN
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5
THE ITINERARY
DAY 6: FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER
LOTAN TO EILAT
CYCLE: OUR FINAL JOURNEY INTO EILAT – 65KM
Cycling parallel to the now familiar Route 90, we take the old road to
Eilat, following the hidden fence line of a unique nature reserve. Joining
up with our off-road riders, we enjoy the shared camaraderie of tackling
this last glorious stretch to the steps of the Queen of Sheba hotel and
our celebratory dinner.
DAY 6: LOTAN TO EILAT
150 m
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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.
Participants have the option to take a trip across the
border to Jordan and the exceptional historic
architecture of Petra (additional charges apply).
A magical week is rounded off as we celebrate 25
years of international challenges with a beach BBQ at
the Dolphin Reef resort.
DAY 8: SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER
RETURN JOURNEY HOME
Transfer to Eilat airport for internal flight to Tel Aviv
or take our organised 4/5hr bus transfer (supplement
charged) direct to Ben Gurion, 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 Kibbutz Almog. If flying from London, 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 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 4/5hr 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 flight
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 arrive at
the airport at the scheduled time. Similarly you must meet
at the recommended time and meeting point if taking the
return transfers at the end of the challenge.
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. This is in addition to your bike, for which
there will also be an additional charge enforced by the
airline. 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.
7
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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.
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.
HIRE A BIKE WITH US! Your bike hire is included within
the cost of this challenge. Please bring any personal cycling
equipment with you in a named bag. We do not recommend
using cleats unless you are already well practised in using
them. There is no facility for using personal bar ends.
HEALTH & MEDICINE: 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. Single person supplements may be available
upon request.
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 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
You can bring your own pedals, bar ends and
toe cleats and any other personal cycling
equipment to modify the bike supplied, but it
isn’t compulsory
Cycling gloves
Cycling shorts
Small rucksack or bike bag
You may wish to bring a hydration backpack, but
all bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage
to ensure you stay hydrated during the ride
Warm casual clothes for the evening
Something smart for the weekend celebrations
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
A good hybrid bike
Free 25 year celebratory cycle jersey
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)
Extra meals
Personal
cycling equipment, helmet and clothing
Tips
Necessary visas, tours and entry fees
Optional Saturday tour of Petra
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 N orwood 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?
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.
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?
TRAINING
TRAINING
USEFUL TRAINING TIPS
All of our rides are designed to be challenging
but achievable by anyone as long as you train before
hand. 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
B
C
Option
A
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
helpful 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
Stanmore HA7 4HB.
House,
80-82
The
Broadway,
For more fundraising information or materials, please
contactthe 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.