Biking in Eilat

The Jack

I´m going to visit Eilat in Israel in march. I´ve heard that it is an excellent place for cycling, but information is rahter hard to find- a lot of the local websites are in hebrew. I would therefore appreciate any hints on bicycling (both mtb and road) in the area: Routes, the possibilities to hire a decent bike, prices etc.

yer gran

No idea how relevant this post will be as I'm going back 17 and 14 years here.
However......there's bugger all roads into and out of Eilat.
Main road along Jordan border thru Negev and I believe there was something running along the Egyptian border with a turn-off for the airport, (never rode that one).
Off-road is full of possibilities. I used to hoon around the many desert tracks on an early mtb belonging to my moshav farmer boss.
WATER! You cant take enough! Even in March could see temps in the high 30's. Bank on 5 litres a day. Running out will give you a particularly horrific insight into DESERT THIRST!
The trail riding is exceptional. I never found anything but general maps, but if you're confident with a compass and remember to mark your route with cairns then go wild.
No idea if you're day riding or touring, but a trip into the Sinai is recommended. Check this before you go, but you used to be able to get a Sinai only visa for 7 days from the border crossing at Taba.
I think there has probably been more tank tracks through that region than bike tracks. Again, no real maps, so its up to you. Bedouins are good people to talk to for route possibilities.
On Sinai roads "MIGHT IS RIGHT", so be prepared to pull over sharpish to avoid busses/trucks.
Fantastic part of the world.
Good luck, have fun.

Justpush

I went to Eilat on a coach tour of Israel, about 20 years ago.
Eilat was pretty much the worst part of the whole tour.
They've probably built even more concrete monstrosities now.

Truly one of the worst places I've ever visited.
Sorry to be negative but I really can't think of anything there I would want to see again.

As already mentioned you can never have enough water to drink.
I drank 4 ltrs straight off, such was my dehyration and that was from just walking.

jibi

I have to agree,


the road south to Tabah Heights across the border into Egypt is the best road to take.... one way .

In the Negev , if you go there . watch out for army patrols, they ripped my bike apart and left it in pieces, I had to rebuild it alone.

have fun, swim with dolphins and look at dead coral if you go into the sea

george