Please note: Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Israel. The State of Israel requires each visitor to have a passport that is valid for six (6) months after your return date.
Ride Logistics:
All bikes will be taken to the ride’s starting point on Sunday, the first day of the ride.
The ride will end on Thursday of the same week.
We will enjoy a Celebratory Closing Ceremony at Beit Halochem, expected to finish at approximately 6:30 pm.
Bike assembly will take place at Beit Halochem on Thursday and Friday, prior to the ride.
While we do our best to ensure a smooth assembly line, neither Beit Halochem nor any of its contractors assume responsibility for your bike’s assembly or the contents of your bike box, especially if you are not present during the process.
Bike boxes will be stored at Beit Halochem until after the ride unless you are not returning to Tel Aviv. We need to be notified of your plans prior to the start of the ride.
All bikes will be taken to the ride’s starting point on Sunday, the first day of the ride. If you arrive after Friday prior to the ride, your bike will be assembled prior to the start of the ride.
Following the ride, the bikes will be taken back to Beit Halochem to be disassembled and boxed on Thursday, at the conclusion of the ride.
If you have a bike box locking system, please provide the mechanics with your combination and ensure that your bike box is unlocked prior to dropping it off.
While rentals are available, we strongly recommend that you bring your own bicycle.
To arrange for a bike rental in Israel, please fill out this form, and make sure you specify that you are on Courage in Motion. All rentals will be delivered to Beit Halochem Tel Aviv prior to the start of the ride, and we will take care of returning the bike after CIM. You should bring your own seat, pedals and helmet.
Please note: This is an independent contractor, and Beit Halochem Canada does not take responsibility for its reliability, service, or any aspect of the rental.
The ride starts each morning between 7:30-8:30 am, depending on your route. It is important to start early to avoid cycling in the heat of the day.
The ride is split into groups, according to pace, daily kilometres, and difficulty of terrain. All groups offer a quality ride for the varying levels of cyclists and you will not be disappointed. For security reasons, all riders must stay fairly close together within their group. At rest stops, cyclists cannot continue on the route until their entire group has arrived and have had the opportunity to eat and drink.
Your luggage will be transported from each location to our next destination.
We have support vehicles (lead and tail), as well as bike mechanics who cycle alongside us. They are equipped to repair most types of issues on the spot. CO2 cartridges are not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. All checked luggage going to Israel is x-rayed and if cartridges are found, they will be discarded or cause your luggage to be delayed to a later flight. You do not need these on the ride.
It is highly recommended that you bring extra cleats. We will not have the cleats you require in Israel and if yours break, which can occur, you won’t be able to ride. If your bike has unique parts that may need to be replaced in Israel, you are encouraged to bring extras with you.
Nutritious meals, snacks, water, and electrolyte supplements are provided during the ride. If you have a preferred electrolyte powder, please bring with you.
We can look after that—there is a bus following each route should you wish to take a break from cycling.
Travel Logistics:
Israel announced a change in rules for travel to Israel.
These rules apply to visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries. Visitors from countries for which a visa is required for travel to Israel must still obtain a visa as before. The new rule also does not apply to Israeli citizens or holders of an Israeli identity number.
Starting from August 2024, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the State of Israel. A holder of an ETA-IL is permitted to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit.
The ETA-IL will be valid for a two-year period, for multiple trips of 90 days or less within that period. If any single visit will be for more than 90 days, a request for an extension of that stay must be submitted.
All visitors to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before they start their trip. The application for the ETA-IL may be submitted any time prior to travel, but it is recommended that it be submitted at least 72 hours before making any other travel arrangements (tickets, lodging, etc.).
The ETA-IL may be obtained through a simple and fast online application here: https://bit.ly/450NI0v.
The application will first inform the applicant whether they are eligible for an ETA-IL, based on their country of origin. There are then a few basic questions to answer, and a fee of 25 NIS is charged.
A response will be received within 24-72 hours, and sometimes within a few minutes.
The ETA-IL system will open for applications starting June 1, 2024, as a pilot program for holders of American and German passports only. During this pilot phase, submission of an application will be voluntary and exempt from fees.
The system will be open to holders of other passports from July 1st, 2024.
Reserve pre- and post-ride accommodations using our Israeli travel agency’s form here. Or, contact Avigail Kanievsky at Eshet Incoming (avigail@eshetincoming.com).
We have a group rate at Sheraton Tel Aviv and at Agamin Hotel Eilat, our official CIM hotels.
Please note: This is an independent contractor and Beit Halochem Canada does not take responsibility for their services.
Bike travel cases are available for purchase/rental through Bike Box Rentals located at Avenue Road & Eglinton, Toronto. Packing and reassembly services are also available. It is suggested that you book as early as possible by contacting Efraim Ritter at 416.795.5107.
General airline packing instructions: your bicycle must be placed, with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping or in a bicycle suitcase (in the case of collapsible bicycles). Tires must be partially deflated. Rules pertaining to travelling with a bike often change. Please check with your travel agent or airline for the most current information.
While rentals are available, we strongly recommend that you bring your own bicycle.
Each registered Courage in Motion participant (rider/volunteer) is responsible for their registration and sponsorship payments in full. Once registered, participants are strongly urged to purchase the appropriate travel cancellation and medical insurance from a reputable travel agent, insurance company, or other similar provider.
All participants must carry a cell phone with them during the ride.
Once we have all cyclists’ flight information, we will circulate a list to allow for arranging shared transportation from the airport. Regular taxis can accommodate a bike box in the back seat, luggage in the trunk, and one passenger in the front seat.
Please note: The taxi drivers are independent contractors, and Beit Halochem Canada does not take responsibility for their services.
