A growing number of Israelis and tourists say the only way to really see the country is on two wheels. The latest track to open is a 32-kilometer route through the Ben Shemen Forest – making it one of the longest cycling trails in the country.
The new route is part of a one million shekel bike trail project that Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael KKL-JNF is developing.
“KKL-JNF is 110 years old today and is focusing on the establishment of biking trails throughout Israel,” said Efi Stenzler, KKL-JNF World Chairman. “I invite you to ride safely and enjoy the beautiful scenery.”
The Ben Shemen biking trail is composed of two paths that pass through the western part of the Ben Shemen Forest and continue up to Modi’in Forest. One trail is an intermediate 10 kilometer circular route that begins and ends at Mitzpe Modi’in; the second trail passes through the oldest Cyprus Pine forest in Israel before hooking up to the Anava trail. Together, the paths form one of the longest biking trails in Israel.
The latest routes only highlight cycling’s popularity in Israel. Coming up: The Desert Challenge, Israel’s biggest and most professional mountain-bike marathon, set to take place in Eilat at the end of next month.
Prefer biking in the city? Tel Aviv’s bike-sharing program continues to gain momentum — counting 150 stations around the city. And with El Al’s free bike service, actually biking to Israel from Europe is really only for the truly extreme cyclists out there.