Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in Riding4Reform, the 9th Annual IMPJ bike ride, which supports Progressive Judaism in Israel. It is sure to be both a challenging and a rewarding experience. You may have a number of questions about the ride; listed below are the ones most frequently asked with their answers. If you don’t find the information you need, please contact us at riding4reform@reform.org.il.

• Why should I join the IMPJ Bike Ride?
• How do I get to the starting point?
• How do I arrange transportation to Israel?
• What will the ride cost?
• What does the IMPJ provide?
• How good a cyclist do I have to be? How fit do I have to be?
• How would you describe the experience?
• Should I bring a bike?
• How do I obtain the minimum sponsorship?
• Are sponsored donations tax-deductible?
• What age limitations are there?
• What do I need to take with me?
• What health precautions should I take?
• What if I have any further questions?

Why should I join the IMPJ Bike Ride?

The ride is a great way to add real meaning to your Israel experience. You'll get to meet new people and have fun, and at the same time, support Progressive Judaism in Israel. From the inspiring desert oases of Yahel and Lotan, to Nahariya close to the Lebanese border, through cities and towns across Israel, the Israeli Reform Movement is making its presence felt. Donations from the ride will go to support this vital work.

How do I get to the starting point?

The 2012 ride will begin on Sunday morning, March 25th in the suburbs of Haifa. Upon demand, we may provide transportation from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem early Sunday morning. For more information, contact us at: riding4reform@reform.org.il

How do I arrange transportation to Israel?

Participants are responsible for making their own international travel arrangements. We will provide transportation upon request to the starting point from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (leaving Sunday March 25^th in the early morning). We will also provide return transportation back to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (Thursday, March 29^th in the afternoon.)

What will the ride cost?

You will need to send us your registration fee and you must commit to raising at least US$2,000 in sponsored donations due by March 1, 2012

What does the IMPJ provide?

Your registration fee covers the cost of all logistics related to the ride: overnight accommodations during the ride, transportation of your luggage between overnight stops, all meals, picnic lunches and refreshments while cycling, minor mechanical repairs if you bring your own bike, or full maintenance if renting from us, and back-up transportation in case of fatigue. All other expenses are the responsibility of the rider. A medic and a security guard will also be on hand.

How good a cyclist do I have to be? How fit do I have to be?

You do need to be fit and you obviously need to be able to ride a bike reasonably well-but you will be able to cycle at your own pace within the group-this is a ride and not a race. If you do get tired or find that you are falling behind, there will be a vehicle to pick you up. That being said, experience shows that those riders who have gone through a reasonable training regime will enjoy the ride even more. Our cyclists are not fitness fanatics but ordinary people living busy lives who enjoy the stimulation and challenge of a great ride while supporting a worthy cause. The route will include on- and off-road sections, with some steep ascents as well as easier stretches.

How would you describe the experience?

Since the concept of sponsored bike rides for charity began in the early '90s, many riders have found the experience so inspiring that they ride year after year. The camaraderie and friendship, the sense of fulfillment and achievement, and the beauty of the scenery all add up to an unforgettable experience. The ride will not be easy-you will need grit and determination-but the rewards are extraordinary.

Should I bring a bike?

You are welcome to bring your own bike, although in our experience, it is simpler to rent one in Israel. The rental bikes are good quality, entry-level hard tail mountain bikes equipped with front suspension, 26" wheels, 24 or 27 gears using the Shimano “rapid fire" system, and tires that are suitable for the local terrain. They are made by leading international manufacturers such as Giant, Trek and Ironhorse, and come equipped with regular pedals. Though they may be of a lower standard than experienced bike riders tend to own, they are certainly adequate and should make the ride pleasurable. We will arrange for you to get the right sized bike.

If you have your own pedals and riding shoes, you may want to bring both and we will fit them on the bike once you get here. Using the Shimano style SPD pedal system or its equivalent will add to your comfort during the ride. Remember that this ride is mostly off-road so don't bring road pedals and shoes.

Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, we will have a qualified bike mechanic accompanying us to help out if the need arises.

We will be happy to make the rental arrangements for an additional fee of $20 per day. Ordering a rental bike can be done when you fill out the registration form.

How do I obtain the minimum sponsorship?

The best way is to contact everyone you know. You can find some sample letters that you can copy or amend to suit your needs on this Web site and we will also provide you with as many leaflets about Progressive Judaism in Israel as you need to send to encourage people to sponsor you. Holding fund-raising events is also a good way to increase your sponsorship total. Set yourself a high target to ensure that your efforts are worthwhile. After you have sent out the letters, you will find that it is really fun opening your mail and being pleasantly surprised at the generosity of your friends and acquaintances!

Are sponsored donations tax-deductible?

It depends on your country's laws. Donations from the United States and Canada are definitely tax deductible, donations from other countries have to be checked on an individual basis, so contact us at: riding4reform@reform.org.il for specific information. Official receipts and acknowledgements will be sent to every donor.

 

 

What age limitations are there?

The minimum age of entry is 18. Participants aged 17 are welcome, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must accompany them at all times throughout the ride and be responsible for them. Please note that anyone under 18 must have a recommendation from an experienced rider ensuring that they can handle the route without causing delay to the ride.

What do I need to take with me?

Pack as lightly as possible. We advise bringing:

• T-shirts
• Biking shirts - two official ride shirts will be provided by us
• Biking shorts
• Biking shoes
• Biking gloves
• Biking helmet
• Sweatbands
• Casual clothing for evening
• Bathing gear
• Toiletries and tissues
• Waist pack or small knapsack
• Water bottles
• Sunscreen, insect repellant and lip balm
• Money/credit card
• Camera

It is best to pack lightly and limit yourself to just 1 bag or suitcase.

Want some tips from former drivers? Click Tips

What health precautions should I take?

If you are generally in good health and capable of riding 160 miles/250 kilometers (tour riders) or 300 miles/500 kilometers (challenge riders) over 5 days, then you probably don't need to do anything special beyond a routine physical examination. We will need your doctor's authorization that you can participate and a complete list of any medications that you are taking.

Be sure to arrange for medical insurance coverage while you are on the ride.

What if I have any further questions?

Please contact us at: +972-2-620-3422 or at riding4reform@reform.org.il

We look forward to hearing from you.