Jordan-Israel
DESERT SPOOR: BIKEPACKING IN JORDAN AND ISRAEL
Last updated: December 2017
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OVERVIEW
The Desert Spoor is a journey through a world of monochrome ochre, rusty red, and sepia. It is a route of profound silence, leading from deep-cut wadis and rocky plateaus to the rolling sand dunes of the Badiya and Negev deserts. Unlike many desert trips that require a degree of cycling masochism, this route is a "dream team" of bike and terrain—featuring 300 kilometers of world-class, purpose-built singletrack on the Israel Bike Trail.
ROUTE & TERRAIN
This route combines the most spectacular southern sections of the Jordan Bike Trail (starting in Kerak) and the Israel Bike Trail, concluding at the Dead Sea (Ein Tamar).
* Jordan Section: This part alternates between dirt tracks and asphalt. While technically easy, the climbs are notoriously steep; even on paved roads, you may find yourself pushing the bike.
* Wadi Rum: Expect about 80% ridability. The remaining 20% involves pushing through soft sand. Wide tires and a very light setup are significant advantages here.
* Israel Section: In contrast to Jordan, the Negev section is almost entirely off-road. It transitions from 4x4 tracks to fantastic singletracks designed specifically for mountain bikers.
* Direction & Wind: We recommend riding South to North. While the prevailing winds in Israel blow from the northwest (creating a headwind), the sandy passages of Wadi Rum and the logistics of the military checkpoints make the South-to-North trajectory more practical.
INFRASTRUCTURE & LOGISTICS
* Resupply: * Jordan: Most major towns have shops open throughout the day selling basic groceries. Jordan is significantly more affordable than Israel. * Israel: You will rely on kibbutz or village supermarkets. These have an excellent selection but often follow split hours (closing mid-day and reopening around 4:00 PM).
* Water: Water can be sourced in villages, from oasis channels, or within wadis. Treatment is mandatory. Be prepared for stretches of up to 36 hours without a water source and two days without food shops.
* Camping & Climate: * Jordan: Wild camping is permitted nearly everywhere. * Israel: You must camp only at designated campsites within National Parks and Nature Reserves (note: these usually have no facilities). Cycling after sunset is prohibited in these protected areas.
* Gear: Temperatures drop rapidly after sunset. A down jacket and a bivouac bag or tarp are essential.
* Safety: Always be alert for flash floods in the wadis if there is rain or cloud cover in the region.
DIFFICULTY
The Desert Spoor is one of the rare desert routes where the bike feels like the right tool for the job.
* Technicality: While not extremely technical, some singletrack experience will enhance your enjoyment of the Israel section.
* Fitness: High physical fitness is required for the long, punishingly steep climbs in Jordan.
* Best Time to Ride: Plan your trip between October and April. Summer temperatures can exceed 45°C, making the route dangerous. Conversely, January and February can occasionally bring snow to the high Jordanian plateaus.
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