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Einot Telem (right) and the Jerusalem Cycling Tunne I Photos: (left) courtesy of JDA, (right) Dnan Haftzadi @misstravel_dana

on Earth, at 400 meters below sea level. The first segment, from Arad to Masada, crosses mountain passes which allow you to navigate the steep desert cliff edges. The second one starts at Masada and crosses the riverbeds that carve their way through the Judean Desert. This trail is not an easy ride, shade is scarce and the descents are long and steep, but the views of the Dead Sea and the desert cliffs are truly breathtaking. ibt.org.il/en/ 02. The Jerusalem Cycling Tunnel beautiful landscapes and family fun The Jerusalem Tunnel, known as the Kerem Tunnel by some, is part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycling route that surrounds Israel's capital city. The Kerem Tunnel was first excavated in the 90s when works on Jerusalem's water infrastructure were being undertaken to include the city's fifth water line and divert the main sewer line toward the purification plant in Nahal Sorek. Since then, the 2.1 kilometers-long

tunnel has been transformed into a charming family-friendly cycling trail, inaugurated to much fanfare in 2022. Unlike the rest of the Ring Path which is only suitable for more experienced cyclists, the tunnel is easy to ride and perfect for a day of cycling with the kids. The tunnel, in which lights and nebulizers have been installed for optimal comfort, is doubletrack, with one track intended for cyclists and the other for pedestrians. Note that the tunnel is only open during the day. Ein Lavan – Einot Telem: easy to ride, this segment is perfect for cycling with the kids. There are natural water springs in Refa'im River Park and taking a dip before or after your ride is an absolute joy. The tunnel's northern entrance is situated near Ein Kerem springs, about half a kilometer from the Kerem junction, and the tunnel connects the 4km path between Refa'im River and the Motza Valley. Two kilometers further ahead will lead you to Ein Telem, where there are picnic tables and natural springs where you can rest and have a bite to eat, but remember to calculate enough time and energy for the ride back.

03. The Tzippori River Singletack tree groves and flowers in bloom Thanks to the fantastic cycling paths built by the Keren Kayemet LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Tzippori River area has become a major cycling mecca. In the winter and spring months, Tzippori National Park, which spreads across 15km between Kiryat Ata and the town of Tzippori, is covered in flowers and the KKL-JNF has planted more than 7.5 thousand acres of trees, adding to the beautiful Galilean landscapes of green valleys and hills. Cycling in this part of the country is such a pleasant experience, with all the beautiful flowers, tree groves, and green valleys. The cycling trail here is singletrack and allows you to plan your route according to fitness level and preferences – some trail segments are merely 6 kilometers long while others extend to 20. All in all, the track is 100 kilometers-long. The KKL-JNF has built many more singletracks across the country, among which the Nahal Limonim track near Safed, the Gvar'am

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ATMOSPHERE JUNE 2023