This was a lovely trail ride in the green and hilly region of the Carmel Mountains near Haifa in Israel. I would classify it as an easy to moderate ride by UK classification standards due mainly to it's distance (@35k) and numerous climbs, rather than technical sections. 

There are options for smooth (slightly rocky) terrain on the easy side but there is also the the option for some much harder technical sweet short sections that if you do either up or down are very rocky with a number of drops and no clear visible line to navigate

There is something for everyone really. If you are new to biking or unfamiliar with the route then I would recommend you walk these first (it is always when it goes very singletrack) before deciding on doing them and there is always another easier route. All in all this is a great ride.

The route started in the car park just opposite Haifa university overlooking the sea in the heart of the Carmel mountains. Normal faffing ensued;) Mainly me as always messing with brakes, saddle and inner tube.

The route heads down on the national mtb trail of Israel (which as an aisde covers whole country from North to South). This is a smooth road for riding and apart from the headwind and the view to distract you this is where you basically warm up with the numerous short ups and downs as you traverse along for a few miles to reach the start of the Little Switzerland ride.

From here the off road bit up then down starts leading you to a great view overlooking the mountains.

Important to remember the route goes in both directions so watch out for oncoming cyclists and keep to the right. The route is also heavily used by walkers. Israeli's love to get out walk and picnic. So make sure any descent you are doing at speed where the track is narrow is clear. All adds to the excitement of course.

The route has a wide path in most places and is like a English bridleway with mainly smooth sandy surface but with good  (unlike an English bridleway!) The corners come often and you can take them with some good speed as they are wide. I reckon we did 3 or 4 descents in total and the scenery was green and pretty awesome and the surface terrain pretty similar throughout.

One of the climbs was very technical. Tough rock steps and no clear line to navigate. I attempted about half of it and would love to return with my shorter stemmed and smaller stumpy to have another crack (well that's my excuse). Like wise if you did this route the other way (nothing to stop you turning back then this would be a hard downhill XC route). Do check it visually first though as there is no clear line (it is a natural trail)

There was on the last descent a very steep rocky terrain that was recommended to walk down only due to danger. I reckon though if you were a very experienced biker on a bike with good suspension you may want to give it a go. But I would due to lack of clear line choice walk it first most definitely as the drops and rocks are big and sharp.

The group were a dedicated and friendly bunch. They ride around Tel Aviv on the weekends and in the evenings all year. Each month they plan an away ride and this was luckily the weekend I was here. I learned here that age is no boundary to cycling. Our eldest rider was 71 and there was others in there 60's as well as some younger (well youngerish) like me. You can only look at folks riding this type of stuff in these years with nothing but inspiration, admiration and frankly shock. Respect.

The club I rode with are called Cyclenix (www.cyclenix.com ) and we set off from Tel Aviv at 5.45 and was back around 3.00. So this is do able in a day trip.

Special thanks to Jack Reardon form the IMBA Israel who kindly lent me his bike (which as a civil engineer by training he designed the frame and got built specifically) and talked me through the biking situation and news in Israel as well as sorting out the Cyclenix ride. Hylton who picked me up, drove me there and back and shared his passion for biking and the land he loves to ride. Max for expertly navigating us through the route and Ted for taking my bike back for me. Overall a big thank you for all the Cyclenix Club. If you are looking to be pointed in the right direction in Israel then they will help you out.

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