Kibbutz Be'eri Cycling Routes

The Western Negev plains in the area around Beeri are especially suited to cycling. The landscape is varied: woodland, gullies, archeological sites and settlements all lie amid fields that extend to the horizon.

The members of Kibbutz Beeri have turned the region into Bicycle Country, and have created a wide range of trails to suit every level and style of cycling. The Beeri single trail is a challenge. KKL-JNF constructed and marked out the trail in conjunction with Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority. In January and February, the loess soil in the Beeri region is covered with vast carpets of flowers, anemones in particular.

There are five routes described below; two routes are along easy pathways described here, and are suitable for leisurely cycling, for the entire family; the challenging "Sovev Be'eri" single route, or the Be'eri Ring Road; and two alternative shorter loops one can take, as part of the longer ring route. Really crazy cyclists are all too familiar with the Be'eri pothole -  where they can actually practice rodeo stunts! 

"LaMedavesh"  - "The Pedal" – the store just before the kibbutz gate, is an ideal starting point for trips, where you can rent bicycles, have your own bike checked at their workshop, get advice and buy maps.  There are also food stands, rest rooms and even showers.

All routes are marked with numbered signs to facilitate the rescue of any cyclists who may need help – a service that is willingly provided by the staff at LaMedavesh cycle center.

Length of the Route:  12 km

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Time to complete:  Two to three hours at a leisurely pace.

The water works are located in the middle of Friend's Grove, by the Grar River.  In a clearing enclosed by the Grar River cliffs, colored in winter with intense spots of the famous "Be'eri anemones" various tools from different eras can be found, bearing witness to mankind's efforts to survive in this desert environment.  In bygone days, one could hear water dripping from the rooftops of an ancient village into the water cisterns; the shouts of the ANZAC army corps as their horses quenched their thirst on the way to battle in Gaza during the First World War; the sounds of Bedouin flocks grazing and the gurgling of the western Negev pipeline.  This was built with pipes that were bought at discount price, having completed their job putting out fires in London, from explosions caused by World War II bombings.

This route starts on a field road leaving from "LaMedavesh" and going west, bypassing the kibbutz and taking the left branch of the fork in the road.  On the right side is a tall watch tower built by KKL-JNF as a lookout for forest fires.  There are large heaps of grey earth in the fields, shaped into open rectangles, covered with plants and trees  - and some even with environmental sculptures.  About 170 such mounds are found here, the remains of bunkers built by the British during World War II, when they suspected that German forces might reach Israel. This route then passes the remains of ancient homes and orchards, the asphalt road becomes concrete and a kilometer further, turn left onto a dirt road leading to the groves [where there are also many "singles routes" for experienced cyclists].  Another right turn takes us to the water works sign-posted by KKL-JNF with several explanatory plaques and yet another dirt road brings us back to the starting point.

Length of the Route:  8 km (circular). Note:  This route was planned by "LaMedavesh" and is not found on maps.

Level of Difficulty:  Easy.

Time to complete: 1½ - 2 hours.

Start from "LaMedavesh" on an asphalt paved road and going west like the previous route, but, taking the road's right fork instead of the left. This road goes around the kibbutz, with its red roofed buildings and houses, then winds through wheat fields that are still green at this time of the year.  At the edges of the fields chrysanthemums add a bright yellow shade and a carpet of anemones and poppies decorates the picture with red.

About 15 meters after the fork turn left, passing through the bunkers mentioned above onto a pleasant dirt road that goes along a hill rising above the surrounding area, affording a far-reaching view and then meandering through interesting low-lying sulfur mines where we can still see the sulfur's yellowish tint.  These were established during the British mandate, after an English officers noticed sulfur deposits of an estimated million tons!

Where the dirt track meets a concrete road, opposite a sulfur factory surrounded by green grove and the remains of the British buildings, the faint smell of sulfur still bears witness to that bygone era. That road continues for about ten kilometers - but leave it after only one kilometer,  turning right at an asphalt road paved by the British to transport bombs to Gaza from their bunkers. You climb a hill overlooking the whole area but seemingly hiding among the treetops of Be'eri Forest where, at  its crest the tall water tower and fortified, concrete building with a round porch peek out from among the trees.  Resist the temptation: we cannot climb the tower, because the old iron ladder is rusted and broken. This is Kechabir – the old Be'eri site, within Be'eri Forest - one of eleven settlements established the night after Yom Kippur 60 years ago, that changed the demographic map in the Negev.

Continuing east, in the pine groves along the road KKL-JNF has created the perfect picnic site to take a break and have some rest  – a site with the the only fresh water supply along the route, a paved walk-way for strolling, playground for young children, more challenging  equipment for teenagers and fully equipped rest rooms.  After our rest, the same field road - with some vehicle traffic – returns us along a three kilometer stretch with a few low hills, back to our starting point.