Jordan Day 3 – Jerash to Dead Sea - 121km

Today, we start our journey southwards, saddling up and leaving Suf after breakfast. We head south and ride through Dibbin Forest Reserve, one of the only forested areas in Jordan, where Aleppo pine, strawberry, pistachio and wild olive trees grow. The reserve was set up to provide ahome for endangered animal species, such as the Persian squirrel. Riding through this reserve area, we descend towards King Talal Dam and ride beside the Zarqa River until we reach the main road between Amman and the north. We follow this road for 15 kilometres toward theBaqa’a Valley, before heading west and climbing into the beautiful green hills of Remeimin and Jalad, finally arriving at the town of Salt at the top of the mountain. Bypassing the town, we have amazing views to the Jordan Valley and the West Bank. Beyond Batna we begin our descent tothe lowest spot on earth, by following the stunning and dramatic Wadi Shu’aib. Riding between farms and passing the Baptism site of Jesus, we descend to 430 metres below sea-level and our hotel accommodation beside the Dead Sea. Ride Distance: 121 km (76 miles) with 1600 metresof ascent and 2900 metres of descent. - KE Adventure Trip Notes

Breakfast was no better than dinner but I managed a bowl and half of corn flakes! I knew it would be hilly and had already planned to bus most of the uphills. In all, I clocked up 76km – my longest ride for the year so far. I had a shot at some of the lesser uphills but continuing fatigue and lack of training made the decision easy. I even managed a nap in the bus! The other advantage of riding the bus is you get to take some good photos!

Jordan border crossing to Israel

 

Unfortunately two ladies of our group fell within 15 minutes of each other and only 200 metres from the finish line after catching their wheel in a drainage grate. An unpleasant end to the day’s riding.

Our hotel “Dead Sea Spa Hotel” is a large one with many visitors both local and foreign. Buffet dinner was expansive and quite tasty but, again, internet too slow to even do emails let alone blog. Will try again in the morning.