Jordan Day 5 – Madaba to Karak – 98km

This morning we leave Madaba riding southwards to Um Arrasas. Um Arrasas has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage Site especially because of its impressive mosaic which dates back to 785 A.D. The mosaic depicts beautiful scenes of hunting, agricultural and pastoral lifeall surrounded by a geographical border showing the cities of Jordan, Palestine and Egypt. After exploring the site, we'll get back on our bikes and cycle to Dhiban where we connect to the King’s Highway, which twists and winds its way through the heart of Jordan. We begin ourdescent to the belly of the famous Wadi Mujib -the Jordanian Grand Canyon -and after crossing the Mujib Dam, at 200 metres we have an 11 kilometre climb up to 900 metres on the Eastern Plateau. The King’s Highway is the world’s oldest continuously used communication routeand is even mentioned in the Bible. Although we call it a highway, it is actually a local road with relatively low traffic. Situated on the outskirts of Karak (1050m), our hotel is perfectly located to receive us after a long day of riding. Depending on our arrival time, we may visit Karak Castle,one of the most impressive Crusader forts in the Middle East. Ride Distance: 98 km (61 miles) with 1535 metres of ascent and 1320 metres of descent.- KE Adventure Trip Notes

Did not sleep well with all that mezze digesting and was certainly not looking forward to hills.

I managed the first 30km to Um Arrasas which is a UNESCO world heritage site with mosaics dating from 785 AD.

 I took a nap in the bus while the Group cycled uphill to the King’s Highway where I mounted Al for a steep and windy descent to Wadi Majib and the Mujib Dam. 42km on the clock was enough for me for the day and I enjoyed the air conditioned comfort of the bus and the company of our driver Samir and our policeman Abdallah.

 

Tonight we are at the Al-Mujeb Hotel which is a bit dated but the buffet dinner was not bad. The group arrived too late to visit Karak Castle but Erica and I are going with Samir in the morning while the others ride.