From the wooded hills of the north to the stark mountains south of Madaba and the plains of the Jordan Valley, there is a wide diversity of terrain in Jordan ideal for cycling. Whatever your ability level - adrenaline junkie, mountain biker or leisurely road-tourer - you will find routes to suit your style.
"You can travel all over Jordan on a mountain bike"
Rakan Mehyar, adventure travel operator
Mountain biking
For able mountain bikers, the off road potential is very enticing. The problem is not what you could ride, but where you can ride. Jordan's adventure sports infrastructure is embryonic and although there are many trails through the countryside, none of them are marked; they are goat tracks or farmer's paths and knowing which to take and where they lead is the challenge.
Local knowledge
For this reason, going with a local operator is a sound option. Terhaal is a Madaba-based company that specialises in adventure sports. They run a variety of different group rides for varying abilities throughout Jordan and have a responsible travel focus, with lunch taken at family homes en route.
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Adventure travel operator Rakan Mehyar explains why Jordan is a great place for cycling and other sports... "You can cycle from Petra on road or off road through a desert to Wadi Rum" [2:23] |
Road riding
If you prefer cycling on roads to out in the rough, Jordan is equally endowed. The road network is very good; surfaces are largely pot-hole free and often in far better condition than much of the UK's tarmac. The routes are also varied. The Jordan Valley offers largely flat riding through a series of agricultural communities. Conversely, the King's highway is spectacular but mountainous with some climbs worthy of the Tour de France.
Read more about activities in Jordan and Madaba
