Petra & Wadi Rum By Bike

Clothing
Shorts are fine as long as they're down to your knees, and I wouldn't advise tight lycra. Same with t-shirts - fine as long as shoulders aren't exposed. A light scarf is a good idea, as it guards against the sun when it's hot, and sand when it's windy. I had some shorts, canvas trousers and then just layers, so t-shirts, a couple of long sleeve tops and a warm jacket (it can get chilly at night). Light walking shoes or trainers are fine. I also had a pair of flip flops and some Converse trainers, as they are nice and light - but sandals are fine as well. No need for anything formal, you can dress as you like but generally people wore long trousers and a shirt at dinner (but t-shirt is absolutely fine as well!).

Covering up
You don't need to be too severe. As long as shorts come to your knees, you'll be fine. It's best to cover shoulders but you will see plenty of tourists with bare shoulders around the place. Tourism has grown quite a lot in Jordan, so they are used to seeing less conservative dress, but it's good to still be aware of local sensibilities.
At the end of the day, nobody will probably say anything to you but this doesn't mean they are the most appropriate or suitable.

Money
I changed Sterling cash when I arrrived (there's no real need to get Dinars in advance) and topped up with my ATM card towards the end. It's quite a safe country and, as long as you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home, you shouldn't have any problems.

General
I found it all reasonably easy, but have done a few cycling trips before. But there were some people in my group who were doing their first and they also had no problems. As long as you are of reasonable fitness and are aware of the distances you'll be doing, you shouldn't have any problems. The roads are almost all tarmac, there is a definite downhill bias (although some uphill!) so it shouldn't be too bad.

The weather should be quite nice, but some nights may drop down to single figures. You'lll definitely need a jacket, nothing too heavy but something warm.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Staff member Natasha Owen travelled on this trip and you can read her article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday. Rebecca Caldicott also travelled with Exodus to Jordan and you can read her article here.

Yes, if you want a decent night sleep! Its gets cool in the desert and in winter, nights can be quite cold. The only other option might be a scratchy berber blanket, and we can't always guarantee availability or cleanliness of these ! You won't be carrying the bag around and can leave it on the bus the whole time until needed.  You're near a permanent Bedouin camp (and fire) and since you set your tents up on soft sand, it's comfortable. Bring a head torch for going to the toilet during the night.

You should check out the Cave Bar at the entrance to Petra. It's a 2000 year old Nabataean tomb, transformed into a classy pub! This is an excellent place to wind down after a long day in Petra, sipping a beer, a cocktail or a sheesha. The place has daily live Bedouin music and also serves local style food.
Prices are high, especially by Jordanian standards, but even so it is worth it just for the experience!

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

It is great to go on a glass bottom boat ride when you are in Aqaba and the sea life is magnificent. You will have a chance to snorkel and see all the colourful fish for only 15JD!

Chloe Knott - Product Manager

The cycling stages are broken up, so you are usually not cycling for more than a couple of hours at a time. The roads are generally not too busy and there will be long stretches where you will not see any vehicles. There climbs are not that long, but due to the heat in the warmer months, a reasonable level of fitness is required. This tour centres on the Jordan valley using mostly tarmac roads, which are generally in a good state of repair, with some unsurfaced sections.

The first two days are about 25 miles or so, nothing too punishing. You then have a day off at Petra (from cycling) then a shorter day (maybe 12 miles or so) to Little Petra (some hills!). Then after this it's a long day to Aqaba. It was quite hot when we were doing this day, and we had a strong wind coming across on the desert parts as some of them are quite exposed.
Then you have a couple of days in Wadi Rum with some short cycling, which was my favourite part, especially the camp in the desert with a full moon, pretty amazing!

There is also plenty of time to see the sights, walk around, relax and take photos, you're definitely not in the saddle non stop.  

Rachael Stone - Customer Service

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Synthetic, cotton or merino wool tops will be perfect for cycling , especially when it's hot . Shorts (could be padded) will also be great as it will almost certainly be too hot for cycling in trousers. Stiff sole shoes are in general better for cycling but you could also go for sandals. A lightweight windbreaker (or water-resistant/proof top) may come handy in the unlikely event of a spell of bad weather ; however, in case of rain you may well go for being wet because of the rain rather than because of your own sweat under a jacket.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Jordan where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place from the 20th of July to the 18th of August 2012 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Middle Eastern food is delicious and you're in for a treat! Kebabs and grilled meat are ubiquitous and plentiful. Local salads are fantastically fresh, with lots of flavour. Fresh bread is provided with most meals, along with lots of nut/bean based dips and humous. Drinking water, in the form of cheap bottled water, is on sale everywhere. Enjoy!

Kai Aylward - Sales

If you are on the group flights, and the group is 5 or more, then it is obtained free of charge. When the group arrive in Amman, a local representative will meet you before immigration and take you though the process. The tour leader will then meet you on the other side, once you are through. If you are not on the group flights, and are a British passport holder, it is still quite straightforward. The cost is approx 10JD (Jordanian Dinar).

Alessandra Van Dyk - Customer Operations

Jordan is fairly relaxed compared to other Middle Eastern countries and in the main tourist areas such as Petra there are no real clothing restrictions (within reason!). In the smaller villages it is advised for women particularly to be more conservative in their clothing.

Chloe Knott - Product Manager

In terms of shopping, there's lots of small souvenirs you can buy in most towns on the itinerary, but most people on my trip ended up with shisha pipes!

Kai Aylward - Sales

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!