Yes, you can go mountain biking in the Holy Land. They’ve got it all: hair-raising descents, arresting scenery, arduous climbs—and you can become closer to your deity at the same time. See Christian, Jewish, and Muslim holy sites while burning away calories and improving your aerobic fitness.

I went mountain biking in the Jerusalem Forest with my guide, Joe Zias, who generously lent me his Salsa 29er. The views of steep terraced hill sides and the wooded hills of Jerusalem were stunning. We saw the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, a Palestinian shepherd tending his flock, Arab villages, and Jewish settlements.

I am not much good at descents on rock strewn paths that required constant concentration, but I got better as the day wore on. I was pretty respectable at the 20 minute climb out of the valley. It was hot and dry and sunny—28 degrees Celsius, which was a big improvement over last week in Jerusalem when it was about 6 Celsius. We weren’t alone—we saw at least 15 other riders. Not everyone can go mountain biking on Shabbat in Jerusalem, but it is a form of rest if you ignore how strenuous it is.

This was a great thing to do and it was a much needed break from talking politics, existential questions, and religious pluralism. I heartily thank Joe for the ride and Navona (apologies for the spelling) for the fabulous post-ride lunch.