Yerukham Pass is a climb of 6.7 kilometers (category 2). Yerukham Pass tops out at 587 m above sea level. It is located in מועצה אזורית רמת נגב, מחוז הדרום, ישראל. The average gradient is 4.3% with a maximum of 9.9%. The climb has 288 meters of elevation gain.
Climb analysis: This 6.7 km climb has two distinct parts. The first half (0-3.5 km) is very gentle, with minimal gradients, even a flat section. The real difficulty comes in the second half, with sustained gradients of 5% to 9% over the last 3 km. The real challenge is that sudden change in rhythm.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pacing the first section: Resist the temptation to go out too hard over the first 3 easy km. Keep a high cadence and a moderate effort to save your energy.
2. Anticipating the change of rhythm: From km 3.5, get ready mentally and physically for the steeper gradient. Shift gears in good time so you hit the 5% section smoothly.
3. Staying steady in the final part of the climb: The steepest gradients (8-9%) come after 5 km of effort. Keep a steady, controlled effort over these last few km to avoid blowing up.
For cyclists looking for an authentic adventure, Ma'ale Ha'aqrabim is described as a desert gem with jaw-dropping scenery. Riders' reports talk about a stunning desert panorama over the Nahal Tsin, a view that is "transformed" and "epic" and that more than makes up for the effort. The atmosphere is one of deep silence and a sense of isolation, in a place steeped in history.
The climb itself is described as demanding and technical. The road is officially closed to traffic and hasn't been maintained in years, and it is described as badly broken up, with plenty of "potholes" and stretches that are "really sketchy." Riders stress that it is a mental climb, reserved for experienced, very competent riders because of the difficult terrain and the drop-offs on the side of the road.
The experience is clearly defined by caution. The unanimous advice is to ride slowly and with extreme vigilance. The condition of the surface, combined with the gradient and the isolation, makes this a challenge where safety comes first. There is no water along the route, which adds to the need for careful preparation.
Despite the challenges, riders' accounts converge in calling this climb unique and unforgettable, comparable for some to the Alpine roads. It is a nostalgic experience on a historic road, offering a strong sense of accomplishment for those who dare to take it on, on one of the "most beautiful roads in Israel".
6.7 km • 288 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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