About the Event

During this unique fundraising bike tour we’ll discover breathtaking panoramic views and ride between Tuscany and Umbria where we’ll find rolling hills covered with woodlands, vineyards and silver green olive groves. Riding along the tire tracks of Gino Bartali we’ll learn the incredible stories of his historic deeds, passing through iconic locations he used to pass such as Chianti, Cortona and Terontola. The highlight of the event is the final climb up to the Unesco Heritage town of Assisi in the heart of the Umbria region. Climbing up to the Basilica of St. Francis, in a group led by the young Bartali - Youth in Movement students, will be an incredibly emotional experience you will never forget.

​The participants of Bartali - the Hero’s Path  will be provided with all logistic services they need to fully enjoy the event.

Bartali - the Hero\\\\\'s Path is a fundraising ride with the goal of supporting Bartali - Youth in Movement programs in their different locations around Israel.

About Bartali - Youth in Movement

Bartali - Youth in Movement (NGO) is the first of its kind social and educational Israeli youth organisation, building a  nationwide network of cycling centers for young students in youth villages, welfare boarding facilities and community  centers all over Israel.  

Bartali - Youth in Movement\\\\\'s annual programs are designed to fit and complement the unique educational and therapeutic  missions of the various facilities. These programs teach cycling skills, promote motivation and self-discipline, expand the  sense of responsibility and capability, aid in developing resilience, perseverance and determination and create a strong sense of teamwork - they generally equip a toolbox for personal and social growth and help create strong social bonds.  

In Israel, there are about 25,000 children and teens who live and study in youth villages and social service boarding facilities. Youth villages and boarding schools provide a home for children and youth coming from high-risk home circumstances or for those youngsters who choose to leave home. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that a sizable percentage of the children and youth referred to youth villages and boarding schools are from low socio-economic backgrounds. Largely, this population is characterized by significant educational gaps, low rates of matriculation, a need for emotional support, and a lack of life skills and tools needed to best integrate into the Israeli society. 

By working with youth villages, Bartali  - Youth in Movement  is promoting its vision of using cycling as a platform for empowering at-risk youth. Currently we are offering the program in 8 youth villages (Ben Shemen, Mevo’ot Yam, Ramat Hadassah, Alonei Yitzchak, Ayanot, Nahala, Malkishua, Ahava, Shaab) for a total of 300 youth. In each village the target population is chosen in consultation with the educational staff of the village. Youth who fit the target population and who are interested in participating in the program are then invited to participate in a selection process that evaluates not only their physical abilities, but also their willpower, motivation to commit and determination to succeed. 

Those selected participate in a 9-12 months program, training between 2-4 times a week. The training consists of advanced Mountain Biking skills including varied terrains such as singletrails, rocky paths, etc. The youth are trained for fitness (distances and speed) and for bike-handling skills focusing on coordination,  balance and mental focus. The yearly programs revolve around peak events in which the participants meet and ride with their peers from other youth villages. These multi-day events are a part of the process of development and empowerment. Through these events the youth make a passionate choice to participate, increase their sense of capability, and become part of a larger community. All instructors are hired and supervised by Bartali, allowing us to control the content of the program and choose the participants.

Bartali - Youth in Movement, sees these programs as a platform for establishing regional cycling centers and as the basis for creating a horizon for the youth village participants. 

If we want to make the program meaningful, we need to grow organically with the applicants.  By doing so, we will ensure their continued participation in the organization. At the age of 16, youth will be encouraged to participate in an instructor’s course, and once they have completed the course they will be offered opportunities to practice their skills within the organization. Upon their graduation from high school, they will have the opportunity to participate in a year of service as instructors in our programs around the country, and eventually join our alumni program.