David's Ride Blog

The 2011 Israel Ride

2011-11-28T20:44:00.001-05:00

Wow, what kind of dud am I? After inviting friends and family to follow my blog throughout my sixth Israel Ride, my last post was on the eve of the ride .... I've left you all hanging! And, while it is only two weeks (today!) since we rode into Eilat, exhilarated at the completion of the ride, it seems a lifetime ago. Is it time for the 2012 ride yet?

But, this year's ride was definitely "one for the books" -- a wonderful group of about 100 riders, staff, and crew, beautiful route, perfect weather, reunions with old friends, and some special new friends. It was also a different ride for me -- after five years of cycling pretty much every inch of the route (or, every inch of one of the routes), for a host of reasons, I resolved this year to take advantage of some of the touring options and to skip some of the riding. I hope that my donors won't mind, 230 - 40 miles instead of the usual 300 or so. It was a hard decision for me, as I love being on a bike in Israel, but it was necessary. And, the tours turned out to be a special treat. For this year, it was the right decision.

Every day of the ride had more than it's share of highlights. Hopefully I can capture a few.

Riding Day #1, Jerusalem to Ashkelon

As the Jerusalem police have decided that they don't want large bike rides through the Jerusalem hills, we actually started in the hills outside of Jerusalem, about a 15 minute drive from the city. I know, odd to start a bike ride with a bus ride. Not to worry, most of us actually started it with a plane trip!

In any case, we started in near perfect weather and far from the city traffic, nothing to complain about! Not to mention that we were headed down hill. Nice way to warm up!

For a sense of today's ride, I've placed a brief (2 minute) segment on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHGHah4zEmg&feature=colike

Day #1 was also my first touring day, so I rode about 30 - 35 miles in the morning. Then joined with about 15 other riders for a JNF sponsored tour. The ride was beautiful, and included traversing, in normal weather, a stretch of road where, on the 2010 ride we were enveloped in a Sharav, a desert 'event' where the temperature jumped from less than 80 degrees to over 105, and stayed there for four grueling hours. This year, in stark contrast, the weather behaved (it was perfect), and the ride was outstanding. I had a hard time following though on my decision to skip the afternoon and go see, among other things JNF's Sderot Indoor playground. But, it was worth it.

The Sderot indoor playground was built by JNF to provide the children of Sderot a safe place to play while their city was under near constant missile attacks from nearby Gaza. And, while the kids were in school, it proved a great place for some Israel Riders to play as well! I've biked by Sderot on several previous Israel Rides, but this was the first time I saw anything of the town itself. It was a relatively peaceful industrial town until Israel's withdrawal from Gaza (2006), left the town vulnerable to missile attacks from just over the border. Then, the town became the target for thousands of strikes. JNF built the playground when many outdoor playgrounds became unusable, as the children always needed to be within about 15 seconds of a shelter. The indoor playground, with integrated shelters, solved that problem!

Day #2, Ashkelon to Mashabei Sade

We are in the desert now! While day two starts on the Mediterranean, it is the day that we transition into the northern Negev. It is a beautiful day of riding. And, again, perfect weather! (hopefully we will have the same weather committee for the 2012 ride)

One of the treats of the Israel Ride is that it is not just about the bike ride. We stop along the way, and even learn a few things! There were two guides this year, Bill and Hadas. They spoke briefly at many of the stops. There were also a number of students or alumni from the Arava Institute who made short, topical presentations. And, David, the director of the Institute also did some teaching. On Day 2, one of the stops was overlooking Gaza and a reservoir build by JNF. It is one of over 200 reservoirs that JNF has built in Israel. One thing that we learned is that thanks to conservation efforts, the highest level of water recycling in the world, the network of reservoirs built by JNF, and several new desalinization stations, Israel may soon go from being a country with chronic water shortages to actually having a water surplus! It is a remarkable turnaround!

Day #3, Mashabei Sade to Mitzpe Ramon (and Machtesh Ramom, it is NOT a crater)

This is one of the most beautiful days of the Israel Ride. Also, while it is short, it can be one of the most challenging....it is mostly up hill! Though there are a few wonderful downhills thrown in for spice :-)

The highlight of the day, however, is the mid-morning break at Sde Boker, the dessert Kibbutz and home of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister. We had choices at Sde Boker -- mountain biking to a desert spring, or hiking to a different desert spring. Having done the mountain biking before, I opted for the hike. I'm glad I did...very beautiful desert spring!

The view from Sde Boker

Worth the hike, no?

Day #3 ended at Mitzpe Ramon, bordering Machtesh Ramon (understand, it is NOT a crater), and Shabbat.

Shabbat

There is a lot to be said for celebrating Shabbat, the Sabbath, on the Israel Ride. Some of the riders are observant, many are not. And, for all, after three days of riding, each of us challenging ourselves, getting to know new friends, and sharing the ride with old friends, the break for Shabbat is a very special part of the ride.

Riding Day #4, Mitzpe Ramon to Kibbutz Ketura and the Arava Institute

Okay, I'll admit it, this is the most fun cycling day of the Israel Ride. The route is spectacular, most of the hills are downhill, we've grown comfortable on our bikes and with our fellow riders, and the weather is always perfect. What's not to love?

My video was working (not to worry, it is attached to my bike...no distractions), so I was able to capture a couple of the more exhilarating portions of today's ride. The links are:
Descending into the Machtesh: and The Final Descent and Sprint to Kibbutz Ketura

At least for me, there is something truly special about being on a bike, in the desert, in Israel. That is what day #4 is all about. What more can I say?

At this point, the most challenging parts of the Israel Ride are behind us. If we didn't know how before, we've learned to climb (more on that later), we've grown comfortable with the group, and this is a beautiful day just to ride, enjoy the people, and enjoy being in Israel, on a bike, in the desert.

The close of the day is at Kibbutz Ketura, home of the Arava Institute. Perfect.

Fortunately only a few of us have discovered the ring road around Ketura, wonderful place for a late night stroll under the stars.

And, Finally, Riding Day #5, Kibbutz Ketura to Eilat

This year's ride route was re-routed, due to security concerns along the Egyptian border. That made the route shorter, and allowed a detour to see Timna (aka, Solomon's Pillars), a site I last saw on one of my first trips to Israel.

The real highlight of the day, however, was our arrival in Eilat. Jerusalem, only a few days back, seems a long time ago!

One Final Thought, on Pedaling Through Israel

One of the first things you learn as an experienced rider is that pedaling isn't just about pushing the pedals down (forward) it is also about pulling them back up. Anything short of that, and you're only using half your strength. That is a bit of a proxy for life, as one of the things we learn from experience is that you can't always get where you want to go just by pushing forward. You may also need to pull others along with you, or, sometimes, allow yourself to be pulled along by others. The Israel Ride is no exception. Each of us pushes, for sure. There are times when we are able to help pull our fellow riders along. And, for sure, times when the energy, presence, and good will of others pulls us through whatever challenges we might face. I am truly thankful to everyone who helped pull me along on this year's ride. Thank you!!

And, a final footnote:

Between the riders and amazing crew and staff there were about 100 people on this year's Israel Ride, yet the photos above are mostly void of people! That is because I couldn't capture them all here, but I was able to capture many of them in photos that I've posted to an archive on Picasa. The link to that album is: Archive of my photos from the 2011 Israel Ride I hope that you will take a few minutes to view the album.

And, yes, Israel is for Foodies! The food was, well, outstanding. Though I'll never get over the option of having cheesecake for breakfast....

Photo courtesy of Hazon. Wheel courtesy of my bike!

Is Jerusalem for Foodies?

2011-11-07T18:10:00.000-05:00

There was a time when Jerusalem and fine dining just didn't really go together. Sure, I once stayed here for about a month for less than $10/day, including an Old City roof top to sleep on, a couple of slices of Pizza, the local version of bagels (shown above) and as much of the city as I could see by foot. It was a good time, at a great price, but, for sure, there was more eating than dining!

That has all changed.

Today, the old is still there, but, in case daily pizza (or falafel), isn't your thing, there are choices! In the Old City, my favorite shawarma place, sadly, is gone, replaced by what the locals tell me is an amazing bakery. And, fortunately, a new shawarma place has sprung up around the corner -- I'm told, and the lines would make me tend to agree, that it is as good or better than the old one. I'll try to find out tomorrow. In the meantime, side walk crepes, long a convenience only found in Paris, are not plentiful in Jerusalem as well! I sampled one for lunch today, and may never return to Paris :-) (needless to say, french fries have long been global)

Of course, today's special treat was dinner for 15 Israel Riders at Eucalyptus, an outstanding Iraqi Israeli restaurant located in the old artists colony, not far from Jaffa Gate. We feasted on a 12+ course meal, outstanding service, and frequent visits from the chef, whose family is originally from Iraq. He taught us about the local herbs, how they are used in his family recipes, and how he came to feature such fine dining in Jerusalem -- not to mention the ancient practice of upside down chicken :-). It was outstanding dining, and a great evening.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, the real work (and fun!) begins. All but a couple of the riders are here in Jerusalem now. So, in anticipation of Wednesday's early morning start for the Israel Ride, Tuesday is the "staging" day -- those who brought their bikes get them assembled, renters are fitted for their bikes, we do a practice ride on/near Mount Scopus, and start to get to know our fellow riders -- we will be spending the next few hundred miles with them! The day ends with a safety briefing (required), and final explanation of the logistics and plans for our bike ride to Ashquelon, on the Mediterranean, departing from Jerusalem on Wednesday morning!

Looking forward to getting started!

Arrivals, 2011

2011-11-06T22:01:00.003-05:00

I am very excited to be back in Israel, for my sixth Israel Ride. After five prior rides, much of this year's route is familiar territory to me. Still, I know that this year's ride will be a unique experience. I am looking forward to it with excitement and, yes, some anxiety.

One observation, from my landing in Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoon. I travel a lot, probably too much. This week, for example, is the fourth time in the past five weeks that I've traveled 5,000 miles or more. That adds up to way too much time on airplanes. One thing you notice is the indifference of travelers -- we "deal with it". Rarely is a flight accompanied by any particular excitement or curiosity. But, even for experienced travelers and repeat visitors, Israel is different. That first becomes clear at the plane enters Israeli airspace. Window shades are opened, and even the passengers sitting in the middle of the plane, 5 - 6 seats from the window, are aware, watching, and smiling as we pass over the beaches south of Tel Aviv and begin our final descent. This is no routine landing, this is a landing in the land of Israel...you can feel the excitement. Minutes later, as we touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, the passengers greeted the landing, and their trip to Israel, with applause.

I guess we're not in Kansas anymore :-).

I'm looking forward to this year's ride, seeing old friends, and making new ones. And, seeing some of my family here in Israel as well. It was great, Sunday evening, to see my step sister, Arlene, and her husband, Ami. Arlene share a greeting from my nephew, Guy, "welcome home". I have to agree!

It is great to be here, and my thanks again to the friends and family whose generosity, patience, encouragement, and support makes it possible for me to lead Team JNF, do the ride, and generously support the Arava Institute and Hazon. Thank you!!

Honoring Maxie Leviss

2011-10-17T22:14:00.003-04:00

I never met MaxieLeviss. Maxie's mom, Abby Leviss, is the JNF staff person dedicatedto Team JNF on the Israel Ride. She took on that responsibilityearlier this year, bringing amazing new vitality to the team. Abbymade plans to ride with the team for the upcoming 2011 Israel Ride. She offered a constant flow of great new ideas for the team, JNF, andthe ride. Woven through every conversation, however, was talk of heradorable infant son, Maxie.

That all changed onJuly 20th, when we received news that Maxie had passed into a coma.

The next day, July, 21, 2011, young Maxie died. He was nine monthsold.

As a father of four, Ican't begin to imagine the pain that Abby and her husband, Ted, havesuffered, or the void that Maxie's loss leaves in their lives. Thereare no words for it.

Abby and Ted have adeep connection to Israel. They hope to honor Max by planting a JNFforest in his memory. Hopefully it will grow to be a place wherethey can someday find some solace.

In order to help Abbyand Ted realize their dream, I have committed to make a donation toMaxie's forest in honor of each donor to either Team JNF(http://arava.kintera.org/2011israelride/teamjnf)or my 2011 Israel Ride(http://arava.kintera.org/2011israelride/davidleisenberg). If you've already contributed, there is nothing more that you needto do, I will contribute to Maxie's forest in your honor. If youhave not already contributed, please do so today by clicking oneither of the link's above. Your contribution will go directly tosupporting the outstanding work of the Arava Institute forEnvironmental Studies, and I'll honor it with a contribution toMaxie's JNF forest. Also, if you'd like to contribute directly toMaxie's JNF forest, please follow this link:http://support.jnf.org/goto/teammaxie.

I never met MaxieLeviss, but I hope to someday visit the forest bearing his name. Please join me in helping to make that forest possible.

David

KKL-JNF - A Song for the Carmel Forests

2010-12-18T15:26:00.002-05:00

One of the treats of the Israel Ride is the opportunity to see the amazing work that JNF has done to build the land of Israel. We ride past, or through, JNF forests, we pass some of the over 200 reservoirs that have been built by JNF, and many of the parks that we stop in for rest breaks are JNF/KKL parks. In day trips before the ride, we've visited the nature preserve and bird sanctuary in the Hula Valley as well as JNF forests in northern Israel. Others have visited the children's indoor playground at Sderot, built by JNF during the height of missile attacks from Gaza. JNF has planted over 240 million trees in Israel, the most successful reforestation program in history. In the U.S., they are the sponsor and primary fund raising arm for Friends of Israel Firefighters (FIF).

YouTube - Memories of the 2010 Israel Ride

2010-12-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

YouTube - Memories of the 2010 Israel Ride

The 5th Wheel(s) of The Israel Ride....

2010-10-31T10:12:00.000-04:00

The first two wheels, couldn't ride without them!

On the last night of this year's Israel Ride, at the ride's concluding dinner in Eilat, I was given the opportunity to reflect, a bit, on this, my fifth Israel Ride. I tried to answer the question that many have asked me over the five years since I completed my first Israel Ride, in 2005 -- "you've done it, why do it again?".

The reality is that the ride is much more than I realized when I first decided to do it. In 2005, the idea was simple -- I love being in Israel, and cycling has been a great outlet for me. The combination of seeing Israel from the seat of a bike sounded perfect. It was the realization of a vacation idea that I first had almost 25 years earlier. It was, however, all about me, Israel, and the bike -- nothing more. What I discovered, however, is that there can be a lot more to the Israel Ride than that:

There are the students, alumni and volunteers from the Arava Institute who we meet on the ride. Each is a testimony to a more optimistic future for Israel and her neighbors. They embrace co-existence and partnership, and they demonstrate their commitment through their actions and behavior. These students, and the hope that they represent, are ultimately at the heart of the community being created by the Israel Ride. Meeting them is reason alone to do it again. They embrace a brighter future.
There are the riders. We are a diverse group -- this year's ride included 114 riders, age 12 - 74, from four different countries and all walks of life. Some were very experienced riders, others were not. Some know Israel well, while others have never been. Each has their own reasons for doing the Israel Ride. In the course of a week, we get to know each other, we share stories, and, at times, we push or pull each other along on the ride. We become friends.
I ride in memory of my stepfather, Rabbi Morris Gordon. This is exactly the type of engagement with Israel that Morris encouraged -- it is active, demanding, and personal. And, it makes a difference. With each ride, I come home feeling closer to Morris and his lifetime commitment to Israel.
And, there are the many people, family and friends, who support, encourage, and, in so many ways "cheer for" the ride. To be honest, I wish that they could all be there in person -- we'd have a great time! Instead, I am flattered and honored by their support and good wishes. We are a good partnership. And, we are making a difference to the Arava Institute and Hazon. Whether with me in person or in spirit, it is great to ride with each of them.

Finally, every ride has it's own personal reasons for standing out among others. In 2009, it was the pleasure of having my oldest son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Michelle, join me for the first leg of the ride. This year, it was the pleasure of being joined on the ride by my sister in law, Lisa Hicks. This past year has also had it's own personal physical challenges for me. In that context, while I didn't fully realize it in advance, the ride was as much about finding my strength as it was about the simple joy of being in Israel, on a bike. I pedaled every inch of the most demanding part of the route, and rode over 300 miles. Not sure if I found my strength, but I sure learned something about my determination!

Me and Lisa, at the Finish

The next Israel Ride is November 8 - 15, 2011. I look forward to being there, to seeing old friends, and to making new ones. I hope that you will join me.

Fireworks over the beach in Eilat

307 miles later, on the beach in Eilat.

2010-10-26T01:27:00.000-04:00

I am in Israel, on a bike. I am cancer free. Life is good.

2010-10-24T17:39:00.002-04:00

It's been almost 10 months since I learned that I had cancer. Three months later, on March 18^th, I had 'life saving', and potentially life changing, surgery. Much of the time in between, and since, is a blur. But, there are scenes that don't easily fade – the call from my Doctor, in late December, telling me that I had cancer. Telling my children. Studying, and agonizing, over the treatment alternatives, and finally committing to surgery. On the morning of surgery, the nurse that asked, “how are you feeling today” (“I've got cancer, and I'm terrified, otherwise fine.”), being wheeled into the operating room and, just as everything went dark, marveling at the brightness of the surgical lights. Waking up, relieved, parched, nervous. The first “cancer free” test, a month later. And, the road to recovery – much of it on the seat of a bike. These are some of my memories. I suspect that other cancer patients and survivors each have their own. They are rarely far from the surface. They are the reason why, for me, this Israel Ride is different from the four that preceded it.

Today was the fourth day of riding on the 2010 Israel Ride. It was a fantastic day, starting with the amazing descent into the Machtesh at Mitzpe Ramon, and ending 77 miles later with an equally spectacular descent to Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava valley. The route between was all in the desert. It was beautiful. And, much to my pleasant surprise, I rode as well and as strongly as I have in years. If I was tired, friends pulled me along. If they were tired, I hope that I pulled them along as well. In either case, besides sharing my story with another rider, as I really couldn't otherwise explain my excitement about being here, the fears and memories of last March were about as distant as I could imagine. Perhaps as distant as if you'd asked me last March about this year's Israel Ride …. it was a distant dream.

Tonight, at Kibbutz Ketura, about 260 miles of the Israel Ride are behind me. We ride another 50 miles tomorrow, finishing at the beach in Eilat. I am in Israel, on a bike. I am cancer free. Life is good.

Postscript: lest you wonder, it's been seven months, and I'm cancer free. Prior to the surgery, my expected 10 year mortality was about 30%, perhaps higher. Today, it is less than 5%, and falling with each passing screening. I am truly fortunate.

Nitzana to Mitzpe Ramon, Revisited - the Chalutzim Route

2010-10-23T01:22:00.000-04:00

There are three routes on the Israel Ride, each of them an excellent way to see Israel from the seat of a bike. The core route, with the largest number of riders, is Tzofim. Shomrim ride at a slower pace, and combine part of the ride with some more traditional touring -- this year, their route included two 1/2 day post-morning ride, tours sponsored by JNF. And, Chalutzim. They generally ride at a faster pace.

On day three of the ride, the Chalutzim also ride a different route -- beginning at Nitzana, on the Egyptian border, riding south along the border for about 40 miles, and then turning west to complete the ride to Mitzpe Ramon. It is the most demanding day of the ride, including a steep ascent up Kadesh Barnea and then a long climb to the highest peak in the Negev, about 3100 feet. It is a beautiful ride, with virtually no traffic (most of the ride is spent on an otherwise closed security road -- just the riders and the IDF! And, throughout, the route is on terrain that probably hasn't changed much over thousands of years. It is a striking, though largely barren, landscape.

On my first Israel ride, in 2005, I rode the Chalutzim route for the the full five days of the ride. Day 3, from Nitzana, was the most challenging. For me, over four Israel rides, it was the only time that I've walked part of the route, or taken a ride on the SAG wagon to be jumped a few miles up the road. Nothing wrong with either of those things, I've just wanted to do it all by bike. So, those walks in 2005 have bothered me, even as I yearned to see this route again. So, this year I worked through it. I decided that it is okay for me to spend some time on the bus, if that will allow me to do the route again. It would be worth it.

So, I left Nitzana at dawn with the rest of the Chalutzim. About 18 miles later, we had completed the steepest climb on the route, cycling right past that short stretch that I walked five years ago. After a break for breakfast, we road another 10 miles, the longest climb of the day was behind us, passing the second stretch that I had walked, and, at about mile 35 we reached the highest peak, where the bus had dropped me off in 2005, after jumping me forward for the prior few miles. And, much to my chagrin, this year, 2010, I was still on my bike. I had completed the most challenging part of the route! No walking, no ride on the bus. The burst of energy that followed that realization pretty much propelled me for the rest of the ride....we rode into Mitzpeh Ramon by 1:30 (following a stop for lunch). I felt, and rode, stronger on the last leg of the ride than I have been all year!

It is Friday. The first three days of the Israel Ride are behind us. They have included riding through the Sharav (aka, Khamsini) on Wednesday, a "metric century" south from Ashqelon, and today's ride with the Chalutzim from Nitzana to Mitzpeh Ramon. For the first two days, I enjoyed riding with the Tzofim group, and will probably ride in that group for the rest of this Israel Ride. Today, I revisited the most challenging route on the ride. And, I did it! Today, I am Chalutzim.

Shabbat Shalom.

One word .... Sharav.

2010-10-20T17:35:00.000-04:00

Details to follow :-). But, the short story is that the first day of the Israel Ride was, for me, like none other - peak temperature of 113 degrees, about three consecutive hours of temps over 105, howling cross winds, no shade. And, a bicycle ride. The excitement and satisfaction of finishing it, and the friends that I made along the route, is immense. That said, I'm really looking forward to better weather tomorrow!

Pre-2010 Israel Ride in Jerusalem

2010-10-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Today was a full day in Jerusalem, as we prepare to depart for the first leg of the 2010 Israel Ride early tomorrow morning. The day began with a walking tour of the old city of Jerusalem. As always, if the city didn't come alive on it's own (it does) our guide, Bill Slott, made it come alive for us. While we only had a few hours for the tour, Bill made sure that all of the city's 3,500 (or so) year history came alive for us. That history, makes it easier to better the richness of the city today, as well as the challenges of addressing many of the issues in the region today. And, perhaps most important to many of us, the tour ended with our own time at the Kotel, the Western Wall. It was a great way to start the day.

We are here, however, for The Israel Ride, and the afternoon was all about being prepared for our departure in the morning. Depending on the rider, that means being fitted for their rental bike, or unpacking and assembling (with mechanics here to help with whatever is needed) our bikes. And then a short ride, through Jerusalem traffic, to be sure that all of our parts were working. My legs worked, my knees worked, and, right out of the box, my bike worked too -- great omens for the days ahead!

Of course, it isn't just the ride that defines the Israel Ride, it is primarily the community and the great people that we meet here. More on that in later posts, with the first day(s) of the 2010 ride behind me.....

2010 Israel Ride

2010-10-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

Routes from Jerusalem to Eilat

The 2009 Israel Ride - Reflections and Regrets

2009-11-15T06:04:00.011-05:00

The ride has been over for a few days now, I'm back home in the US, unpacked and mostly over the jet lag, and almost done uploading photos and videos. A few final reflections and, yes, a regret, as I think back on my fourth Israel Ride:

The "bookends" to my ride this year, beginning and end, were spent with Adam and Michelle in Tel Aviv. I'd love for Adam, and each of my kids, to "end up" close to home, but if they can't be close to home, it is really special to see them so "at home" in Israel!
It was wonderful to have Adam and Michelle join me as fellow Israel Riders for the first day of the ride -- what a treat, not only to share the excitement of the day with them, but also to see them, as a couple, navigate the challenges of the day and, each in their own way, make sure that both of them biked the full route. Not to mention my joy, back in Tel Aviv, to hear them still talking about what a great experience it was. I'm a lucky Dad.
The JNF truly is the "caretaker of the Land of Israel". Their presence was everywhere we went -- in land & water restoration projects (including the Hula Valley), parks and recreations area, nature preserves, re-foresting the land, plans for the sustainable development of the Negev, and support for an expanding network of road and mountain bike trails throughout Israel, just to name a few examples.
The Israel Ride is more than just a ride, it is about building a community around the environment, the exciting work of the Arava Institute, and Hazon, and helping to lay the groundwork for a better future for everyone in the middle east, and it is truly uplifting to meet the students and alumni of the Arava Institute, from both Israel and her neighbors, and see the strong bonds and love that they have developed with each other. By their actions, they demonstrate the good things that the future may hold. And, the riders are a great group of people -- what a privilege it was to have this week to share with them and to become friends with them. I hope to see many of them again.
But, everything else aside, the Israel Ride is also about the ride. All the words, photos, and videos combined can't begin to capture the sheer joy and excitement of being in Israel, on a bike, riding through the land that we love. If you're reading this, and able, I hope that you will do the ride yourself someday. You won't regret it!
I do the ride in memory of my stepfather, Rabbi Morris Gordon, and in honor of his lifelong love for Israel, his passion for Judaism, and his commitment to the JNF. While in Israel for this year's ride, I got to visit with Morris' daughter, Arlene, her husband, Ami, his grandson, Guy, Guy's wife, Inbar, and their three children, Morris' great-grandchildren, and, of course, my son, Morris' step grandson, Adam. Morris can be at rest, comfortable that his legacy, our future, is in good hands.

And, finally, a regret -- on the morning after the 2008 Israel Ride we were treated to one of those amazing Israeli hotel breakfast buffet's. One choice on the buffet was chocolate cheesecake. I held back, only to find myself craving chocolate cheesecake for the past 12 months! When I signed up for the 2009 ride, I even put it on my calendar -- Tuesday, November 10, Chocolate Cheesecake in Eilat. My regret? There was no chocolate cheesecake this year, only blueberry. Maybe next year....

Sunset, from Mount Sinai

2009-11-13T03:45:00.000-05:00

Eilat, the Red Sea, and me!

2009-11-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

In the footsteps of Moses....a Mt. Sinai night

2009-11-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

Today, Tuesday, was a chance to visit Mount Sinai. I was there once before, in 1981. That year, for a sunrise hike to the peak of the mountain. This time, for sunset.

In 1981, the eastern portion of the Sinai peninsula was still under Israeli control. Today, as Israel agreed under the Camp David accords, it is part of Egypt. The differences speak volumes -- once pristine beaches are now mostly the domain of unfinished and seemingly abandoned construction projects. Signs of poverty abound. And, while we just finished traveling freely for 300+ miles of cycling in Israel, the 220 mile drive from the border to the base of Mount Sinai included 4 - 5 military check points. The poverty in this part of Egypt is a marked, and sad, contrast to modern Israel.

Mount Sinai and St. Katherine's monastery were our destination, and theyare largely unchanged from my 1981 visit, and the terrain of the Sinai desert is as beautiful and striking as ever.

The hike to the summit took about 2 1/2 hours, including a climb up, I'm told, 3,700 stone steps (Moses had to go w/o the steps) to an elevation of 2,300 meters, close the the highest elevation in Egypt. If you've been to Masada, think of this as the snake path on steroids. Unlike Masada, the cable car is not a choice. On the other hand, some of the hikers do rent a camel for the bulk of the journey. We hiked. It was worth the reward.

We arrived in time to explore the peak, including a small chapel, The Church of the Holy Trinity, and a small Mosque. I've since read that the mosque is built over the cave where Moses is said to have spent his time on Mount Sinai and to have received the Torah. And, we were there to see the sun, setting over the horizon of the mountains to the west of Sinai.

The most special part of the day, however, was the hike back down the mountain, under the night sky. For the last mile or so of the hike, with the worst of the descent behind us, we were finally enveloped by the night sky over Mount Sinai. It was a quiet time, and a chance to think about the experience of the past week, starting in Tzfat, the home of the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, and ending here at Sinai, where we received the Torah. What a wonderful journey it's been! For the last portion of this day, we turned off the flashlights, leaving only the quiet magnificence of the night sky over the desert. Special as this Israel Ride has been, I know that many of the memories will eventually blend into those of other Israel Rides that I've been lucky enough ride in. One memory that I won't forget is the beauty of this Sinai night.

Blown Away! (Day 4 of the Israel Ride)

2009-11-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

Day four of the Israel Ride, from Mitzpe Ramon to Kibbutz Ketura, is always one of my favorite days of the ride. Three days are behind us, so we are very comfortable on the bike, we've just enjoyed a relaxing Shabbat break at Mitzpe Ramon, we've met that many more of the riders, and, in a word, the route is amazing -- this year was no exception!

The day started with the descent into Machtesh Ramon (new video to follow). This year, having spent part of our Shabbat break hiking in the Machtesh, I road in with a new appreciation for the depth of the descent, and the beauty of the Machtesh. And, the ride down, around the switchbacks, and then into a straightaway at the end, was as much fun as ever!

There is also something, at least for me, that is truly special about riding a bike in the desert, in Israel, and today is the day that feeling comes home.

From a rider's perspective, however, the highlight of this day was completely unexpected. The hardest part of the route is typically towards the middle -- we've descended into the Machtesh (a geological formation that is visually similar to a crater, but created in a very different manner), then another descent into a deep wadi, then a steep climb out of the valley. Part of the strength for the climb typically comes from a constant drumbeat (literally) or drums and song that the crew of the ride is playing from the top of the mountain -- if your legs can't push you up the climb, the drumbeat will pull you up!

Today, however, the big surprise came in the last 18 miles of the ride, as we were leaving a retreat where we had stopped for lunch. The next 10 - 12 miles is a relatively flat plateau. This day, however, we found ourselves riding directly into a wind storm, including head winds of probably 25+ miles per hour. It was a bit like riding uphill on a flat road (with an occasional burst of sand to boot!). For me, part of the Israel Ride is very social, as we are often in decent sized groups and have plenty of time and energy to get to know the other riders, part is the pleasure of quiet time that we each find at various places along the route, and part is the real physical challenge that some of the ride poses. For me, this year, the deepest of those challenges was on this long, flat road, with a howling wind, and no riders visible in front or behind me. The safety van was ever available, and even drove by to check on me during the storm, but the true excitement was arriving, on my own power, at the final rest stop of the day!

The cycling portion of the rest of the day went quickly. We treated ourselves to delicious, organic ice cream at the rest stop (really delicious!), and then rode the final six miles to Kibbutz Ketura. The final three miles were a steep descent into the Arava Valley, ending the day w/the same kind of exhilarating descent as we started with, about 60 miles earlier, at Mitzpe Ramon.

Of course, not all of the highlights of the Israel Ride are on a bike. Though I've visited Kibbutz Ketura before, I've never really explored the Kibbutz. This year, I was able to explore it with a long after dinner walk, under the night sky, all along the Kibbutz perimeter. A peaceful, perfect way to end a very full, challenging, and exciting, day of riding.

2009-11-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

No doubt about it, we are in the desert now!

We're in the Desert Now! (day 3 of the Israel Ride)

2009-11-07T16:11:00.001-05:00

We awoke to Day 3 in a very different setting then the Mediterranean Sea, where we ended Day 2. To allow this year's ride to cover both the north and the south of Israel, we were bussed last night from Ceaserea to Kibbutz Mashabim, in the Negev Desert. Today, we began our ride through the desert.

Today's route was the shortest of the ride, allowing us to take time out for 10 miles of mountain biking in the valley behind Sde Boker, the Kibbutz where David Ben Gurion is buried, and still make the roughly 30 mile climb (mostly) to Mitzpeh Ramon. The route was as beautiful as the hills were long!

Some special moments along the route:

1. I'm still really enjoying the granny gear. For my next Israel Ride, I'd like to be 20 lbs lighter. If I don't make that, however, it is great to know that the granny will be there for me!

2. The mountain bike ride from Sde Boker is amazing, everyone should do it at least once! About 4.5 miles into the desert, we came to a natural desert spring where many of the riders took a swimming break in the 6 meter deep pool of (i'm told) ice cold, fresh water -- wonderfully refreshing as the temps in the valley felt like they were in the 90's, at least. It was hot!

3. It is day 3, we are getting to know each other better. This is one of the reasons why it is so much fun to do the Israel Ride, again and again. In addition to the route, which is fantastic, and the riding, there are the people. The riders are from all (okay, most) walks of life, whose common bond is that they care about Israel. What a wonderful foundation to start new friendships from! Having done the ride before, it is now a special reunion with old friends, and a chance to make new ones.

Connections -- one thing we learn here is how small the world is! Yesterday, while riding towards the coast, we passed another biker heading the other way. He turned around, chased us down, and suddenly was in conversation with one of our Israel Riders, who came from Australia (a 30 hour flight) to do the ride. Turns out that they were relatives who had not seen each decades. Closer to home, one of the younger riders that I've met on this trip is Oren Hirsch - I'd never met Oren before this week, but I got an e-mail the day before the trip from my elementary school classmate, Danny Hirsch, telling me that he just realized that I would be doing the ride with Oren, Danny's son! Turns out that Oren had also learned about the connection just before the ride, when he was talking one of his classmates in Jerusalem, and she told him that I'd be on the ride. How did she make the connection -- she is my Rabbi's daughter. And then there was the young rider that I met at lunch one day, only to learn that he was, coincidentally, good friends with the daughter of a friend that I made on an earlier Israel Ride. The list, and the connections, go on. It's a small world.

2009-11-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

The Mediteranean, taken from Cesarea, at the end of the second day of the Israel Ride! (just before we went swimming)

2009-11-07T16:06:00.000-05:00

Adam and Michelle at the entrance to Kibbutz Maggan, the end of the first day of the Israel Ride. They were great!

From Sea to Sea!

2009-11-07T01:13:00.001-05:00

Day Two of the Israel ride took us from sea (the Kinneret) to sea (the Mediterranean). In two days now, we've basically done a loop around the northern part of the country ... from Tzfat, north almost to Lebanon, East almost to Syria (almost is a good thing in these cases), south to the southern edge of the Kinneret, and now west back to the coast. The first 145 miles of our Israel Ride are behind us!

One thing I've learned -- the "granny gear" is my friend. In past years, where I probably conditioned more for the ride, I didn't use it a lot, though I now realize that it was always there for me. This year, I like it! Though today's ride was marked by more "rolling" hills than some of the very long climbs that we did yesterday, granny let me enjoy all of it.

Also, as you bike through the north, you witness first hand the miracle that is modern Israel - in some areas, the terrain and land is not so different from what it must have looked like 100 years ago -- challenging. But, throughout the day, as we made our way back to the coast, we saw the farms, some of the industry, and development that now support a thriving (even this year!) economy and a population that has grown to over seven million! It's amazing.

Over the first two days of the ride, we also learned a lot about the JNF and their role in the development of the area. Accept for the "truck stops" or bus stops, virtually every other place that we have stopped is a JNF/KKL park or recreation area, and they are all beautiful. Beyond the infrastructure, reforestation, water projects. etc., signs of the JNF's role as the "caretaker of the land of Israel" are everywhere. As a member of Team JNF and a member of the JNF in Boston, it is really great to see. Additionally, Alon Tol, the founder of the Arava Institute is the lead environmental educator on the ride, and he has been great about drawing our attention to the many things that are being done, or can be done, to assure sustainable, environmentally sound development here. One of the big investments that is being made now, throughout the country, is the investment in bike routes (both road and off road) that will make most of the country a more "bike friendly" environment. I'm good with that!

All of my pictures from the ride are archived in a Picasa web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/DavidLEisenberg/2009IsraelRideArchiveHighResolution#

Tzfat Start

2009-11-07T01:12:00.000-05:00

Adam and I at the start of the first day of the 2009 Israel Ride. After days of rain, we started in rain gear -- but the weather for the day turned out to be excellent!

Day (one) is done...

2009-11-04T14:09:00.000-05:00

Wow! I don't know where to start,. but there is a lot to share from the first day of the November 2009 Israel Ride. I'll start with the highlights:

1. While this is my 4th Israel Ride, it is not getting old. Today's route, from Tzfat, north towards Lebanon, then East, through the Hula Valley, and into the Golan Heights (formerly controlled by Syria), then south, past the Kinneret to Kibbutz Maagan on the south eastern edge of the Kinneret, was just fantastic.

2. It was truly exciting, gratifying, and really beyond words for Adam and Michelle to join me for the first day of the ride. They both did the complete route, and did it in a way that would make any parent proud. For Michelle, especially, just a few records were broken today:

- the farthest, by over 65 miles, she had ever ridden a bicycle (she rode about 74 miles today)

- the most challenging climb, over five miles, that she had ever done on a bike (and she did a great job of it)

- the fastest, on one big downhill, that she had ever ridden a bike (I won't say, but it was fast)

This was not easy, as even some pretty experienced riders were challenged by parts of the route. The strength and character that Michelle showed on the route today will inspire some of the other riders here for the rest of the week.

Excellent day for Adam too, and really fun to be able to share this part of the ride with both him and Michelle.

3. This is an archeologically and historically rich part of Israel and, as a result, the day included several 'teaching' stops, which really added to the texture of the day. Not to mention that they provided some welcome breaks!

4. Awesome weather. I'm not sure who arranged it, but the rain of the past week came to a screeching halt and, other than delaying the start of today's ride by a few minutes, it had no effect on us -- we had near perfect weather.

It was about 74 miles of hard work, special time with family, a chance to visit with some old friends, and time to meet some new ones. And, great fun. A day on the Israel Ride!

Tomorrow, Day Two, and, hopefully a bit about "connections"(it is a very small world). While not yet organized, some of my photos from the ride are in a Picasa web album: http://picasaweb.google.co m/DavidLEisenberg

Israel's Prayers Answered!

2009-11-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

After a drought of several years, with all it's consequences (water rationing, farms closed, economic hardship, etc), Israel's prayers have been answered with truly torrential rains for most of the past several days. In Tel Aviv, it looked like we were witnessing the type of storms that usually come with hurricanes, and here in Tzfat the rains were even harder -- even in this city where all the roads flow steeply downhill, there was some flooding. But for the reality that I didn't want to ruin my camera in the rain, I wish I had taken a few pictures!

Still, shortages persist -- I learned last night that all of this rain will raise the level of the Kinneret, Israel's primary watershed, by about 5 centimeters. That's good. Unfortunately, with the sea level a full five meters below normal, that means that we need another 100 days of this type of rain. (and I always thought that 40 days and 40 nights would pretty much do the trick).

The rain aside, it is truly exciting to be in Tzfat for the start, tomorrow morning, of my 4th Israel Ride. The forecast is for the rain to take a break for the next several days (more prayers answered!), so we should be leaving tomorrow under a clear sky, and on roads freshly washed clear of most hazards (other than the cars). What more could we ask for?

Today is the "staging" day for the ride -- time to put the bikes back together or get fitted for rentals, test to be sure that everything is working (mind, body, bike, not necessarily in that order), meet old Israel Ride friends, and make new ones! We'll also have time to visit and learn about the ancient, mystical city of Tzfat.

For me, so far, this is already a trip of special treats -- I arrived in Tel Aviv Sunday evening in time for dinner with my step-sister Arlene and Ami, and spent the night and the next morning visiting with Adam and Michelle in Tel Aviv. The have a wonderful apartment that is literally across a short walkway from the beach, just a few doors down from the home (now museum) of David Ben Gurion, and a short walk to some of the great neighborhoods (aka, restaurants!) of Tel Aviv. And, yesterday, after arriving in Tzfat, we got to spend a wonderful evening with my nephew Guy, Inbar, and their three adorable children -- all born in the few years since I last saw Guy! Truly a nice family welcome to Israel! And, the week has just begun...

Heading Out for the Adventure of a Lifetime -- Again!

2009-10-29T22:55:00.001-04:00

This is it! This Saturday evening I leave for Israel and my fourth Israel Ride! I hope you'll stay tuned for my posts from the ride....

Home Again!

2008-11-22T14:40:00.001-05:00

I'm home again, the 2008 Israel Ride behind me. I've come home with my favorite souvenirs - plenty of photos and videos. I haven't made an album (yet?), but I have posted a complete set of the photos to Flickr and Picasa. The links are at the end of this posting.

I come home reminded that the Israel Ride is definitely a ride, not a race. Through the course of the ride, we learn, make new friends, challenge ourselves, and come back as part of a community that has shared a very special experience. Cycling is just the route that we use to get there!

That said, the cycling is pretty special! Every day of this year's route had something that made it stand out -- the ride through the Jerusalem Hills on the first day, the transition into the desert on the second, the off road biking at Sde Boker and the climb to Mitzpeh Ramon on the third, the spectacular ride through Machtesh Ramon and the final descent to Kibbutz Ketura on the fourth, and, on the fifth, the ride down the mountain road into Eilat, with the city and the Red Sea rising up before us as we sped down the road. Yes, even though I had done it before, each day of riding had something special to offer, something that left you saying to yourself, "wow, I can't believe that I'm here, and doing this...it's incredible!".

Each day of riding also had plenty of time, mostly in the rolling hills and flats, that offered a chance to get to know our fellow riders. From that, I've come home not just with the photographs, but also with friends that I know that I will keep in touch with for a long time to come, and hopefully also see on a future ride.

And, finally, every day was a learning experience. We had the benefit of Bill, a wonderful guide and a resident of Kibbutz Ketura, as a guide throughout the ride, as well as Alon and Noam to provide very helpful environmental education and insight. We also learned from the crew and volunteers on the ride, many of whom were alumni of the Arava Institute. The result is that this is not just a ride (though it is a spectacular ride), but also a community building/learning experience.

Of course, I did take a few photos on the ride. I've split them into two albums on Flickr. The first is of the "pre-ride", including the JNF's Northern Exposure tour on the Monday before the ride. The second is from the ride. The links to both albums are:

pre-ride (including the Monday "northern exposure" trip): http://flickr.com/photos/eisenbergfamily/sets/72157609650308972/
ride: http://flickr.com/photos/eisenbergfamily/sets/72157609533422058/

Or, both can also be found by going to my "Israel Collection" on Flickr, which includes this ride as well as photos from some other trips to Israel. That link is: http://flickr.com/photos/eisenbergfamily/collections/72157594587355686/

If you have any questions about the ride, or the great organizations that it supports, don't hesitate to ask!

We Did It!

2008-11-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

We did it!

It is hard to believe that it is only six days since we cycled out of Jerusalem -- five days of cycling, a wonderful, relaxing Shabbat in Mitzpeh Ramon, and, today, 282 miles later, we pedaled into Eilat!

I still owe some details on the past few days, each of which had it's own unique and special character. Even though this was my third Israel Ride, it was still a remarkable experience.

Today was a wonderful, if mostly uphill, ride from Kibbutz Ketura (and the Arava Institute) to Eilat. The treat came at the end, after miles of gentle (some not so gentle) uphill, when we got to the final descent into Eilat. We come in on the mountain road, with the final few miles of the ride beginning at about the same elevation as when we left Jerusalem, and ending at sea level. The group, all 105 of us, were metered out down the mountain, then regrouped at the edge of the city. From there, with a police escort, we rode as one group for the last few miles to the beach. It was wonderful, and exciting, and a bit sad -- we've all shared a great experience together, and the time to make our goodbyes, so some newfound friends, was here. It's been an emotional afternoon. For me, it was truly exciting to be here, and to do the ride again. A few of the riders asked me if it was different, how so, etc. For sure, it was different, but in now way less meaningful than the other times that I did it. Each has been marked by the same three events -- new friends, being able to witness and learn more about the remarkable work of the Institute and Hazon, and the sheer joy of finding myself cycling through this incredible setting, in a place that I love to be. I love it! (hard to describe, but just a wonderful, exhilarating week - the photos, or videos, will never do it justice)

Still, a few photos from the fifth, and final day of riding. I've posted about 30 photos to Facebook. The link to the album is: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43301&l=51198&id=516718374
I'll also post a complete set of photos to Flickr in the next few days.

Separate from the incredible experience of cycling almost 300 miles on a remarkable route, the real experience of the ride can best be described in five words -- We Have Seen The Future! Or, at least, one possible future. The students, and alumni, of the Arava Institute are remarkable young men and women -- they are from Israel, several of the neighboring countries and territories, Europe, and the U.S.; they are of diverse religions, as well as nationalities, and they all work together as one. As a result of their experience at the Arava Institute, they find a common ground, an ability to understand each other's different perspectives, and they are building deep respect, friendships, and relationships across the borders of the middle east. It is really remarkable, especially in a region that has been marked by such deep conflict for much of it's history. The future that we've witnessed, through students at the institute is the one that all of us who care about Israel have prayed for for generations. The ride gave each of us a chance to witness this first hand, and to support allowing the work of the Institute and Hazon to reach their full potential.

The Fall 2008 Israel Ride, Day Three

2008-11-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

Great day, details to follow.....

The Fall 2008 Israel Ride, Day Two

2008-11-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

We awoke at about 4:30 a.m. this morning, before first light, to a bit of a surprise (at least for me) ... from the balcony of my hotel room, we could see lightening over the Mediterranean. I've seen it rain before in Israel, but lightening was a first.... wonderful day for a bike ride!

The other surprise is that many of us seem to have come down with some kind of malady overnight. We consulted with the authorities, and there is apparently no biblical precedent. It was, however, diagnosed successfully, and, apparently, we will all completely recover. The Latin name for the ailment, when diagnosing an entire group, is rbutticushrtzs. Apparently it has happened before. Best course of action....get back on the bike!

Much to my pleasant surprise, in the moments before leaving my room and getting to the lobby, the rain ended. The rain ended! We still started the ride in rain gear, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

Our departure from Ashkelon, a city that has often been in the news as a target for missiles launched from Gaza, was great! Traffic was light, and we had a police escort through the city ... it was a very special feeling, 105 riders, in loose formation, riding together in the morning light, through the city. We would spread out later in the day, as well as divide into smaller groups, but, for now, it was one large group, riding together .... and, in increasingly clear weather!

Our first stop for the morning came about 15 - 20 (I didn't look @ the cue cards for this) miles south of Ashkelon, for breakfast. We stopped at a great site, overlooking a JNF reservoir. To our right, in the not so far distance, we could still see Ashkelon. In front of us, the reservoir, and, behind the reservoir, in both directions, the Gaza strip. Over the strip were two large balloons, similar looking to weather balloons, except that their purpose seems to be early eyes and ears for incoming missile attacks on Israel. We didn't witness any, though I understand one did follow later in the day -- missed us!

Today is a "transition day", both in terms of the ride, and the look/feel of the land of Israel. Yesterday, I decided to ride the "Tzofim" route this year, missing out on the "Chalutzim" route, which includes a spectacular ride along the Egyptian border, but able, instead, to do a mountain biking excursion tomorrow. Tough decision, but I'm in better shape for Tzofim this year, probably not quite there for the two very tough climbs on Friday's Chalutzim route. So, proudly, I am Tzofim!! We will ride about 71 miles today, the Chalutzim about 25 miles further (that is the route that I did in 2005). The other transition is the land itself.... yesterday was all green, farms, etc. Today, we enter the desert. The transition will come quickly, in the early afternoon.

The ride goes quickly today, as it is mostly rolling hills, flats, etc. No big climbs, just some wind. The sky, maybe reflecting the overnight weather, filled with clouds, against blue sky. It was great weather for cycling. While I don't recall the names (will try to add them later), we stop at about half dozen parks in the course of the day, virtually all of them JNF parks. The last, shortly before the end of the day, was Golda Meir park ... a seeming oasis in the desert. The ride, ever well supported, has set up mats and a rest area there, along with a volunteer to help with stretching, teaching us some yoga, etc. Just another day on the road!!

A couple of memories that will stay with me....

- at the lunch stop, the bongos played by several great members of the crew, and accompanied by Noam, a fellow rider, playing the spoons. All of that, combined with some education from Bill, and others, as we finished our lunch break. If it wasn't clear before now, it is clear not, this is not just about the ride....we are a community.

- getting to know some of my fellow riders, with great, long conversations on the road. As the miles roll by, we make new friends, and re-acquaint ourselves with old ones. I won't share the stories, not my business to do that, just the fact that these are some very inspirational and special people. It is a privilege to spend this time with them. To each of the riders who shared a bit of their story with me, thank you!

- the crew and volunteers on the ride are incredible. In addition to the professional staff, most are actually alumni of the Arava Institute. By there example, as well as through the opportunities that we get to visit with them, they are a wonderful testimony to the pioneering work being done at the Institute.

- two environmental facts, one that was new to me, and the other that I was reminded of -- Israel leads the world in recycling waste water (75% gets recycled) and, as I already knew, Israel leads the world in re-forestation. I'm here as part of "Team JNF" -- it is great to see how deeply the JNF is involved in each of these activities.

Tonight is at a guest house in the Negev. Tomorrow, we head towards Mitzpeh Ramon -- Day 3.

The Fall 2008 Israel Ride, Day One

2008-11-15T04:55:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Mitzpeh Ramon, where we pause for a day of rest after the first three days of the Israel Ride. This is my first post since we started riding, three days and, for my group, about 170+ miles ago. A lot of the memories blend together, but I'll try to touch on a few highlights of each day.

Day !, Jerusalem to Ashkelon

The plan is to leave Jerusalem at first light. Our hotel is on Mt. Scopus, and we would like to get across the city before morning traffic converges on us. We also need to finish the day before dark. Hence, by 5:30 am, we are on our way!

I quickly get to see how adept and helpful the ride crew is, as I have a blowout within a mile or so of the hotel. Before I even have the tire off the bike, a member of the crew (Roy?) has stopped to help, and in minutes the SAG wagon is there as well. I'm probably on my way within about 5 - 6 minutes, and catch up to the rest of the group a short time later -- no time lost! This crew and support team is amazing - they are ever-present and always helpful!

Our route for Day One takes us from Mt Scopus, through Jerusalem, then over the Jerusalem hills and west towards the Mediteranian and the city of Ashkelon. I won't go through all the details, as the photos do some of that, just a few impressions....

The beginning of the route, once we get to the western side of the city, is a wonderful descent into the Jerusalem forest and the hills on the western side of the city. As we descend down into the valley, we can see Hadassah Medical Center above us. Our first rest stop is 'down in the valley'. Bill, our guide, fills us in on some of the history of the area, including noting the steps of stones in the hills above us, remnants of people who farmed these hills, in ages longs past. The next hour or so will include some of the most dramatic part of the first day's ride. First, comes the hill....the up hill. Have ridden down into the valley, now we get to climb out the other end. This will be one of the longest and, at times, steepest climbs of the ride. It is also beautiful. For most of it, we are in the forest, with the valley opening out below us and morning light off of the rolling hills in the distance.

We take a break at a JNF (Jewish National Fund) site at the top. While there, in addition to resting, regrouping, and having something to drink, we also hear from Alon Tal. Alon is the founder of the Arava Institute and one of Israel's leading environmentalists. In the past, he has joined us for the whole ride. This year, his stay will be shorter as he is a candidate for the Knesset, and the campaign and other commitments call. Once we leave the rest stop, we are in for one of the most exciting descents of the ride... just a few switch backs, and then a couple of miles (longer) downhill, with great visibility and virtually no traffic....the police have closed the road for us!! On my first Israel Ride, in better form than this year, this is where I clocked my personal fastest speed ever on a bike. I'll be slower this year, but it is still a thrilling ride. Later in the day, Bill (our wonderful guide) will fill us in on the history of the area, including the Israelites on one side of the valley, the Philistines on the other, and that fateful day when the Israelite, David, met the Philistine, Goliath, in a short battle in the valley (that we are riding through).... but, for now, we just enjoy the ride!!

Most of the rest of the day will be through farm land and in a steady descent (with a few exceptions) towards the Mediterranean, and our evening in Ashkelon. It was a great chance to get to know some of the other riders, as it is a very social group, and the ride gave us plenty of chances to visit -- except for times when the headwinds made conversation harder.

One special moment, from near the end of the day. We stopped at a park about 15 miles from Ashkelon, to regroup and enjoy a break before heading into the city together. As we were preparing to leave, we noticed a group of pre-school children watching us through the fence that surrounds their school. They were maybe 30 - 40 yards away, all lined up, with there teacher behind them ... first watching, then, when we noticed them, waving to us. As a few of us started to walk over to them, there was a moment of "now what", as the space between us closed. Then, Mario, on of the riders (and a Rabbi) started to sing the song, "Havenu Shalom Alechem" (peace unto you). The kids quickly joined in, as did anyone else that new the song. Hard to describe to people who weren't there....but it was a very special moment. As different as we were from the children, in age, where we live, what we were doing, language, etc., in that moment we were all connected!

Some of my pictures from the first day are in an album on Facebook. The link is: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43295&l=a93f6&id=516718374

I uploaded a more complete set directly to Picasa. Those are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5IkK6ZPzsyJdQh5QYM6ybg?authkey=F8wWaz8Z4zU

Day Two will be next!

Arrival!

2008-11-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

The flight to Israel was "uneventful", which I always find an event in itself. After all, this is a place to was all but unaccessible for so many years. Now, you can get on a plane almost anywhere in the world, and find yourself in Israel the next day! Very nice.

Unlike last year, my luggage made the flight as well, and we all arrived in Israel together. At the airport, staff for the ride met us, picked up our bikes for delivery to Jerusalem, and a few of us grabbed a taxi for the 40 mile drive to Jerusalem. We were in the hotel by 7 pm.

Dinner in the old city? Unfortunately, that wasn't to be on Sunday night. Four of us, two from Boston and two new friends from San Jose grabbed a cab to the old city, where I was hoping for dinner at my favorite shwarma place, but they were closed. Darn! Instead, we took a walk through the market area, though it was mostly closed. We made one wrong turn (not good), but a young, tennis racket toting (and playing) priest was walking by, and walked us back to jaffa gate, before going on his way. From there, we walked to Ben Yehuda street, a very busy place on a Sunday night. We quickly found another excellent place for schwarma (yes, i had a craving), and had a great dinner, with sidewalk seating, and a chance to get to know three of my new riding companions. Even had a few minutes to do something that I've never done on the Israel Ride, shop!

We leave Monday morning for a JNF organized quick tour of Northern Israel...more on that in the next post!

Getting Started

2008-11-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

I am writing this as I travel to Israel for the Fall 2008 Israel Ride. I will keep it as my journal for the ride, then see where we go from there.

For more information about the ride, you can go to their website, www.israelride.org.

About me, and the Israel Ride.... this is the third time that I've done the ride. The first, in 2005, was one of those 'life cycle' events. I thought that I would do it once, love it, but not feel any pull to do it a second time, 2007, and surely not a third time, now! Much to the surprise of many, I'm back! Hopefully not for the last time. I ride as part of Team JNF (Jewish National Fund). And, I ride in memory of my stepfather, Rabbi Morris Gordon. And, I ride to help support two great organizations, The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, in Israel, and Hazon, in the USA. But, truth is, mostly I ride for me -- the ride is an incredible way to visit Israel, explore the Negev, challenge myself, and meet some wonderful people along the way. This year, I'm also riding to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah. The service was this past spring, only 40 years late, but worth every minute of the wait. I would have liked to get each of my six fellow b'nei mitzvot to join me, but it looks like I ended up as the designated rider!

More to follow. Next post from Jerusalem!