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

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