Ride Recap

I’ve just completed the most amazing

315-mile journey!

Again, THANK YOU to all those who have already supported me. If you didn’t get the chance yet, please take this opportunity and Follow This Link to promote PEACE, PARTNERSHIP, and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION…and pass on the word. If just 18 more people contribute $18, I will definitely meet my goal. Together we can make a difference!

There’s so much I could tell, but that may bore you. So here’s my takeaway:

• Luckily my first adventure was not indicative of the entire experience…When I stepped onto Bus 394 at 1:45am in front of Ketura, the driver did not have my preordered ticket. So, I was forced to pay again AND sit/lay on the floor for the 5-hour ride. I did not sleep as planned and arrived in rainy Tel Aviv at 6am, very tired.
  
  
• I mentioned a bunch about the basics in the last two posts. But just to reiterate, we ate and slept VERY WELL. They really took good care of us!
  
  
• Here’s something impressive…Two of the lead riders included:
• Israel’s #1 Cyclist - Ayal Rahat
• The Chair of the Chemistry Department at Hebrew University - Gil Shoham
  
  
• I became friendly with them and the entire crew. In fact, I spent a lot of time with the Crew, who are Arava alums, during breaks, because I am closer in age with them then most of the other riders.
  
  
• Nonetheless, I think I had a conversation with every participant.
  
  
• The CREW deserves a huge round of applause. They did a spectacular job. There was not one time when I felt confused or stressed during this week. (Honestly, it felt nice to not be in charge or give directions for once. This week I was able to sit back and just participate. Though, I did “crew” at times for fun.)
  
  
• Moreover, I believe the Ride was very well done, because no matter if you cycled the whole way or rode the bus for half the time, everyone left feeling accomplished.
  
  
• On our way to Ketura on the second to last day, we hit a WIND STORM. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this, but cycling in a headwind that is moving faster than you is much harder than biking up a mountain.
  
  
• I was really impressed by many of the cyclists. I hope when I am three times my age I can beat a youngster up steep hills. But, as Ed Loebl (Rachel’s dad) put it, “When you ride five times a week, it’s not so bad.” (Not to mention, I didn’t really train for this.)
  
  
• Finally, this Ride provided a very unique vantage point of Israel. I’ve seen most of Israel in many different ways (small groups, large groups, hiking, busing, driving), but rolling through the country on a bicycle in an extraordinary experience. To physically move yourself, at your own speed, through the land, allows for a whole new perspective. You better appreciate the height of mountains, the geographic and climatic diversity of the small area, surrounding nature, and even the people within. I strongly encourage everyone to do this at some point in your life. Speaking of which, SIGN UP NOW FOR NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM - October 19th - 26th, 2010!

I’m always available to answer questions and share more with you. Can’t wait to hear from you...

And, tomorrow we celebrate Ketura's birthday!

~Adi

Biking Befuddlements

• In the last post when I discussed my fear of the downhill, I forgot to mention that another risky factor is that I am attached to my pedals. This does not make for an easy fall!
  
  
• However, I’ve also learned to love the downhill, because after a climb, the ONLY thing you want is a nice, long, steep, descent. OY!
  
  

• You know you’re working hard when you take off your sunglasses and can wipe off actual salt crystals.
  
  
• In case you don’t know, THIS COUNTRY HAS A LOT OF HILLS!
  
  
• I’ve decided I should not be so hard on myself when the #1 Israeli cyclist beats me in a sprint… even if he’s only using ONE foot!
  
  

One last time (I hope), PLEASE DONATE TODAY!

AYS