The Cliffs of Dragot

To our right was the Dead Sea. Ahead of us were the cliffs of Dragot.  Imagine climbing these on a bike.  This was the toughest climb of our ride.  The temps were hot and the grade was severe.

This was the view from the top.

The amazing thing about riding in Israel is have deserts to lush wooded roads all in a very small country.

One must remember when holding aloft one's bike, make sure your water bottles are closed.

Cycling in Israel for disabled Israeli veterans

It was not about the ride.  It was what we accomplished by having the ride.

The Courage in Motion bike ride through Israel does something that most charity rides do not do.  It puts the recipients of the charity on the road. The funds that are raised by the CIM ride helps support cycling as one of the rehabilitation activities that are offered by Beit Halochem, the rehab organization for disabled vets in Israel. We can see the results of our fundraising.  I have spoken to and have heard the stories of the disabled vets that are riding with us. The existence of this ride motivates them to train to be able to participate with us. I have also been told that cycling was helped bring some of these vets out of there post traumatic disorders.

At some point you need to stop and think of what it is about cycling that is so appealing. The camaraderie of the group, the sense of accomplishment, the physical challenge, and the beauty of the surroundings are what do it for me. It is no surprise to me that those things could be used to rehabilitate.  That is what we promote with this ride.

How true!

For all the married male cyclists....this is for you

Sunday 10/23

Cold weather may have been to blame. Early morning temps were 47F. Only Isaac, Harold, and JeffK set off from Wheatley. Harold and JeffK bailed at Stillwell.  I joined a group on route 108. We were doing a steady 26MPH. That was fun. Later I when I returned to 108 and did not have the group to draft behind it was not as much fun or fast.
Total 60 miles.
Next post from Israel?

Sunday 10/16

Jayne, Joe, Isaac, Amos, Harold, and Alan took left Wheatley on a novel route that was made to avoid the Oyster Bay Festival.  The ride included the Horseshoe, Mill Hill and for Isaac and Jayne a trip through Roslyn and Port Washington.  Not to be missed was Beacon Hill.

Total mileage 45. Disappointing.

This week will be my last ride before the www.cycleisrael.com  bike trip to support Disabled Israeli Veterans.
Please check out the site.

Labor day weekend, Sunday and Monday rides

A nice group of Wheelmen and Wheel-lady rode this past Labor day Sunday.  We had JeffB, Jayne, Isaac, JeffK, Joe, Amos, and Herb at the Wheatley gathering point.  JeffB, Jayne, and Isaac went long while the others went short.
I was able to convince the high council that we should embark on a ride to West Hills followed by a climb of Lawrence Hill before we when to Snake Hill.  I feel that why go to Snake Hill the easy way.
We continued through Huntington Harbor then up Woodbury Road to the deli. Switchback, Bumpy(new paved - smooth), campus and home for a 58 mile ride.

As for Monday
The only other rider I could find was Ori. Usually he rides with the Renegades but we were both left without compatriots.
We started at Ori's house and took a great route that stayed on the north of Northern Blvd through Port Washington and the Sands Point.  Shortly after Sands Point  Ori broke a shifter cable.  I commend him on riding back to his house to swap bikes in his small chainring and 12 cog the whole way. He only had to walk up one hill in Great Neck.
After the swap Ori suggested a service road ride to Woodbury road and back. I was game. We met a cyclist who had an Ironman MDot tattoo on her leg. A very strong rider. She was a little down on the fact that she had been impulsive when she got the tattoo and somewhat regretted it.  I told her it was cute and she should be proud of it. Imagine me flirting?

Total about 50 miles.  

What happened to August?

The consensus among the Wheelmen was that August was a literal washout. Three Sundays were rainy and one Sunday I was off doing a one mile swim race so I don't even know what went on.
On to September.