WHEELS OF LOVE 2011 TEAM BLAU
Sharlene wrote this "little" email to our family and friends I thought some of you might be interested. Its a little longer then my posts :)
Shalom to our wonderful family and friends from Israel,
Thursday, Nimrod completed the 5 day bike ride. This ride was described as one of the best and most challenging (for northern routes) in the 12 years. We had an incredible time and the 400 bikers from 13 different countries were incredible, the terrain that they rode with such determination and vitality was truly inspirational. I was part of the support team, we were along the routes to cheer and encourage the bikers as well as to direct them onto the correct path at junctions. There was police escorts that closed portions of the road. They were an incredible group of people.
So after a
couple of days rest, here is a short summary what transpired over the 5 days.
Here is a link to Picasa to view pictures we took on the ride. https://picasaweb.google.com/109466241611437155544/WOL2011
(I apologize if you receive multiples of this email)
Once again, Nimrod and I thank you from the bottom of hearts for all of your support and words of encouragement, letting us be able to help ALYN change disabilities into abilities.
Day 1: 47
miles with a 3000ft ascent.
The start off point was at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu just south of Bet Shean near the
Jordan Border with the singing of Hatikvah. They rode through the Valley of the
Springs, formally known as Beit Shean Valley, we passed through the Gilboa
Range with views of the Jezreel Valley and the Jordan Valley, it was breath
taking. They continued to Bel Alfa
(Byzantine-era synagogue with wonderful mosaic floors) then to Bet Shean then to
Route #90 that straddles the northern border with Lebanon. Their ride ended at
Kibbutz Ha'On at the base of the Golan.
Day 2: 42 miles with a 4600ft ascent
This was a challenging ride it was mainly an up hill. The bikers encircled the eastern side of the Kinneret at the foot of the Golan Heights. We then crossed over the Jordan river via the Arik Bridge and the challenging climb up to the Upper Galilee then to Safed. From here they continued towards Mt. Meron (second highest mountain in Israel and one of the wettest areas in Israel).
We all slept in a Druze village, Pequi'in. This was an experience, a world where time seems to stop, a quiet picturesque village filled with beauty and tranquility.
Day 3: 43 miles with a 4300ft ascent
From Pequi'in the bikers rode towards the Arab village Jish, situated on the ruins of the famous village which is mentioned in the Mishnah as Gush Halav.. They continued on Kvish HaZafon (northern road) which was paved during the British Mandate. The country side was just beautiful and breathtaking. They passed Aramshe, a Bedouin village enjoying visas of the open Mediterranean Sea.
From the Admit Heights they descended along a very winding ( Switch back) road from where, alternately with great vies of Wadi Namer and Wadi Betzet. From here the ride went westward towards the sea and then southwards along a flat road parallel to the sea shore .We then passed Mitzpe Hila, the home of Gilad Shalit then returning to Pequi'in for the night. We enjoyed a traditional Druze dinner (Glatt kosher, with Mashigach) in a beautiful setting.
The village of Pequi'in is unique. It is a place where Arabs, Christians, Druze and one Jewish family - who had a very long connection to the town - have all lived together in harmony for hundreds of years. This evening we also commemorated Yitzhak Rabin's Yahrzeit (16 years).
Day 4: 57 miles with 3000ft ascent
Leaving Pequi'in towards Kisra, another Druze village,descended to the Lower "Galilee, with stunning lookouts! The bikers approached Carmiel then uphill to Segev Block, then descended to Bet Netofa Valley. From here it is claimed that the tastestes melons are grown in these fields. We also saw the National Water Carrier of Israel. They continued to Carmiel the site where in Dec. 2010, 5 million trees were burnt to the ground. We were fortunate to see the re-afforestation and re-growth.
The bikers crossed the Carmel Ridge to Zichron Yaakov (where Nimrod has family) and Furadis ( a very large Arab village, more like a city), through Wadi Mile, the ancient salt road which connected the beaches of Atlit and Dor with Damascus. According Nimrod and I, theses beaches are the most beautiful in Israel. The sand is like flour, the water is warm, like bathwater with spectacular sunsets.
We lodged in Kibbutz Nachsholim, which was delightful.
Day 5 we enter Jerusalem: 27miles with 4000ft ascent
We all were
bused from Nachshalim to Latrum Monastery where the monks take a vow of silence.
Here the ride starts on the winding "Bravery Road", linking two junctions named
after the heroes, Nachson and Shimshon. This part of the road was paved during
the War of Independence as a bypass to the road from Latrum to Sha'ar Hagai
which was then controlled by the Jordanian Legion and blocked the way to
Jerusalem. They continued to Eshtaol and started the challenging climb of the
day. The road was vertical and I mean it. It was incredible to see how these
bikers had the determination to make it to the top. They rode through the pine
forests planted by Keren HaKayemet L'Yisrael and through natural Mediterranean
thicket. Parts of this road has been carved from the rocks of the Judean Hills
and Jerusalem Mountains. It is just beautiful. The bikers then climbed up
through the picturesque village of Ein Keren, continued through Kiryat Hayovel.
They all biked into ALYN Hospital to the blast of Shofars and a spectacular reception of hundreds and I do mean hundreds of people and patients. The children of Alyn (Jewish, Arabs, Druze and Christians) those who are in-patient, out-patient and graduates welcomed the bikers with beautiful smiles and awarded them with medals. It was a truly an emotional site to witness.
We have so many stories to share with you when we return.
G-d willing we will be back next year and Nimrod wants to do the off road route. We would love to put together a team for next year. So think about it. It is an experience you will cherish for a very long time.
L'Hitraot
Sharlene and Nimrod
DAY 1
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DAY 2
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DAY 3
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DAY 4
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DAY 5
