Day Three of the Israel Ride

As we all know, Hillel is cycling on the planet Tatooine right now. He claims he’s in Israel raising money (by biking great distances on the Israel Ride) for brilliantly worthy organizations. Those are the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and Hazon. Alright, I believe Hillel but only because Tatooine is too far to go for one measly week.

Did you know? Biking 50 to 70 miles through the desert is some real hot ass, sweaty work. I know...duh.

"Yesterday was all about flat pedaling, today was all about hills. The end is at Mitzpe Ramon, which is at a higher elevation than Jerusalem. We started with back to back 1-1/3 mile climbs then a fairly easy run to Sde Boker where David Ben-Gurion is buried. The view out through the Wilderness of Zin is surreally gorgeous,  like a moonscape. 

From there, it was hill city. The longest climb was about 2.5 miles at an average gradient of 4%. I know that doesn't sound like much but believe me when I tell you that it was a long slog. After a break at the top, rolling hills got us to Mitzpe where I am happy to rest over shabbat. Back in the saddle on Sunday."

Our man on two wheels is holding up well and was at the front of the pack all day. Before the start of the ride he was wicked anxious about how he’d fair—been awhile since his last stretch of long distance riding. Hillel was pleasantly surprised to find that he’s def still got it.

GO Hillel! (Okay, GO but first, a day's rest)

If the anti-semites want to hate, let them hate, and let them go to hell.
~ David Ben-Gurion