ALYN 2018, Day 1 – Down to the Dead Sea

October 28, 2018
Yatir Forest to Masada (Dead Sea)
67.3 miles, vertical climb + 3,356 ft, – 6,418 ft

And, … we’re off! The wind was howling. More on that later.

After a brief opening ceremony, the Challenge Riders set out from the Yatir Forest (Ya’ar Yatir) to begin the five-day journey in the south. This looked to be the easiest day of the this year’s ride at a relatively modest 67 miles and a long descent to the Dead Sea. But with the desert winds blowing constantly at over 20 mph, there was nothing easy about it. Still, with fresh legs and a healthy resolve, we took off and used the opening kilometers to reconnect with old friends and welcome the new riders.

Our pit stop was filled with the usual healthy assortment of nuts and dates and such, along with Brenda’s homemade flapjacks and other assorted treats. I’m not a big fan of soda, but after battling the wind for the first 20 miles, a cold Coke was very welcome. We continued along the desert roads – some up, some down, mostly rolling – through the barren and arid landscape. About six kilometers outside of Arad, we stopped for lunch and regrouped before making the long descent.

The descent from Arad (at about 1,700 feet elevation) down to the Dead Sea (at about -1,400 feet) is nothing short of exhilarating. Carved into the rocks along the road are markers – in meters – clocking your descent, starting at +500 meters and continuing down in 100 meters increments (or decrements in this case). After the requisite “Sea Level” sign, the numbers go negative. (You’ll see some in the photos.)

The Dead Sea (in Hebrew Yam Hamelach, or Sea of Salt) is the lowest place on Earth. Because the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of replenishment, the salinity level is about 35%, or ten times as salty as ocean water. Nothing lives there (hence the name). And still, it is rich in minerals and other natural resources making it a mecca for tourists who come here for rest and relaxation. The water helps treat psoriasis and other skin conditions and the oxygen rich air helps folks with asthma. The numerous resort hotels along the road bear witness to this.

The last 15 miles or so were nothing more than a brutal slog. Period. But when we took the left turn for the final mile-and-a-half (uphill) to the Masada Guest House, we knew we had made it. What would the day be without some post ride refreshments and carbohydrate recovery (aka, cold beers).

Please enjoy these photos from the day.  You can click here to find out Why I Ride and to support me. Or copy and paste this link: http://www.wolusa.org/goto/jeffblye
To all of my generous supporters – past, present and future – I thank you so very very much.

…Jeff
Wheels of Love Challenge Rider
2007-2018