Always take the high road – there's a lot less traffic.
ALYN 2018, Day 5 – Final Day, Final Climb
November 1, 2018 The Nes Harim Climb to the Emotional Finish Distance: 50 miles, Vertical climb: 5,150 feet
Wow! What an emotional day! Day 5 – our final day – is always filled with mixed feelings. On one hand, we are comforted that the end is in sight and that our aching legs will soon find relief. On the other hand, we still have a tough 50-mile ride with a tough tough climb up to Nes Harim and the ALYN hospital.
Much of the climb to Nes Harim is at a steady 10-12% grade that seems to go on forever. Sometimes, as we start snaking and grinding our way up, a new rider will ask me how long the climb is. I usually tell them that it’s about 50 C’s. “What’s that?” they ask. (Wait for it.) “Well, you go as far as you can see. Then you go as far as you can see another 49 times.” I’ve been telling this same stupid joke for 12 years and it’s guaranteed to get some groans. But a few thousand feet of vertical climbing later, I inevitably get a “I see what you mean.” If you don’t believe me, check out the 3D replay of the ride. I dare you to find a flat spot.
About 15 miles or so from the finish, we meet up with the On-Road groups and stop for a quick lunch at Bar Bahar. This is a beautiful mountaintop café where I always get a cappuccino and stare across the deep valley at Jerusalem in the distance. My first year on the ride, I actually got a customer loyalty punch card which I sometimes forget/sometimes remember to bring with me. I’m pretty sure I have enough punches for a free cappuccino next year!
We have a final traffic control stop at Ein Kerem Junction while we wait for clearance from the police. We usually pass the time here by taking lots of pictures with our other smiling riders. The smiles don’t last long, as it’s a steep uphill start and a bit of a balagan getting going again.
The final section is killer steep, but worth it as we soon hear the cheers and celebration of ALYN children and families welcoming us home. After many hugs and kisses, we proceed to the medals ceremony where the children put medals around our necks and we are humbled. It’s an amazing reminder of why we do what we do, and how thanks to you all, we raised a record amount this year: over $3.5 million so far. (2018 books close December 31, so the final total is yet tbd.)
I will have some closing thoughts on the trip in the days to follow as I lick my wounds on the beach in Tel Aviv.
Warning, there are a lot of pictures from today, so please enjoy them. If you haven’t already, click herefor a neat 3D replay of today’s short but tough ride. I dare you find a flat spot!!
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
Our final starting line as we get ready to head out on Day 5.We started high atop a “hill” at over 2,600 feet and begin a twisty technical descent, made more tricky by the strong swirling winds.We wind our way down at over 10% grade with very strong winds.… and then back up. No flat spots today!!“Papa’s Pizza” (or something close!)And now, the real fun begins. We head down route 395 to Eshtaol and Bet Shemesh.It’s a good things the police blocked traffic for us here. This is a two-way roadway!Near the bottom, we take our first (and last) pit stop. Erez gives a high five to Jessica.Meet Daphna from our logistics team. She has worked so (so) hard.We were joined by members of the Israel Cycling Academy. These guys are stick thin and strong!! Even holding my stomach in, I feel fat next to them.Daphna and Gayle set up this healthy assortment.Head Volunteer Joanne rides shotgun with Yiron driving.(l-r) Jessica, Daniel and Giorgio are ready to rock and roll.We make the turn to Tsur Hadassa and the climbs ahead.“Hello? Hello? Can you hear me now …?”Beginning the Nes Harim climb …“I told you, it’s about 50 C’s. You go as far as you can see, … and then you go as far as you can see 50 more times …”Marc Mouhadeb wanted to talk to me, but all I could do was grunt and take his picture.At lunch, Jessica is sandwiched between our amazing Ride Director Chaim Wizman (l) and our amazing Ride Leader Erez Cohen (r).…and we’re climbing again. The final section of the ride is a combination of climbs and descents to the valley floor and climbs back up.It’s full speed ahead for the next downhill section.If you’re slow on the descents, you’d better KEEP TO THE RIGHT!!!Just spectacular …I catch a breather and chat with longtime ALYN rider and good friend, Yehuda Livneh.That’s Hadassah Medical Center up on the hill and a sign that we’re getting close.Final traffic control checkpoint at Ein Kerem Junction. That’s Marc, “Chacha” and me.So happy that my good buddy Shalom (Shazzmo) Nelson rejoined the ride this year. He’s a pilot on Southwest and is apparently checking flight schedules.More riding buddies: Joel Chefitz (l) and Rob Feldman (r).The problem with having a lot of time to ponder the last climb, is that you start to think of alternatives …Ok, let’s “get ‘er done”. Final steep twisty climb … Don’t ask me the elevation grade. My Garmin was flashing “error”.It levels off (somewhat) for the final leg…A reason to smile.Shazzmo made it too.ALYN Hospital staffers are out in force to cheer us home…… and so are friends and families.(l-r) Me, Sam, Bill and Shazzmo.Jessica stoops down to get her medal …oops … a little adjustment. All smiles.One more cutie pie, holding Joanne’s green pom pom.More amazing ALYN Hospital staffers.A record fund-raising effort this year with over $3.5 million raised (and counting.) Did you help make a child smile today?
Journey with Jeff 
finally some green trees congradulations on a ride well done see you when you get home regards to joanne she did a great job david
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Fabulous! Very inspirational! Shabbat Shalom, Marjorie
Sent from my iPhone
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Congratulations! I got tired just watching the 3D live.
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