ALYN 2018 – Farewell from Tel Aviv

November 5, 2018
Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv

As I sit here in the departure lounge awaiting our flight back to New York, I can finally reflect back on these last two amazing weeks.  The Wheels of Love ride speaks for itself and I hope that you have enjoyed the daily reports and photos.  We had five pretty rough days in the Negev, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem totaling about 375 miles and over 25,000 feet of climbing.  Israel is nothing short of magical from its geological splendor to its biblical roots, from the mystical city of Jerusalem to the cosmopolitan and spectacular Tel Aviv.  Jerusalem and Tel Aviv each embody opposite ends of the cultural spectrum.

I remember sitting here six years ago in the aftermath of the rocket war of 2012.  I wrote to all of you – my friends and supporters – about the experience of waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of sirens signifying incoming rockets and having 30 seconds to find shelter – several times.  During the days that followed, we watched Iron Dome intercept missiles explode overhead in the desert or on the beach.  Other years were fraught with their own unique challenges.  One year, we had terrorists crashing their cars into populated streets and bus stops.  Another time, we had the threat of chemical attacks from Syria.  Several years, we had wind and rain of biblical proportions.  The one guarantee?  It’s never boring.

By any measure, this year was quiet and uneventful.  But it is never boring.  The ride was challenging and emotional.  The children of ALYN are special and we are humbled each year at the close.  And most importantly, the ride raised over $3.5 million – and still counting.  Thanks to your generosity, Joanne and I (The BlyeCycles) account for $18,000 of that total.  And Joanne helped facilitate an estate bequest of $75,000 for a Renovated Psychology and Speech Therapy Treatment Room.

I want to thank you all again for following me on this special edition of Journey With Jeff and especially for supporting the ALYN Wheels of Love.  I am deeply grateful to you all.

If you are still considering making a donation to this amazing place, you can do so here:  Why I Ride.  Or copy and paste this link: www.wolusa.org/goto/jeffblye

L’hitra’ot
להתראות

…Jeff
Wheels of Love Challenge Rider
2007-2018