The Last Ride

Monday is the last day of riding.  Recall I mentioned the last descent into Ketura in my last post?  It is about 4 miles of steep declines and switchbacks, followed by another mile of smooth slope down to the kibbutz entrance.  Well, what goes down must go up (unless you decide to ride the bus).  There is much debate about which climb of the ride is the hardest.  This one comes close.  It just goes on and on and on and on.  It's amazing how much effort can go into moving so slowly But I made it!

After a rest stop, we move out towards and along the Egyptian border.  Again, another long a beautiful stretch through the desert.   The border has become more dramatic since the incursions of several years ago.  What was once a simple barbed wire fence haas become a sophistocated high wire and electronic fence that now stretches from Gaza through the Sinai border.  It is a stark reminder of the hostilities that still prevail in this region.  And sadly it poses an environmental disaster, since it blogs the migration route of the many species for whom the border is a meaningless line.

We gather within sight of the fence for lunch - all 180 of us.  Much of the time is taken with photos of the various groups - regional, teams, alumni, riders over 65, riders over 70 (yes there were 3 of them.), and more.  Takes too long, but finally we are ready for the last stretch.  

We move out as a large group, for several miles of rolling hills (and a couple of long climbs).  I have just about run out of gas after 5 days of hard riding.  Then we stop at the apex of the the descent into Eilat.  A final safety briefing about speed and control (the one serious accident on this ride happened in 2010 when a rider lost control on this last descent and wound up terrible injured for life), and we are released one at a time for a thrilling 6 mile descent to the glittering sea.  The first half is through the same mountainous landscape we have seen for days.  But then the road turns and suddenly Eilat and the Red Sea loom ahead.  Across the bay is Aqaba, Jordon.  In the distance are the mountains of Saudi Arabia, and behind us is Egypt.  We can see 4 countries at the same time.

Everyone made the descent safely.  We stop in a park for popsicles (an odd tradition), and then we make our way to the edge of the sea.  What an accomplishment!!

Our ride has come to an end.  We have a closing ceremony that includes a slide show of the photos and videos taken throughout the ride (did I mention that they used a drone this year?? - when the show is posted on line I will post the link).  We thank the marvelous staff and crew of 80 of the most wonderful people you will ever meet.  And then party into the night.  (Though I don't last as long as the crew, who I think we on the beach until the very wee hours).

A couple days of relaxing in Eilat and we will be back in the States to face the new reality that awaits us.

I am sure I will have some reflections to add to this blog in the next few days... but for now I close this series of posts, full of gratitude for the opportunity to once again have (and share with you) this wonderfully moving and fulfilling experience.  

I end with prayers for peace and healing of the deep divides in our country.  I fear for the course we appear to be taking, but I hope that people of good will can find common ground, even in conflict, in the spirit of the Arava Institute, and that our future will not be dark.

Until next time,

L'hitra-ot,

Lester