Cool misty mornings as we are out for our morning rides
remind me that summer is winding down and the riding season is waning. In an ordinary year that might turn me
wistful, thinking of rides not taken and the dwindling opportunities to get out
on the road. But this is not an ordinary
year, and the turning of the seasons heightens my excitement as I anticipate my
return to Israel
to experience the Land yet again from the seat of my bike.
The summer has indeed sped by. We had some time away, but it never feels
like enough. It seems as though the pace
of the things did not slacken as we always hope for summer – perhaps it is the
political season; maybe kids in transition… who knows? But I got a lot of riding in. I do not feel as pressured in my training as
I did when I last prepared for the Ride – probably because it was such an
unknown last time. As challenging as it
is to ride 300 miles in a week - in the desert - I know now that I can do it. I am feeling strong and confident… and
inspired.
Inspired… I have
become a bit more literate in using social media this year (mostly that means
Facebook), and I have tracked the adventures of other riders whom I know. Serene Victor, the former director of
education at our synagogue, and a few years older than me, became a cyclist in
her retirement. She did the Israel Ride
last year, and this year just completed the Hazon Cross Country Ride.
Ten weeks from Washington state, to Washington, D.C.,
raising money and consciousness about sustainable agriculture. How cool is that?? Definitely on my bucket list!
A little closer to home, a bit darker, but no less
inspiring, we have had several friends stricken with illnesses over the last 6
months or so. I am pleased to say that
each of them is recovering, but their courage and strength in the face of
challenges so much greater than anything a tough bike ride can throw at you has
made me ever more grateful for the opportunity to get out each day and
ride. Pete
Erines, an old friend from our days working at McLean, and my riding friend and Israel Ride icon, David
Eisenberg both waged courageous battles with cancer this spring and
summer. Both are recovering. Pete is
back to work and David is even talking about the Ride as a possibility for this
year. They have been blessed with good
care, support from family and friends and a measure of luck.
It is the season of blessings. As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it
is a time for introspection. Our
troubles seem minor when viewed against the world of hunger and need; our goals
and aspirations perhaps trivial when held against the example of those who do
great things… but we each have an opportunity make our mark. I don’t have any illusions that my participation
in the Israel Ride is going to bring peace in the Middle
East, but if the dollars that I raise, and more importantly the
message of co-existence and collaboration I can spread can help bring us a
little closer, then I will be truly blessed.
L’hitra-ote (see you soon),
Lester
