The 2009 Israel Ride, from Tzfat to Eilat, was my fourth Israel Ride, all as part of Team JNF.  I posted to a blog throughout the ride, both as a way to keep in touch with the many friends and family who supported my participation in the ride and as a way to record my thoughts and memories of this great event.  The link to the last post to my blog is below.  

http://davidleisenberg.blogspot.com/2009/11/2009-israel-ride-reflections-and.html

I plan to return to Israel on the 2010 Israel Ride.  This year's ride, from October 19 - 26, will be from Jerusalem to Eilat.  Participants in the ride self select into three groups, depending on their level as riders.  As a result, it is open to riders of virtually all levels.  

The Israel Ride benefits The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, at Kibbutz Ketura, and Hazon, here in the USA.   I ride as part of Team JNF.  

There is something very special about seeing Israel from the seat of a bicycle -- you go fast enough that, with a little work, you can see much of the country.  Yet, you go slow enough and close enough to the land that you can't help but come away with a renewed appreciation for much of what is special, and fragile, about this wonderful place.

For more information on the 2010 Israel Ride, including registration information, please go to the ride's web site:  www.israelride.org