By: Marcia Abramson
The Woodmere couple strongly supported the mission of the hospital to provide care for children suffering from debilitating illnesses. A goodly number were victims of acts of terrorism, birth defects and possibly invasive cancer therapy. The Israeli government and medical insurance could not cover the enormous costs to provide the all- inclusive treatment necessary to brighten the future of these children. Upon their arrival in Israel, the Kesslers joined a group of 100 Israeli, 37 European and an additional 100 American and Canadian bikers on the Fifth Annual Off-Road Wheels of Love Charity Bike Ride. Of this number, I learned that only 40 were women brave and strong enough to endure five days and about 300 miles of rugged riding, which included Negev Desert mountain climbing and dealing with strong intermittent head winds. My sources advised me that the riders were accompanied by sagacious security forces and, all in all, felt that the erecting of the Wall was a further deterrent against the horrific suicidal bombings. On the first day the bikers and their security escort traveled 61 miles north from Mitzpe Ramon past an officer training academy and Borot Luz, a border settlement built by King Hezekiya 2,500 years ago. There is additional bike climbing and passing along the Egyptian border to an area identified with the Children of Israel's encampment during most of their 40 years in the desert. On-road bikers will spend the night at Nitzana, a village founded by David Ben Gurion's associate Lova Eliav. Wake-up time is usually 6 a.m. for serious riding on open roads and demanding ascents of rolling hills. The second day of the program calls for 66 miles of cycling through the vast landscapes of the Western Negev, past kibbutzin, army bases, the Large Makhtesh with fields of colorful sand, and ending the day at the Mamshit Bedouin tent. The third day starts at 1,600 feet above sea level and terminates at 1,300 feet below sea level at the Dead Sea. The Central Negev Highlands are traveled over before descending into the Arava Valley by way of the ancient Ascent of the Scorpions. After a ride of 60 miles, there is an overnight at one of the beautiful resort hotels in Ein Bokek or an optional 21-mile additional ride in this enchanting area before turning in for the night. I am told that the easiest ride of the week is from Ein Bokek to Almog. This can include a tour of Masada, the famed desert fortress. Then it is north along the west coast of the Dead Sea. There's also an optional 2.4-mile, 1,300-foot vertical rise to Metzukei Dragot for a glorious view of the Dead Sea, Metzukel Dragot Canyon and the Moabite Mountains. Again there is a descent to the Dead Sea and a sleep over at a Kibbutz, after a total ride of 53 miles. The last day of the Wheels of Love Bike Ride from Almog, purported to be the lowest point on earth, at 1,300 feet below sea level and it is a challenge to ascend to Jerusalem at 2,625 feet. The pedalers told me that the overall slope is only 4 percent over the 19 miles to Mt. Scopus, but the exhilaration of accomplishing this riding feat and raising $1.6 million for the children of Alyn is a cherished experience. As a matter of fact, Dr. Kessler, who took a week's vacation from his busy Great Neck and Rockville Centre plastic surgery practice, and his wife were still glowing about their wonderful biking tour of Israel and the cheerful reception that they received from the Alyn special children in Jerusalem at the end of their triumphant ride. For further information about the ride, which provides each cyclist with shirt or vest, lodging, food, snacks and daily support including medical, security, technical and volunteer, you can contact the American Friends of Alyn Hospital at the E-mail address friends@alynus.org or by calling (212) 869 8085.
Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
