Tuesday November 1 Scorpion climb

We headed out from Leonardo Plaza hotel on the Dead Sea by bus to our start point at Arava Junction into  the Negev south of the small crater. After a good warmup on relatively flat terrain we got into the major climb of the day - Scorpion .  We had stopped for water before starting the climb and I had stepped into a sticky mess of dates that I  didn't see. I couldn't get into my left cleat and desperately clawed at this stuff  to clear the cleat. I  managed to get into the cleat but it wasn't fully engaged. I was back of the group with our Israeli champion Guy Sagiv, but as we rode up the 19 to 20% grades I started to pass everyone except Rick. I finished 2 minutes faster than 2 years ago.
We had a fast pace through a river bed into the valley with a brutal head wind. I had dropped back to help Rob Kwinter back to the group but we were too far back, Rob was hurting and went in the truck and I carried on to the next water stop. Another climb and ended just past Yeruham in the general direction of Dimona.

Monday October 31 riding to Dead Sea and Masada

It is no surprise that most of the 35 from yesterday's group have transferred to the Challenge group. With a strong and experienced group of 12 and two young pro riders who are the champions of Israel, we ride at a steady pace, not fast, but even along the Dead Sea. We have 2 major climbs for the day.

The first climb starts just over 400 meters below sea level and in just under 5 kms finishes at 0. The grade varies from 10 to 18 %.  I broke from the pack and attacked the initial climb of about 1 km and as it leveled for a very short distance I waited for Rick and the two pros. We rode most of the way up together and David Speigal joined us until Rick dropped us. David went ahead of me but I  caught him near the finish and overtook him to finish just back of Rick. I  felt tired but really pumped.

The next climb was much shorter but quite steep as well and again Rick and I finished  1 and 2. Not exactly competitive!

Sunday Oct 30 2016

We leave Tel Aviv by bus from the Sheraton Hotel around  9ish for the start of our ride at Yoav Fortress near Ashkelon. There are 35 riders registered for the Extreme Challenge ride. Most have no idea how hard it will be for them. It is 31C and sunny and will be difficult going. There are basically 12 of us that can handle the big climbs and we stay together pretty well but Rick and I are always first up.  The remainder of the 35 riders as predicted fall well back.

We are riding up to Jerusalem and it is uphill all the way. I am quite familiar with this route and the very last climb which is long and steep .  Again our group handled it well and we finished at Beit Halochem.

I  rode surprisingly strong finishing the climbs just behind Rick who is going to be in the polka dot jersey as King of the mountain. I am also the oldest rider.



We stayed at the Neve Ilan hotel again just outside Jerusalem . Even though there is a great selection of food at breakfast I have learned from past trips to chose carefully with fruit, yoghurt, granola so I am good on our rides.
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CIM trip 2016 Sat Oct 29

Next morning Rick and I walked along the boardwalk and to the Ports for breakfast. It was 7am and we found a place just opening. Rick introduced me to Shakshuka a spicy tomato sauce with onions, hot peppers and a poached egg on top - delicious!
We walked to Jaffa later and took a walking tour of the port in the early afternoon. The guide was entertaining but not that informative so we cut out early as our legs were sore.

That evening we met about 9 other people on the trip for supper back in Jaffa. We took  cab this time. A few of the guys took charge of ordering many appetizers and various meat selections.  Another great meal.
We decided it might be a better idea to walk back and work off that meal.

Courage in Motion 2016 Oct 27-28

Depart Toronto Thursday Oct 27 EL Al ...flight delayed over one hr. Spanish plane and crew. Georgeous stewardesses  dressed in snazzy outfits with little caps and leather gloves. but not least bit friendly.  I had booked my seat on a window aisle but configuration changed to 3 x 3 x 3 so I  was stuck on middle coincidentally with Stanley Mann on outside.

Arrived after 1pm in Tel Aviv and our driver Yosi was waiting to take 4 of us to Beit Halochem to assemble bikes. Rick Pencinor and I took a cab to our Airbnb on Ben Yehuda .  Very decent apartment for 90 Canadian each person /night.  We checked out the beach later.

That evening we met Rick's family for dinner at a restaurant not far away. I had a really nice time with his family - his brother and family live in Kibbutz Gaash and his sister in Netanya . Rick's mom  was there as well visiting from TO.