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!