Beginning October 28, through November 1, more than 600 cyclists joined in this year’s Wheels of Love event to benefit the ALYN Hospital in Israel. Having started 19 years ago with nine cyclists, Wheels of Love has grown into an international sports charity event with cyclists representing Israel, the United States and 14 other countries. Wheels of Love is an annual five-day cycling tour offering a variety of cycling routes for participants of many riding levels. This year’s goal was to raise 3.2 million dollars for the children of ALYN. Riders began the event in the Yatir Forest and ended at the finish line at the ALYN Hospital in Jerusalem.
“I am passionate about Israel and cycling. I can’t think of a better way to channel my interests than for the children and staff of ALYN,” explained Carol Sober of New Rochelle, who works as a teacher at YBH in Passaic. “On every visit to the hospital, I am moved to tears by their special mix of cutting edge science, compassion, devotion and love.”
This will be Sober’s fifth ride for the hospital’s annual campaign. This year she will be riding as part of the Gals Gadot team, who have currently raised over $64,000. “I am part of a team with women whom I have met in previous rides. Making new friends on the ride is part and parcel of the experience. These women are smart and funny and inspire me up long hills,” described Sober. “The team organizers are trying to arrange a meeting with the real Wonder Woman, if she is in the country.”
This year, five different cycling routes were designed based on strength and endurance levels. A hiking route was added this year to enable non-cyclists to experience Wheels of Love without a bike.
“This year, I will be riding the ‘regular’ road route, approximately 60 miles a day, but may join the ‘road plus’ or ‘hiking options’ one day,” said Sober. “I am inspired by both the kids of ALYN and my teammates, the Gals Gadot.” In describing her training, Sober divulged, “Since I am a teacher, most of my training is over the summer. I try to put in at least two long rides a week and several shorter rides that have challenging hills. But I can’t give it up during the winter, and bike throughout the winter so long as there is no snow.”
During the first three days, the riders enjoyed challenging and scenic roads and mountain routes in the South and the Dead Sea region. On the final two days, riders journeyed through the biblical vistas of the Judean Hills. On the final day, the riders from all the different routes converged to ride together to the hospital. Upon arrival, each rider received a hero’s welcome from the children, the hospital staff and friends and families. The cyclists were rewarded with a ceremony filled with music, dancing and the awarding of medals.
The ALYN Hospital is Israel’s only pediatric rehabilitation hospital and a world leader in the field. The ALYN hospital was founded in Jerusalem 85 years ago; it is recognized for its holistic approach to the needs of children with a broad range of congenital and acquired conditions.
“ALYN helps each child maximize their level of mobility. Several children joined part of the ride with specialized bikes. It is quite impressive,” described Sober. “The children of ALYN teach us to reach outside of ourselves and perceived limitations, to believe and have hope.”
When summarizing the Wheels of Love experience, Sober stated, “It is truly so special on so many levels. I am grateful to my husband, friends and family, and my school who support me so that I can participate.”
Additional information about the Wheels of Love ride and the ALYN hospital can be found on their website at www.alynactive.org/event/ride/.
By Judy Berger
