With the aim of raising well over $1 million for the ALYN hospital in Jerusalem, 250 bicycle riders, more than half of whom will arrive from overseas, will begin a five-day, 407 km. ride from Mitzpe Ramon to Jerusalem on Sunday, October 24. The focus of the ride this year is the Negev desert, marking the 30th anniversary of the passing of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, whose vision was the development of the Negev.
Initiated five years ago with only 10 riders, the Wheels of Love charity bike ride has become Israel’s largest annual multi-day charity bike sports event. Last year, 160 cyclists raised more than $900,000 in sponsorships to benefit ALYN, the country's only therapeutic-rehabilitation center for infants, children and young adults who require intensive therapy for disabilities stemming from congenital conditions, accidents, illness and terror attacks.
The 2004 riders range in age from 15 to 73. Most of the Israeli participants are immigrants from English-speaking countries. They will be joined by visitors from the U.S., Canada and England, Holland, Germany, Sweden, France and Australia. Each rider has committed to raising a minimum of $2000 for ALYN. Even members of the volunteer support team - also a mix of Israelis and visitors - must raise a minimum sponsorship.
Champion paralympic swimmer Keren Leibowitz will greet the cyclists at the festive conclusion of the ride, which will take place at the ALYN Hospital in Kiryat Yovel on Thursday, October 28.