Getting Ready for the Hazon & Arava Institute Israel Bike Ride

I leave for the Israel bike ride in a week.  This will be my 5th time on the ride and I am looking forward to seeing some old friends and meeting new ones.
Why do I keep coming back?
It is to support the important mission of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies.  This educational facility- located on Kibbutz Ketura-  is small, but their impact is powerful. Through teaching and research the institute prepares future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region’s environmental challenges. The Arava Institute encourages, fosters and supports the advancement of environmental cooperation between Israel and her neighbors. It is one of the only places in the Middle East where politics does not interfere with dialog and progress.

The bike ride is a fundraising event to support the Arava Institute.  This ride provides a unique perspective about Israel - her people and environment.
The staff consists of Arava alumni, and they will be our guides for this 300-mile journey from Jerusalem to Eilat.  Over 170 people from across the globe have made a commitment for this year's ride.

Below please find a visual of our planned route. I will be with the Tzofim group (the route in the middle)

The 2014 Israel Ride bicycle routes. Leftmost map is the Shomrim route, averaging 30 miles per day. Center map is the Tzofim route, averaging about 55 miles each day. Rightmost map is the Chalutzim route, where cyclists average of 75 miles each day

I will post my experiences, along with photos, during the ride.
Thanks,
Robert