A group of 14 cyclists, including several tandem teams, experienced the delights of the land of milk and honey as they took part in Norwood’s Israel Bike Ride and raised an incredible £50,000 to help people with learning disabilities and children and families in need.
Participants took in breathtaking scenery during the on and off road adventure, which began with a tour of the historic fortress of Masada before riders set off towards the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea. Riders also cycled through the colourful flat lands of Petra and braved the terrains of the Wadi Rum Desert before finishing the ride in Eilat by the Red Sea.
Joel Mishcon, 33, from Willesden Green cycled in tandem with 45-year-old Martin Weiss, a resident at Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community for adults with learning disabilities in Berkshire.
Joel, the director of a television production company, said: “The Israel Bike Ride was as sensational as it was spectacular. Riding through Jordan with Martin was a tough challenge for both of us, but it was as soul-charging and life-affirming as it can get. We battled the desert heat and tackled many mammoth climbs, but Martin never stopped smiling and was an inspiration to everyone else on the trip.”
Martin, who has Down’s syndrome and lives at The Green in Ravenswood, said: “I got to visit lots of different countries and meet lots of new people. I love cycling, it is good fun.”
The pair, who have taken part in a number of Norwood bike rides together, are looking forward to getting back in the saddle for the next Israel bike challenge in 2011 which will mark the 20th year of Norwood’s international bike rides.
Ian Tate, Head of Challenges at Norwood said: “Our participants have raised a fantastic amount of money to help the thousands of people that Norwood supports. I would like to thank them for their hard work, and great dedication. We will be celebrating 20 years of international Challenges in 2011, and it would be wonderful to see past and present participants getting involved in a Norwood bike ride next.”
For more information about Norwood’s Challenges programme, please visit, www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
