This October, Team Boulder will ‘3-peat’ the Arava Institute / Hazon ISRAEL RIDE. The Team’s core of seven diverse riders are already rollin’ around Boulder, and we’re ready for more Teamies of all ages and abilities. Co-captains Bruce Shaffer and Rabbi Marc Soloway are bringing Team experience, energy and the handed-down 3000 years of cycling wisdom; you bring the love, fun and friendship. Earlier in Boulder Jewish News, Rabbi Marc mused about the 2008 Ride.

Here’s Bruce on Team Boulder bonding and bounty.

Yet in other ways, the Team Boulder ride goes on forever.  It begins at home with training rides and get-togethers, ramps up on arrival with our Team pre-ride party in Jerusalem, and continues on the road as we share our daily laughs, learning, libation, check-ins and friendly support. But once back home, its been a game-changer in our riders’ ongoing connection with Jewish community and Judaism, as many of us have gone on to local leadership positions, deepening Jewish education and personal/family practice, first-time organizational involvement, Israel issues advocacy, and even taking up residence in Israel.

Joining the Israel Ride is itself a wonderful opportunity to a experience a good piece of the Land in a unique way while supporting the Arava Institute as it forges a regional approach to critical environmental issues, and Hazon,which is impacting how Jews view the production, delivery and consumption of food. Joining Team Boulder brings home the added personal and communal value of new relationships, friendships and involvement that puts to use our participants’ new ways of engaging Judaism and enhanced understanding of Israel.

I’m fairly convinced we have a Boulder head-start on reaping this reward. Physical & spiritual, natural & environmental, community & culture, adventure & teamwork are in most of our daily routines. We bring all that, and our penchant for having a rockin’ time on the Ride, while we’re at it. So, if not now, when? Shift Into Chai Gear and join Team Boulder in the 2010 Israel Ride.”">

‘How far do you ride’ is what most people want to know about the Israel Ride, and I always reply ‘As far as you want.’ Sag vehicles are always there for folks ready to chill instead of riding the full day’s 60 to 70 miles, or you can ride until lunch and then go vehicle touring to some unique destinations.

Yet in other ways, the Team Boulder ride goes on forever.  It begins at home with training rides and get-togethers, ramps up on arrival with our Team pre-ride party in Jerusalem, and continues on the road as we share our daily laughs, learning, libation, check-ins and friendly support. But once back home, its been a game-changer in our riders’ ongoing connection with Jewish community and Judaism, as many of us have gone on to local leadership positions, deepening Jewish education and personal/family practice, first-time organizational involvement, Israel issues advocacy, and even taking up residence in Israel.

Joining the Israel Ride is itself a wonderful opportunity to a experience a good piece of the Land in a unique way while supporting the Arava Institute as it forges a regional approach to critical environmental issues, and Hazon,which is impacting how Jews view the production, delivery and consumption of food. Joining Team Boulder brings home the added personal and communal value of new relationships, friendships and involvement that puts to use our participants’ new ways of engaging Judaism and enhanced understanding of Israel.

I’m fairly convinced we have a Boulder head-start on reaping this reward. Physical & spiritual, natural & environmental, community & culture, adventure & teamwork are in most of our daily routines. We bring all that, and our penchant for having a rockin’ time on the Ride, while we’re at it. So, if not now, when? Shift Into Chai Gear and join Team Boulder in the 2010 Israel Ride.”

Complete Team Boulder and Arava/Hazon Israel Ride information at www.byahadtrex.org.

Team Boulder registration ends July 31.

Also check out the Zoom In Israel™ photography program, set for October 13 – 17.