Cycling event helps disabled kids

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Cyclists from both Israel and all over the world will join "Good Wheel 2007," an international fundraising bike ride, organized by The Israel Sport Center for the Disabled (ISCD). Proceeds from the ride will support the rehabilitation of over 2,500 children with disabilities who train at the Center. The first bike ride kicked off last year and attracted 75 riders who, despite the Second Lebanon War, came to Israel to join the challenge and show solidarity with the State of Israel. Bruce Rosenzweig, a philanthropist from Chicago, whose family has supported the ISCD since 1982, took up the challenge to recruit American riders to Good Wheel 2007. "These kids work so hard everyday to overcome their physical challenges; the least that we can do is to raise money to support them by joining this wonderful sport event," said Rosenzweig. The 265-mile "Good Wheel 2007", which will take place between October 14-17, 2007 and is an on-road challenging bike ride for non-professional riders. It is neither a race nor a competition. The four-day ride, which will pass through the beautiful scenery of the Galilee and the Golan, will start in Afula and end at the ISCD in Ramat Gan. The bike ride route is unique appeal as it is tailored for both two-wheel bicycle riders as well as tricycle riders.The cyclists will start riding together, then split to follow two different routes. Toward the end of each day, the two groups will meet to cycle together again to that day's destination. "This is the only bike ride in Israel where able-bodied riders will ride alongside disabled riders, supporting and encouraging each other," said David Koren, the ISCD's Executive Director. Koren, an accomplished disabled tricycle rider who cycled in "Good Wheel 2006" reported that the overseas riders who joined last year's ride were an inspiration to everyone. "This group of guys came from all over the world to ride with us. We all sweated together, up hill and down hill, and they did it all to help our kids. Registration for "Good Wheel 2007" has already begun, and everybody who wants to ride with an enthusiastic and fun group of cyclists is invited to join us for this upcoming challenge," said Koren. To join "Good Wheel 2007" visit http://bikeride.iscd.com or call 03-5754444.