What's that big yellow thing up there? Why, it's the SUN!!! Finally. The weather system was gone and we had nothing but warm sunny skies for the rest of the ride.
Unfortunately, I am sick as a dog and running a fever. Speaking of running, I needed some chemical assistance from the ride's medic and she gave me a pill appropriately named "StopIt!" I guess, cutesy names don't work in the states, but over here, there was no mistaking what the purpose was. Normally, I avoid taking pills of any kind - other than maybe Tylenol - but that put me in a distinct minority on this ride where the motto could have been, "Better living through modern chemistry." Ambiens were like raisins. Zanax (no names, please.) Flomax, too. (Kidding - I just threw that in for a cheap laugh.)
I decide to skip the first climb and give the body a much needed break. A walk on the beach along the Sea of Galilee (the Knerret) was heaven. At 10am, I joined the tired Challenge group who came down from the 1800 foot climb along the Jordan border looking like tired racehorses. We then had a very nice flat stretch before hitting the steep climb up Mt. Gilboa.
I was really struggling at this point. I made it about half-way up, and that included at least two miles where I walked. As determined as I was to make it all the way, I just could not. I was groggy from the fever. My legs were like rubber. I got on the bus, went to the back and fell asleep instantly.
At the top, Joanne woke me up. I got out, got back on the bike and finally enjoyed a most magnificent downhill. At the end, we took an hour bus ride to Shafayim along the coast.
That evening, I could not stay warm and shivered throughout dinner. I ate a small bowl of soup, a piece of chicken and some rice. There was a big party and celebration, but we took a taxi back to the hotel and went to bed early. I needed to be much better for the final climb to Jerusalem.
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