Walked around ketura before the flight back to TLV, feels like other kibbutzim I've spent time on - lovely green spot in a harsh landscape, the pool/dining hall/residences/farm area all kinda the same. Nothing fancy, little scruffy and the allure of a simpler life. Ketura still uses the old socialist model, too far from anything to be a bedroom community for most israeli families. Quick flight from brand new ramon airport (no jetways!) and train to jaffa for another sunset and walk on the beach. Good dinner with netanel and staying at fancier market house hotel. Last day. Borrowed a bike to ride down to Rishon Ltzion and up along TA promenade. Beautiful beach riding with dozens of new high rises under construction. What if hamas had used the $500B their 'metro' cost differently? Lets say 250,000 housing units, of 2000 sqft, costing $200/sqft. Thats $100B. Plenty left over for schools, hospitals, roads, transportation. And even a real metro. What a waste. Mandatory v...

Last day. Sanely decided not to start the day with 1300' climb, but still got another 3000+' day coming. Complicated logistics with people starting from/staying multiple places, party at the beach, bike packing then closing ceremony at ketura. Glad I'm not in charge. Double mechanical (flat, dates in the cleats) then lots of straight, zero traffic, flat/gradual climb up to Egyptian border then south. Not too hot until lunch at red canyon. In the red sea by 2pm, bike packed up by 3, another swim and then closing party back at ketura. 47 miies, 234 total. Pushed all time touring mileage over 10K miles. Jason gets extra credit for his rides in Jerusalem and with the big boys, in his own spreadsheet. 

Screaming down 1000' at 35+ mph to start the day, then flying across the machtesh. How good is that? Some high clouds kept the heat down. Lunch at shittim, an ice cream stop, several more big descents, (a few climbs too) great day in the desert. In Ketura pool by 3pm. 63 miles.