On the second day of riding we traveled from Ashkelon to the Northern Negev. Each group stayed overnight in a different location.

Chaverim started with a visit to Netiv HaAsara, where they added to a growing piece of art on the border between Israel and Gaza. They joined the Tzofim for lunch along their route, and then continued on to visit “Shvil HaSalat” (the “Salad Trail”) in Moshav Talmei Yosef to learn about the kind of agriculture practiced on the desert’s edge. They drove along the scenic route and made a few stops before heading to Kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh, in the northern fringe of the desert, to stay for the night with the Tzofim.

All riding groups started out together, winding through the urban streets of Ashkelon, with the help of local police. Once out of the city they took a rest stop overlooking the Gaza strip.

Shomrim followed the same route as the other groups, with rest stops to learn about the geopolitics of the region. After lunch, they also visited the “Salad Trail” to learn about desert agriculture. Then they hopped on the bus Kibbutz Tze’elim for the night.

Tzofim had lunch at Urim and then continued riding southeast, starting to climb towards the interior of the country, as the terrain transitioned to desert. They ended their ride at Kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh, staying overnight with the Chaverim.

Chalutzim followed the same morning route as the other groups, but stopped for lunch later in the day at a desert oasis. After lunch they conquered a few extra climbs at the end of the day heading towards Nitzana near the Egyptian Border.