A mountain blizzard in Washington State, sizzling 113-degree heat in Death Valley, powerful prairie winds — these were just some of the extremes that Elliott Segal encountered on his 45-day motorcycle trip. The plan to ride across the United States became a reality this past February. After making a generous donation to Meir Panim on behalf of IDF soldiers, it occurred to him that he could do better than that. He contacted the organization and outlined his initiative to circumnavigate the US, and encourage donors to sponsor him by the mile. Meir Panim set up a website and Elliott began to solicit donations, raising a tidy sum even before the ride began.
A love for Israel
In their 44 years together, Elliott and Linda raised two beautiful daughters and had three grandchildren. They shared a passion for helping others – Elliott through his chiropractic practice and Linda as a devoted midwife who brought thousands of babies into the world. They fulfilled their love of the great outdoors through biking and camping all over the country. After her family, Linda's greatest love was Israel, and she demonstrated that love repeatedly through her generous giving to her favorite charity in Israel, Meir Panim. "Her inspiration and example made the ride a reality," Elliott said.
Elliott started Linda's Ride on May 20, the day after his wife's unveiling, following her first yahrzeit. He took a journal with him, logging his location, thoughts and experiences, and also kept a gratitude journal. "I took some pictures here and there, but not too much. When you're on a motorcycle, you can't just snap pictures everywhere," he smiled.
Elliott trained for almost three months prior to the ride, working out, swimming and lifting weights. During the ride, his plan was to get off the bike every so often to take a 10-minute walk and regain circulation, and on most days, he was able to do that whenever he stopped for gas or to buy something to eat.
But there were times when he needed to make progress and had to keep riding for several hours at a stretch. Driving home eastward, through the southern states of Arizona, New Mexico and across Texas and Oklahoma, it was so hot, he had to get up at 3 am. "When I was really tired and getting sick of the ride, I'd remember why I was doing it: for Meir Panim and Israel's soldiers and in honor of my wife," he said.
Moments of reflection
Elliott's ride took him through some breathtaking scenes in nature, with moments that he describes as "truly extraordinary" — observing eagles in flight, catching sight of a herd of mother elks with their calves and yearlings, and seeing the northern states of Vermont and New Hampshire for the first time. On the other hand, he found parts of the trip emotionally bittersweet, such as riding across states where he had ridden with Linda in the past. The overall experience, though, was one of healing.
As the road stretches out ahead of him, Elliott's journey is far from over. He's currently looking forward to visiting Israel this year, where he will volunteer for Meir Panim and also donate his chiropractic services to Israel's soldiers.
About Meir Panim
Meir Panim is a leading Israeli charity organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger throughout the country. Established in 2000, Meir Panim operates a network of free restaurants, food distribution centers, and social welfare programs that provide essential support to thousands of Israelis in need. With the outbreak of war last October, the organization has expanded its core mission to include Israel's soldiers and displaced families from the north and south, providing them with meals, food packages and other necessary items.
Visit meirpanim.org/lindasride to learn more about Elliott's journey and to donate to Meir Panim
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