My time spent at Hazon's 2007 New York Jewish Environmental Bike Ride revolved around love, spirituality, nature, bike riding, and food. Embarking on my first Hazon ride, a two-day, 100-mile fund-raising ride in its seventh year, I had no idea what to expect over the Labor Day weekend. My anxiousness subsided when I was greeted by the passengers on the bus that drove us to Connecticut for the Shabbaton before the ride. Their positive attitudes and warm smiles emulated what Hazon, an environmental awareness organization, is really about.

Our first stop, the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, Conn., is a beautiful, relaxing retreat. The food served is 100 percent organic and, surprisingly, 100 percent delicious. Numerous activities — from lectures to farm tours to yoga — helped me acclimate to my surroundings.

However, it was the other participants who really made my time enjoyable. Their enthusiasm and inclusiveness were endless.

After a rejuvenating Shabbat, I was in bike-riding mode. I had been training all summer with my father — but would a couple of 30-mile rides be sufficient? I had yet to find out.

It was hard. The first day consisted of hills, hills, and more hills. With my Dad close behind or in front of me, 50 miles flew by from Connecticut to Westchester County, where we spent the night at Camp Kinder Ring. Luckily, the next day was pretty flat, with more frequent rest stops over the 55 miles into Manhattan. My sore muscles were thankful to be refreshed.

Turning the corner to the 79th street Boat Basin cafe, I could not help but smile. The crew and family members of riders were cheering me on. I did it. Accomplishment and pride washed over me as I enthusiastically hopped off my bike.

When I marveled over what I had done, I wondered where in my training I had gone right. Then it hit me. I love biking not just for the physical challenge but because it allows me to bond with my father, Warren. His joie de vivre, encouragement, and can-do mantra stuck with me as I climbed hills and allowed me to complete a 150-mile bike ride. He was the driving force behind my success.

I hope that all riders came away with as positive an experience as I did. A spirited organization like Hazon — which raises money for environmental advocacy and education here in the United States and in Israel — will continue to reach great heights because of the dedication of its participants. Sign up for next year's ride!