At 12 Miles an Hour: Why Jeremy Merrin Rides for ALYN
Jeremy Merrin may call Great Barrington, Massachusetts home, but lately, he can be found doing loops around Central Park, preparing for ALYN Hospital’s annual Wheels of Love ride in Israel.
For Jeremy, the reason to ride is simple. It starts with the children of ALYN Hospital—and a place he believes everyone should experience for themselves.
“The hospital is the most amazing place,” Jeremy said. “Whether you ride or not, take a tour of the hospital next time you’re in Israel.”
Innovation That Gives Children Greater Independence
What stands out most to Jeremy is the ingenuity he has seen at ALYN.
From computerized technology to mechanical adaptations, ALYN’s teams develop tools designed around the individual needs of children with disabilities, helping them become more independent in their everyday lives.
“Both the computerized and the mechanical tools that they’ve developed to help these kids gain a little bit more of self-reliance is extraordinary,” Jeremy said.
And the impact does not stop at the hospital’s doors. Jeremy points to ALYN’s willingness to share its innovations and knowledge around the world, extending the reach of solutions developed in Jerusalem far beyond Israel.
Just as important to him is who receives that care.
“They basically take care of anybody who needs help,” Jeremy said.
Children and families come to ALYN from different communities and backgrounds, united by the need for highly specialized rehabilitation. For Jeremy, that commitment to caring for every child is reason enough to get on his bike.
But it is not the only reason.
Seeing Israel at 12 Miles an Hour
Jeremy has another answer when asked why he keeps riding: Wheels of Love offers a way to experience Israel that is difficult to find anywhere else.
“It is the most amazing way to see Israel at, whatever it is, 12 miles an hour,” he said.
From the roads and landscapes to the places riders stay and the meals they share, the experience gives participants the opportunity to slow down and take in the country from the seat of a bicycle.
But for Jeremy, what makes the ride memorable is as much about the people as it is about the route.
“The people are wonderful, both the Israelis and the international riders,” he said. “There’s tremendous camaraderie.”
Each year, Wheels of Love brings together participants from Israel and around the world with one common purpose: supporting the children of ALYN Hospital.
And riders do not have to be elite cyclists to belong.
“There’s great riding, lots of different levels, so you can always find a spot where you feel comfortable,” Jeremy said.
That combination—the cause, the community and the experience of riding through Israel—is what keeps Jeremy coming back and what he hopes will encourage others to join him.
His recommendation is straightforward.
“All I can do is highly recommend participating in this year’s ride,” he said.
Wheels of Love returns to Israel November 8–12, 2026. And somewhere between the miles, the meals, the friendships and a visit to ALYN Hospital, Jeremy believes participants will understand exactly why he rides.
“I look forward to seeing you there.”
