Ride Report - Sat. July 13, 2019 - Local Ride -  By רפי לנדסמן

בשבת זו נאספנו חמישה עשר רוכבים לרכיבה מקומית בהובלתה של טליה (כולם יודעים איזו מהשתיים). זו השכילה להוביל אותנו בקטעים של קרקע מוצקה ויחסית מעט קטעים של חול טובעני (תובעני). המסע התחיל בתנאים נסבלים יחסית לעונה זו של השנה, והסתיים כאשר הטמפרטורה נסקה מעלה מעלה למרות שהקיץ רק התחיל. היו רגעים שחשבתי שאני מתחיל להבין את המושג Inferno של דנטה אלגיירי.

תוך כדי הרכיבה פרשו חלק מהרוכבים בגלל סיבות גופניות או בגלל סיבות מכניות. רכבנו צפונה לכיוון אגמון אודים, שם לקחנו פסק זמן למנוחה ולתצפית. ומשם דרך פארק אודים ... למטרה הסופית, ארוחת בוקר להתרעננות, החלפת חוויות, ואיחוד מחדש עם אלו שפרשו בדרך. בסופו של דבר הגענו למסקנה שאת הרכיבות הבאות נתחיל בשעה 06:30 כי כדור הארץ משתגע.

Ride Report - Sat. July 6, 2019 - Nachshonim Forest -  By Ted

Waking up before 5AM requires mental training but more importantly motivation. I did manage to beat the alarm and drove to the start point in anticipation of a ride with promise of good things to come. Little did I know that I was being kept in the dark as is apt for a pre 5AM dark wakening. Read on about the "dark". We rode off in slightly humid but breezy conditions in an overcast sky, all 13 of us including 2 ladies. The going was fine until we reached the sharp incline to Nachsonim forest. Initially easy and then the rocky trail fit fora jeep. I admit that it was a first for me, not making the entire climb in one go. I stood with several others waiting for the pulse to return to abnormal. You can't beat aging!!!!!!! David who was leading did mention that at Haim's behest we were stopping later at Kibbutz Nachshonim to Nosh at Haim's in laws. I berated David that it was a waste of time and that the temps would be high by the time we had been "fed up" by an apparently motherly M in L called Leah.

To make things worse we had to scale another mountain to reach Leah's home after Haim had misread the way to our promised oasis. We grumbled and swore but finally found the holy grail. A kindly elderly couple greeted us with such warmth that we all melted into Oohs and Aahs especially after seeing the feast she had prepared. Furthermore, our mouths opened agape when we discovered that this entire ride was a plot to cover up a celebration for David's imminent birthday. The plotters included Ingride, Arik and of course Haim. The OSS could not have done a better job in keeping us in the dark (yes, a dark ride indeed). Even David failed to uncover conspiracy.

We dined and laughed and enjoyed an amazing poem by Arik (our resident Hebrew poet) lauding David and quite rightly so.

We rode home filled with goodies in our bellies and mentally inspired by this well -planned outing. On reaching the paring place we were in such a festive mood that we decided to have another breakfast in Maui just up the road. A cheery b'fast it was with the beer and good spirits flowing.

Thanks to Haim and Ingrid for plotting and a special thanks to Leah and Allan our genial hosts from Nachshonim.

In summary, our calories count burnt was replaced by cals consumed. A wasted morning. Not Likely mate. And a happy B'day David!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ride Report - Sat. June 29, 2019 - Local Ride -  By David

Participants: 17 including two of our regular riders, Hylton and Sasha, who rode with us today after a long absence, “not of their making”! Great to see you back riding with us again.

Route: From Ra’anana westards and northwards alongside Routes 531 and 20 towards Yakum and then further north to Udim, via the newly build lookouts on Lake Udim. - total distance 30 km. For route map and other GPS data see: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/36567832

Riding Conditions: a little warmer than forecast, but nevertheless offset by intermittent cloud cover throughout the ride. As is to be expected at this time of the year, patches of sand but for the most part good surfaces.

Bottom Line: I suggested a route following the 531 and 20 northwards, and Anna obligingly took charge. Thank you Anna! A change from our more regular routes is always welcome and today’s ride was an enjoyable variation.

Ride Report - Sat. June 22, 2019 - Yarkon - Tel Aviv Ride -  By David

Participants: 17

Route: From the Hadar Yosef Sports Center parking lot down to the Yarkon, then along its banks to the Tel Aviv Old Port and from there to Bat Yam via Yafo - total 34 km.

Riding Conditions: the shady areas along the Yarkon and the cool breeze off the sea down to Bat Yam contributed to ideal riding conditions. “Mediterranian Blue” is a glorious blue, and today we saw it in all its glory!!!

Bottom Line: This ride is not exactly what one would classify as “mountain biking” (!!!) and therefore not in Cyclenix’s regular “repertoire”. Our last ride in Tel Aviv was at the end of 2015 so Haim’s suggestion of a ride there sounded to me like a very good idea. Tel Aviv is an amazing city and it was great to once again experience, and to be a part of, its pulse, its energy and vibrance. Thanks Haim for leading us on our 2019 “Tel Aviv Experience”.

Ride Report - Sat. June 15, 2019 - Local Ride -  By Frances

A different perspective...

It's been a hard day's ride, and we've been slogging through the sand
it's been a hard day's ride, And our muscles are feeling sa-a-ad
but when we get back to you and drink the coffee so good
We will feel alright

Ride Report - Sat. June 8, 2019 - Zichron Ride -  By David

Participants: Cyclenix rides in the Zichron area are synonymous with the name Joseph Kowen. Following a tradition set by Michal in 2 previous ride reports of a Biblical comparison, this time 10 of our Joseph’s “brothers” and 2 of his “sisters” (not sure his sisters featured in the Biblical text, but they certainly did on today’s ride) were his followers!

Route: Its not clear whether the Biblical Joseph was able to keep accurate records of his wanderings but our Joseph’s route was well documented - map, time, speed, distance, elevation gain, kcals, and more. See the map and gps data in Google Photos Album.

Riding Conditions: Neither of the Josephs could have dreamed such ideal riding weather - today was an oasis of cool amid a string of hot days over the past few weeks.

Bottom Line: This is the fourth time Joseph has been our “Guest Leader”. I doubt there is a track in the Zichron area not known to him and each ride has had its variations and new challenges. An elevation gain of 335m over 23 km tells you that this was no stroll in the park! Thanks Joseph for a great ride - and we look forward to number five!

Ride Report - Sat. June 1, 2019 - John's birthday ride was a massive cover-up operation involving over 25 riders.(and 1 editor) -  By Ted

Mission: keep a secret post-ride event info from leaking into John's ears.

Purpose: celebrate the old snake catchers 80th birthday celebrations with a party.

Tactics: a short enough ride to have the group back in Ra'anana before 10.00

Maneuver: spread false info about a coffee stop after the ride. Lull the victim into a state of oblivion

Conditions: warm but breezy with sunshine

Ops Director: D. Lewis

Photographer: Tracey

Host command HQ: Barbara and Benny

Strategy: Lose some of the group to waste time

Mission Control: Michal

Casualties: Anna but making quick recovery (made it to the event)

Mission Analysis: Accomplished... old snake catcher Cohen in state of shock

Treatment: Lots of fun and food with families... his own and Cyclenix mob

Presentations: PP, various contributors and Barbara

Mission 80-100% success. This is a coded message!

Ride Report - Sat. May 25, 2019 - Kidnapped!  -  By Frances

A relatively small group (around 13) gathered in the parking lot at Hod Hasharon - I think most were scared off by the thought of another day hot enough to fry an egg... As it happened, it was a lovely day - breezy and even a little overcast at times.

The amount of sand has increased - a sure sign that summer is here. So we did spend a bit of time negotiating the sandy patches by foot, or those that exerted themselves, on wheels. What we did pick up along the way was a young rider. Shortly after we started, a young blonde boy kind of attached himself to us (brought the average age down somewhat) - no helmet and no water. But being the kind lot we are, I saw him scoffing a sandwich and offered lots to drink. When we started giving advice on wearing a helmet and bringing water, his eyes rolled in his head... Well, he did try to contact his mother and eventually she called. I guess she thought it was safe to be with the 50+++ lot... so we feel like we kidnapped him.

Our route was part of the Yarkon going East and then veering West - here and there some new stretches for us. The most Westerly point was close to the Ayalon Mall and we did a lovely stretch through the park. Yuval (our new attachment) kept right up there in the front. By the time we got back (most going to Maui to refuel) we had covered around 28 km with a variety of leaders. So thanks to all - a lovely ride .... and yes, we let Yuval go (probably much to his mothers' delight???).

Ride Report - Sat. May 18, 2019 - Home Patch Ride -  By David

Participants:​ 21 riders which included new rider Ralph. We hope you enjoyed the ride and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Route: From Ra'anana down to the coast with a stop on the cliffs at Arsouf - northwards via Kibbutz G'ash up to the south boundary of the Wingate Institute - over the Coastal Road at Yakum and back to Ra’anana via Benei Zion and Batzra. Total distance 31.5 km

Riding Conditions: Some patches of sand but for the most part good riding surfaces. Weatherwise - sunny skies and and moderate temperatures, but peaking up a bit towards the end. Both sand and temperatures a reminder that Summer has arrived with more of both to come!

Bottom Line: An enjoyable ride, the usual excellent company but which unfortunately couldn’t be following through at our customary after-ride coffee stop. On arrival at Landwer (our preferred destination over many years and which now appears to be under different management) we were told in a rather "unfriendly" way that our bikes were not welcome! Bye-bye Landwer.
Advance Notice: From June 1 our local rides will start at 7.00 am

Ride Report - Sat. May 11, 2019 - Cyclenix Vs the Yarkon -  By Talia Feigenbaum

21 riders met bright and early (ok, maybe more bright than early it was after all 7:30am) last Saturday the 11th of May in Hod Hasharon and headed towards the Yarkon.

We were promised shady paths and lush foliage – but first, a short detour, involving some sand, definitely some refuse and a some not so polite under breath swearing, up the scenic Rubbish Mountain (Har Hazevel), overlooking the newly established water reclamation ponds. It was so clear we could see Ramat Gan et al.

As we headed west, into the green of the Yarkon, we came across a large organized walk – complete with families, prams, the occasional horse and dog as well as a good few of social cyclists. Fortunately, as we were a large sized group, our average speed allowed for safe stopping well before moving obstacles in our path.

A short stop at Lily Pads allowed us to regroup before starting our return back for much anticipated coffee. As we neared the outskirts of Hod Hasharon, the group split into three – those very eager for coffee bolted off to locate a table, a few others headed back towards Kfar Saba and Uri led the remainder 8 back (through the brambles) to Hod Hasharon and the promise of coffee.

After some hemming and hawing, coffee was found Maui Café – which with an excellent range of beer on tap, coffee both hot and cold and some pretty good looking food and of course, company was a great way to end off the morning.

Big thanks to Dave, Uri and Ted for great leading/sweeping and to Shaiker and Ariyah for finding us an alternative to the super busy Aroma. If I have left anyone out, apologies :)