Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 12, 2019 - Local Ride -  By Ted

It's always refreshing to be led on new routes albeit, variations on a theme, of old routes. Talia is an excellent exponent of the opportunities that our local ride can offer and yesterday she did take up on the challenge. A Paganini ride it was. Variations. We did ride along 531 on leaving Ra'anana westwards but we reached the recently developed "nature" reserve hill created by the many tons of earth excavated when building 531. New to me! In years to come it will be loads better with the greenery that is in now early growth. We continued towards Rishpon along newly created roads and eventually reached Nof Yam where we rode an old path, now newly paved, that hangs high above the shore just south of Appolonia where we were refused free entry! Ingrid did run off for a short gig looking for archaeological artifacts but returned empty handed. We then rode Northwards from Nof Yam along "Dina's* route, still sandy in parts. On hitting the road we took the eastwards directions and then disaster struck when we arrived at Route 2 and started to ride along the culvert towards Rishpon bridge. We valiantly fought demons and Lantella and other creepies and crawlies. The tunnels and drainage pipes reminded us that we were lucky the rains were still to come. Getting caught there in a heavy downpour would be deadly. Succot is infamous for the "Yoreh" but we were spared. We eventually made it out and set off back to Ra'anana where we breakfasted at Arcafe. Great ride Talia. Keep on challenging us with your innovative path finding. Good weather also contributes to enjoyable rides but even Talia can't take credit for yesterday's fine conditions. Hag Sameach!!!!!!!!!!!

Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 5, 2019 - Local Ride -  By Frances

New Year Cycly no. 1!

20 of us set off on the same lovely ride of 32 km that we did under the leadership of Talia F. We set off at a good pace, enjoying the cool morning air while it lasted.

We went via Rishopon, Shefaim, Ga'ash, Yakum to our most northerly point, Udim. This time there was no Yair Lapid to be seen, but the usual motor biking lot. A few left us to make their way home (but like the proverbial bad pennies turned up again at Arcaffe).

We opted out of doing the singles at Udim - but we did stop by the lovely lake with its bird watching hut. Very peaceful and time to enjoy what nature has to offer

We stopped off at Arcaffe for refreshments. A lovely ride - may our cycling year continue in the same vein!

Ride Report - Sat. Sept. 28, 2019 - Local Ride - L’chaim L’5780 -  By Talia S.

There was a nice turnout of 20 people for the last ride of the year. However, we hadn't ridden very far when something unfortunate happened. Turning into the parking lot of Kenyon Ha'Park, Kobi hadn't noticed the partition on the ground between two lanes. He went flying and hit his face on the ground, hurting his nose and upper lip. A few riders administered first aid, and then Talia F. kindly accompanied him back to the meeting point in Ra'anana, from which he drove himself to the hospital.

The rest of us continued west through Kfar Shmariyahu to Herzliya Pituach, and then along the coast. We started turning back slightly south of Herzliya Pituach, stopping at 'Tzuk Herzlia' to look at the ocean and to give Talia F. time to catch up with us again. David extracted a bottle of wine from his bag, while Michal took out a cake, and we all raised a toast for the new year.

The conversation turned to all things maritime. Ingrid told me of a sailing race in which David had participated, where the ocean was so rough that not one vessel returned undamaged, and all this in shark-ridden waters. David, you have my respect!

Apart from that there were bridges to cross, boats to admire, and a stunning vintage car to drool over. Back in Ra'anana we stopped at Arcafe for refreshments. Kobi texted to say that he had dry wounds only and no major damage, so that was a relief. On the whole, though, it was a lovely ride of over thirty kilometers, with good weather and great company. On that note, I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful new year.

Ride Report - Sat. Sept. 21, 2019 - Nahal Yarkon - Circular Route -  By David

Participants: 12 riders at the start, joined by Anna about 1 km into the ride (becoming a habit Anna?) and later by Arieh who caught up to us at our mid-way stop Ramat Hahayel after a puncture on the way to the start.

Startpoint Glitch: Once again the gate to the parking area at the Four Seasons Park was still padlocked at the time of our 7.00 am start! Did the gatekeeper/padlock-unlocker oversleep once again? Annoying but those of us who drove managed to survive the inconvenience!

Route: We did the identical ride 7 weeks previously (3.8.19) - down to the Yarkon, east for a short distance until the steel bridge and then onto the southern bank westwards, re-crossing the river at the Maccabi Bridge (Ramat Gan Stadium), then back eastwards on the northern side - total distance 28 km.

Riding Conditions: Compared to some of the rides we have done over the past 2 months during the height of summer, today could only be described as “ideal riding weather”. No doubt as cooler weather sets in as winter approaches “ideal” will change to “perfect” – isn’t everything relative? ☺

Bottom Line: This is always an enjoyable ride – scenic, varied (including one or two “obstacle” challenges due to construction works). Thanks Uri for leading us and for your “ride management” - rest stops, catch-up stops, and no wrong turn stops. Super ride, super company!

Ride Report - Sat. Sept. 14, 2019 - Home Patch Ride -  By Frances

And the star is.....

We (17 of us) set off under the able leadership of Talia F. She, like Don Quixote, took off on her trusty steed Rocinante, and kept us wheeling along on a lovely 32 km ride that took in familiar and a few new ways. I (and some others) took on the role of Sancho Panza (who's donkey has no name....) and pointed out the direction. Well amazingly, nobody got lost despite us being strung out over a long distance. Talia was overheard using her schoolmarm voice to keep a few dalliers in check....David was our sweep - and kept going up and down to make sure we were all there.

We went via Rishopon, Shefaim, Ga'ash, Yakum to our most northerly point, Udim. At Yakum a sharp-eyed person spotted Yair Lapid and that sent a couple of hearts aflutter (in the political sense). Yochi was determined to be photographed with him - and she was....

We opted out of doing the singles at Udim - but we did stop by the lovely lake with its bird watching hut. Very peaceful. Shaike had a severe attack of leg cramp on the way home and thanks to David and Ariyeh for their help.

We stopped off at Arcaffe for refreshments and despite Yair Lapid, our star is MOST definitely Talia. Lovely ride!

Ride Report - Sat. Sept. 7, 2019 - Home Patch Ride -  By Anna

The organizers decided on another "Home Patch" ride as a very hot day was predicted. Actually it wasn't as bad as the previous two-three weeks and I stayed for the whole ride.The group started off with 16 participants from the parking lot and I joined in from Moshe Dayan street seeing the bikers coming up.

We did more or less the usual route to Yakum and back.

Coming down next to the railway station Arieh surprised us, after several attempts, with an irreparable puncture so he was forced to make his way back to his car. By the time we got to Bnei Zion Yochi gave up and rode back home. On the way back from Yakum Alex left us for Kfar Saba and on John rode back to ArCafe in solo. The rest of us did the whole "show" and settled for refreshment at ArCafe, with Michal, who didn't ride, joining us too.

We did about 28 km.

Ride Report - Sat. Aug. 31, 2019 - Home Patch Ride -  By

Ride Report - Sat. Aug. 24, 2019 - Home Patch Ride -  By

Ride Report - Sat. Aug. 17, 2019 - Yarkon Ride -  By Frances

17 gathered at the park in Hod Hasharon to set off on a shady, relaxed ride through the bamboo, ably led by Uri. The big advantage of this route is the shade - we hardly felt the heat...

The route is a lot "cleaner" than when I did it a couple of months ago. We passed the Baptist's village and along the way towards rosh Hayn, we bumped into a group. One asked me where we were going. Well, I hardly ever know where I am so I said I don't know - I am just following. I think he had a hard time believing me...

We covered 26 km on a partially circular route with enough sand to make us walk a bit (and for the enthusiasts to show their muscle power by wheeling through), whizzing through shady bamboo tunnels, and on to coffee etc. Oh, and welcome back Ingride!

Ride Report - Sat. Aug. 10, 2019 - Local Ride -  By Michal

As usual after updating David, i arrived a couple minutes late so i didn’t get a head count as to how many cyclenixers pitched up to my party... i mean todays home patch ride.

We weren’t a few or neither too many.

Via Herzelia airport and park we headed towards the beach. The ride had a nice flow to it and felt light and breezy. The fact that the weather gave us a break from typical August and its usual boiling point with 99% humidity, added to the breezy factor. It could be the extra early starting time which we all have adapted to.

Some of us followed David and rode along the beach. Others took a detour to avoid the sand, salt and the need to wash their bike when they got home.

Talia F. and I were especially happy about the beach part since David had in mind my request for a dip in water.

It was a perfect birthday dip! Regardless the black flags. The water was amazing! I was missing Ingride at this point since she is always my trust worthy partner in crime when it comes to a quick dip during our cycling adventures. Talia cooperated very nicely and I believe when Ingride returns there is great potential for a water threeo.

On the ramp leaving the beach we all enjoyed the shade and some birthday cake which was gobbled all up very fast and leaving no crumbs for Merrill.

On the way back we took the road less traveled for a change. I think it should be the road more traveled since it made the way back shorter with less of an incline or at least a friendlier one.

We then happily wined and dined at arcaffe.

Our ride covered 27 km’s

It was mentioned today that i joined the group just before my 30th birthday.

Thank you all for putting up and cooperating with my shenanigans for the past six years!

Special thanks to David for the perfect birthday ride and to John my beloved breakfast buddy