Ride Report - Sat. Feb 13, 2016 - Hof Hacarmel Ride Report -  By Ted

Spring- like weather ( 13 deg?) greeted the 21 riders at the start point at Ein Carmel by the Banana Plantation. We met there almost 8 months ago and the Bananas offered less protection as they were almost bare to those who dared to bare their private parts prior to setting off southwards. After a delayed start we set off southwards in perfect conditions with a cooling NE breeze. The pace was leisurely as we passed the beautiful pampered cemetery of Ein Carmel (yes, some are beautiful) where a dear friend lies and whenever I pass the point I think how unlucky she was to succumb so young and how lucky we are to be well enough to be riding. A short rise further and several dog encounters and we were at the height overlooking the ancient pumice water storage cisterns where I gave a short dissertation on sex and other matters. An amazing feature was the presence of a flock of Flamingos enjoying the waters of the "lake" which gave rise to avid discussions on the Flamingo and other fowl

We weaved our way thru Ein Ayalas' hot -houses and scampered down and up the drainage canal to finally reach Habonim. We visited the Crusader ruins for yet another short explanation on the history of the place and off we went towards Dor along the partly lime stone trail.. We reached the beach at Nachsholim via the beach gate as entrance fees are exempted in winter. A short snack stop to take in the view by the waters was followed by the ascent up to the ruins of Dor. The spectacular views and yet another informal explanation on the history of the site played second fiddle to David's pun on Rappa-port and if you missed out and are curious call David or me for details.. We rode along the sea front in partial sandy spots where David met a friend who only days ago recommended to David how to breach the beach.. We pedaled across several minor coves to finally reach the car park near the Habonim railway crossing.

Above us parachutes slowly made their way earthwards as we aimed for the Airstrip at Habonim with its recently rebuilt Paras terminal. We stopped there for breakfast and gawked at the Paras gracefully landing while breakfast was served. We visited the Terminal and admired the architecture, airline seats and museum pieces. We were so relaxed that it took some effort to get us back on the bikes. Several riders in a hurry split off from the "diners" who were able to enjoy faster service??!!! The temp had by now risen but cloud cover helped as we crossed the bridge at Atlit for the final assault to the car park.

I should mention the amazing array of flowers that lined the paths and the birds in varying types that entertained us on the way, Also realised how many riders have upgraded bikes sine last year's ride.

What a ride, what a group, what a day. Thanks David for the ultimate ride.

And if you are observant or possess with a good memory you may realize this report is a copy paste of my report from last June. I just love the age of computers!!!!!and I did warn John of my criminal intentions to plagiarize my own work$$$$$$

Ride Report - Sat. Feb. 6, 2016 - The Road Less Travelled -  By Talia

Concerned about being the only one at the Ra'anana meeting point today, I was pleasantly surprised when five others arrived. Haim volunteered to lead in David's absence, and off we cycled. We rode along Weizmann Street, through the Lev Ha'Park neighborhood, past the cemetery, and up the first of many hills!

We continued on to the Ra'anana Municipality's Sewage Purification plant. This plant impressively recycles sewage into water fit for agriculture, and comprises a large artificial pond. The pond was teeming with birds, with the black ones towards the back and the white ones at the front (proving that birds of a feather do indeed flock together).

Avoiding potentially muddy routes, we continued along paved country lanes past Moshav Batzra, and then crossed under Route 4 heading east. We cycled through Moshav Sde Varburg - with its beautiful houses and killer hills - and John was surprised at how much it had changed. We then veered right on Tchernichovsky Street in the direction of Kfar Saba.

After a detour through another pretty moshav called Tzofit, we continued onto Kfar Saba and its beautiful park. There Haim pointed to an elderly man on a park bench, explaining in Yiddish that he "nehmt a dreml" (is taking a nap) and that we should "macht nicht wisserdich" (pretend not to notice) or something like that!

Five of us agreed to stop at Landwer Café in Kfar Saba for coffee, with not everyone realizing that there is actually more than one. In the confusion, Rafi got left behind (apologies Rafi) and the rest of us ended up at the familiar Ra'anana branch. It may have been for the best though, as Rafi and Uri were probably already home, and we had just reached the coffee shop, when the heavens opened. After finishing our snacks, we waited for the next window of opportunity and cycled back without getting wet.

Today with Haim we took the road less travelled by, and it was very special. We covered an impressive 28 kilometers despite the clouds, and all agreed that Cyclenix should definitely head that way again soon.

Ride Report - Sat. Jan. 30, 2016 - Cold Home Patch Ride Report -  By Anna Sheffer

Twelve of us gathered for the usual Saturday ride. However we dwindled down to eleven as Dina's bike malfunctioned even after Ted's several attempts to repair it. So Dina went back to her warm bed and we were ready to start.

However we had NO LEADER! After a short discussion Ted suggested that we should ride on dry ground toward the Marina and cross back at the Cinema City. Uri was volunteered to lead us.

Just before getting to the Marina the route was changed to "soft ground" to prove that we are field riders.

By 9 o'clock we were debating either to cross over to Cinema City and go home, or ride a bit further towards Tel Aviv. Well, we added a few more miles to Tel Baruch where we had a chance to peep at the sea, beautiful as usual. There were some sailing boats far out and lots of seagulls making white lines on the water as they were swimming together. The most important thing is that there was an opportunity for Michal to climb on something. It was just the rail on the promenade, as there wasn't any horse or a tree in the vicinity. Got back to the bridge at Cinema City and rode back to Sheva-Kohavim through the orchards of Bat Galim where some horse riders passed by and there we also stopped for a few minutes to watch enthusiastic model airplane flyers showing off their skills. Yochi joined us, first time after her big fall and managed the whole route very well. We had our snack/beer/coffee at Tapuz, not praising the place. At one point Michal and I missed the green light, so we were left behind, but luckily got back safe and sound.

The weather was nice a bit cold so I kept my sweater on to keep me warm. One thing I don't understand; How did I managed to get my shoes so muddy?! It meant to be a ride on dry ground...

Ride Report - Sat. Jan 23, 2016 - Home Patch Ride Report -  By John

6.30am. There are dark clouds on the horizon (very ominous) but the sun is peeping through and there's no wind. The weather forecast was "RAIN"! Oh, what the hell, I decided to get dressed and go to the meeting point and see who else pitched up. I ventured outside with my bike and pedalled 250 metres to the starting point. I was freezing! & others decided as I had, with Ingride being the only rose amongst the thorns. Well done Ingride!

Shortly after 7.30am we pedalled off with Haim leading the way and our sweep today was David. Trusty Ted didn't show up. Maybe he knew something we didn't.
We cycled to Weitzman Street and then tuned West making our way passed the Cemetery and then North along a somewhat muddy path. On the way down to the Cemetery it started to drizzle so we made a stop at the cemetery to enable Hylton to don his rain gear. As soon as he had, yes, you guessed it, the drizzle stopped!
On we pedalled crossing the level crossing between Kfar Shmaryahu and the Shefayim railway siding, making our way up towards the Coastal Road, our intention being to circle the lake at Yaqum and then head for home. The sky had darkened! Half way around the lake it happened. The heavens opened up and the rain started in various degrees of ferocity. To put it mildly, there was a bloody downpour!!! Rain suits proved not to be rainproof (except for David's jacket). In minutes I was drenched. Every time I hit a bump there was a distinctive "Squish" from the padding of my riding shorts and I am sure the water sprayed out from the sides of my saddle!!!!We sought refuge under a bridge but it really didn't help. The damage was done the the longer we stood out of the rain , the colder we got! So, what the hell! In for a penny, in for a pound. We decided to ride on, taking a route only along tarred roads.
Most of the mud that our bikes had collected was washed off. (Less to clean when we got home). All except yours truly, Ingride and David, decided to head straight for home. The three of us stopped at Aroma, Park Mall, for a very, very light snack. By the time we made it to Aroma the rain had stopped but I (and Ingride) were freezing. A quick cup of coffee to warm our innards and we were off again, homeward bound.

My summary of today's ride. Great company, something different, enjoyable (for me), somewhat "squishy" and definitely very wet and cold. Oh that I had taken my yellow "Banana suit". I could have kept nice and dry (and warmer)! BUT, the end of the story is we're all still smiling. Have a great week and be prepared for lots of rain in the next few days.

Ride Report - Sat. Jan. 16, 2016 - Burma Road Away Ride -  By Michal

15 courageous Cyclenixers stood up to the challenge on this most amazing spring day in the middle of January. We all pitched up at the entrance to Kfar Uriya all ready to take on the promised hills but first the debate about where not to turn like last time.

The route was quite simple, Burma Road and Derech Ha'psalim. These paths, which are now mostly paved, are full of our history, our heritage and our future. Looking out to the horizon, beyond the hills and through the forests are villages. On the other side every so on was a park with benches and jungle gyms. Who would have guessed that this was once just a mountain with a small path that was used wisely to overcome our enemies.

An occasional memorial monument to remember the many who gave their lives so that we can enjoy riding these paths. Uri brought cake and asked us to stop at a park so that we can take a few minutes to remember his father in law Zvi, who originally fought for the Hungarian army in the Second World War and then came to Israel and joined the mule brigade.

I couldn't even begin to imagine how rough the terrain must have been back then and what these courageous men must have gone through. Today a lot of these roads are paved which made it much easier for us to ride but still a climb is a climb and it can get to you some times. While pedalling up all the hills I had many songs playing in my head. Some more obvious than others so please forgive me for quoting Miley Cyrus but I feel the lyrics fit...

"There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb"

Ride Report - Sat. Jan. 16, 2016 - Home Patch Ride Report -  By John

Seven of us, "The Magnificient Seven", Ilan, Yvette, Barbara, Frances, Megan, Merrill and yours truly, met at our usual spot at 8am (we got in an extra 30 minutes sleep) and set out on a route that we have traversed many times, via Rishpon, up the hill to the fields of statues, through Shefayim, passed the Sharon Coast nature reserve, onto Gaash, around the golf course and then onto Batzra with a final breakfast stop at Landwers where we were joined by Jules. The weather was perfect and the trail not too muddy after the resent rains.

What was different about today's ride was that after an absence of a good few months Megan was back in the saddle with us and I was riding a new (for me) bike.

For a few years now David has been trying to persuade me to dispose of my bike and upgrade to a carbon framed and I have always resisted, with a, "there's nothing wrong with my bike"!

Well, Michal is obviously a better salesman, because, a few days ago she called to tell me she'd found a "good deal" carbon bike that she was sure would suit me. So, on Thursday, she accompanied me up North to the Krayot just North of Haifa to view the bike and I brought the bike home with me (A Specialised Stumpjumper) and today I "tried it out". My world of cycling has changed! What a difference. Thank you Michal, and to David, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you before!!!!! I cannot believe the difference!

We covered about 30 kms and everyone enjoyed the ride(especially me), the company and the breakfast at the end of the ride.

See you all next week.

Ride Report - Sat. Jan. 9, 2016 - Home Patch Ride Report -  By Michal

I have learned to only trust Google when it comes to the weather forecast. It is extremely accurate even a week before. The entire week I have been saying like a mantra "there will be no rain" partially aggravated with people who go according to other weather reports and partially convincing myself that I will ride regardless!

A dozen courageous Cyclenixers refused to let the weather be an issue! They geared up with rain coats, layers of clothing, long gloves etc. me on the other hand... "There will be no rain!!"

With the confidence that it will get as warm as 18 degrees came as I always do (the grown up in me made sure that I have a long sleeve shirt in my bag just in case. We headed up Ahuza all the way to the park to discover that we had already lost a rider to a puncture. We continued towards Herzelia where David let Ted guide us in a new path to Ramat Hasharon all on pavements and inner roads all to avoid the mud.

Passing the very fancy cemetery, on a bit muddy terrain with a few puddles we got to Cinema City. Sadly we did not stop to catch a movie. All with our bikes in the air we crossed on the bridge over road no. 2 in a nice single line.

John who was like a proud peacock modelling his new haute couture yellow wind breaker brought traffic to a halt when he attempted to take a picture of the oncoming traffic. Luckily the driver only slowed down and he didn't cause an accident.

Bar Refaeli is always the topic of discussion at this point since she usually looks down at us from above. Not today though... but for the record some of the guys missed her presence, the ladies not so much ;-)

We continued to Herzelia all the way to the cliff that is always a pain. Whether it's the strong winds, the long sandy or muddy stretch it always seems to drain me of my energy. The view though is always amazing.

Via the marina, along the beach, and climbing up to Ramat Yam street. This was the moment where we realized that the most important question has not yet been asked or answered! Where are we going to have our breakfast stop?!?! After a quick vote, Aroma Raanana was the choice of the day.

In a long straight path going up and up and up some more on Menachem Begin leading us to Yerushalayim and straight to Aroma at Lev Hapark. John refused to let me pay my share for our breakfast and confiscated my credit card. I joked about it and told Frances that my card was stolen till John returned it to me. We all had a great breakfast stop, enjoyed the quality time together and each continued on their way.

On my way home I discovered that my credit card is missing and had to cancel it and order another one. So I guess the joke was on me after all... we were just shy of 28 km's and guess what... IT DIDNT RAIN!!!!

Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 26, 2015 - Hadera Forest- Nahal Alexander Ride Report -  By Michal

First you don't succeed...

well we didn't really try last week since the weather brought the management to cancel the ride. In retrospect it seems like it was a smart move since the terrain was still a bit muddy after an entire week of sun.

22 riders all suited up for a cold winter's day. We welcome Tracy who joined us today to get back on the saddle after a riding injury. This ride is exactly as I remembered it from the last time we did it. I recall a lot of trying to find our way, crossing over the main road etc... I guess after repeating all the same wrong turns and blocked off paths the next time we do it will be ice-cream! (Third time ice cream, translated from Hebrew, I know you say third time's a charm but I like ice cream more!)

Not too far into trying to cross over again and again we had a small casualty. Yochi was off her bike and injured her arm, I accompanied her to the nearest petrol station for her husband to come and fetch her. We all wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her soon! We crossed over road no.4 and finally succeeded in getting into the fields of Geulei Teman. We rode through the tall grass all wet from the dew and built a new single.

I call it the Cyclenix single. Stuart was trying to convince us to try and make crop circles and leave the Cyclenix logo for all alien believers to come and appreciate.

We finally made it to Nahal Alexander!!

Dodging the people who were enjoying the great outing weather, we rode happily along all the way down to the beach. We had a great nice stop and photo opportunity, enjoyed the amazing view, fresh air and company.

On our bikes again we rode alongside the coast. Going up the cliff, constantly pedalling through the sandy sand. We all dropped our gears and gave it our best and I think almost all made it through the very long patch of sand.

After 28 km's we all arrived to our cars all happy that the rain gave us a break for a week so we could enjoy this wonderful easygoing ride. We hope that next time David remembers not to use the same route for this ride so we can skip all the road crossing for next time. On the other hand it gives me stuff to write about...

the majority of the riders all went on to enjoy a nice breakfast stop at Aroma in Rupin.

And last but not least, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Rafi :)

Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 12, 2015 - Winter Wonderland -  By Frances

About 15 of us set out with two new people to enjoy a crisp winter's day. Well early on the newbies decided we weren't their cup of tea... and deserted. Their loss! We had a lovely ride, covering around 28 km with a bit of everything: good views, a bit of sand, water, mud and of course a hill or two.

No winter ride would be complete without a naartjie break (tangerines or clementinos to those not familiar with the South African lingo...). And of course we need the action of a puncture (Meir) and a fall (Barbara).

Since I never really know where I am... we were on familiar routes... some of them backwards.... but since all roads lead to coffee, we ended up at Arcaffe where Anna joined us. Thanks to David for a lovely ride and all the others that added to the discussion of "Which way should we go"....!!

Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 5, 2015 - Tel-Aviv Ride Report -  By John

Twelve riders showed up at the Ramat Gan Stadium and we made our way into Park Leumi and on to the Tyelet along the beachfront. Riding through the park amongst the early morning joggers and walkers in the cold morning air is always very pleasant. From there we rode through the Tel Aviv Port and then along the Beachfront. The new cycle paths along the coast certainly make for much safer riding (for the cyclists and the pedestrians!).

Eventually we reached the port of Jaffa, but, instead of going on to Bat Yam we doubled back into the Susanne Dellal and Neve Tzedek neighborhoods. The old buildings and narrow streets were quaint and quiet and riding through the Carmel Shuk's empty streets was certainly vastly different from the hustle and bustle during the week.

Our "breakfast" stop was at Max Brenner on Rothschild Boulevard. Then it was back to the cars via Rothschild and Ibn Gvirol streets and the Hayarkon Park which was now teeming with pedestrians, other cyclists and joggers, out enjoying the cold air and bright sunshine. Another very pleasant 27 km ride (in cool weather for a change) was now part of Cyclenix archives.