All Cyclenix rides are suspended for the duration of the lockdown.
Please note that new Min of Health regulations state we are going in to a "complete" lockdown for the next while. (as of Dec 28 2020)
Our health is paramount and we are all committed to follow the regulations in order to safeguard ourselves and our fellow riders.
All cycling activity is at present restricted in accordance with Ministry of Health regulations issued from time to time. We are committed to keeping everyone safe and healthy and will update our site here as and when we have any further information.
For further questions call - Ted 0523520000, Uri Nativ 0522445766 or Rafi Landsman 0523576385 and/or consult the Ministry of Health/ or Covid-19 Guidance Site if you have need for further clarification.
Ideal cycling weather greeted the riders who pitched up to enjoy what was to be a great ride with top-class friends and a good "breakfast" at the end. Of the riders that pitched up over 40% of the riders were new to Cyclenix! Yep, three of the seven riders that showed up were newcomers. Welcome to Meir, Yael and Uri ( a new Uri).
We set off at just after 7.30 am, riding down to Weitzman Street in Ra'anana and then made our way West. We rode towards Rishpon via the Ra'anana cemetery (No need to stop there as we all felt well!) , where we had a view of the new Highway 531 which is under construction. Every route in the vicinity of this construction changes weekly and many of our old track are no longer.
At the Rishpon level crossing we headed North and here to the scenery is changing fast. In fact, on the way North alongside the Tel Aviv - Haifa Railway line we came upon a couple of surveyors marking out the land , and they told us that the track on which we have been riding for many years woulkd soon be a thing of the past!!! Shame. But, that's the price of progress.
We headed towards Yaqum where we spied a large group of motor cyclists also heading North and presumes that they were on their way to their "breakfast stop" at the Yaqum service station. We weren't wrong as we saw when we arrived there. (see the photos of two of these motor cycles that probably caost more than an average family car!!!
We crossed the bridge over the Coastal Highway and headed back South towards home and a welcome stop at one of our favourite "watering holes", Landwers who, once again didn't disappoint us with their good food and friendly efficient service.
Another very pleasant 32 km Home Patch Ride had come to an end.
19 of us set off from our meeting point towards Hod Hasharon, where we joined the 531 - the part that is still under construction. The route shows the devastation that the building of the road has wrought - but considering the traffic problems, there seems to be no other choice. But all is not bleak - we saw some lovely greenery along the way. We joined our familiar route along Bnei Tzion and onwards. All in all, we cycled around 31 km in unusual heat for spring.
Merrill was atop her brand new gleaming red bike (found with Stuart's aid) and rather unusually for her, cycled with great caution! She is getting used to the new dynamics and each time she got off, bumped her.... whatsit. So, some adjustments are needed...
It was a great cycle (despite the heat) and we refueled at Landver. Near the end of the ride Jose and Carla stopped to fix a puncture and were last seen in Uri's garden. Well, for those who haven't experienced Uri's garden and hospitality.... you are in for a treat.
Sadly, no song springs to mind, but since it is the 50th (or something like that) anniversary of the Sound of Music, here goes (to the tune of the Hills are Alive):
The Shfela is alive
with the sound of panting
with gasps that are heard
for many a mile
The paths fill my heart
with the sound of beating
my heart wants to sing
with every breath it has
...
Oh well, as I was the one who suggested a Tel Aviv ride, I suppose I'd better do the obligatory write-up.
Ten of us met at the back of the Ramat Gan stadium this morning, ready to roll. However someone, possibly me or David or Ingride made a comment on current politics, and so a verbal "exchange of views" ensued, loosely based; although on second thoughts, not so loosely based, on the recent political debate among the various parties, sans the two main rivals. In the end I suggested that we put "the cat among the pigeons" by asking Richard to moderate as he "had no real axe to grind". Naturally Richard was having none of that, so" it was all over, bar the shouting" as they say, and we got on with the original business of the day and set off.
We followed our regular route along the right bank of the Yarkon River until we arrived at the large lake in the middle of the park, and instead of continuing on, we detoured towards the " Sheva Tachanot" or Seven Mills These old flour mills on the banks of the Yarkon River are located within Yarkon Park (Gannei Yehoshua) in Tel Aviv. Until the late 1920s, some of them had worked for centuries. One can take a breather from bustling Tel Aviv to walk the landscaped paths with their views of the mills, and cross a gently flowing stream via a picturesque wooden bridge and the old dam that provided the water pressure that once operated the mills.
From there we followed the left bank of the river and on to the boardwalk along the seafront in Tel Aviv. We rode through Jaffa port an towards Bat Yam, but decided to turn back early, to look for a watering hole. We made a bee line for one of my favorite restaurants called "Puaa", which is situated in the Flea Market and found it open for business, which never seemed to be the case on previous TA rides. Five of the original ten decided to carry on to the parking lot in Ramat Gan, and the remaining ones enjoyed a good chat and refreshments. Then it was back to Ramat Gan Stadium. All told, I hope, a very pleasant and interesting morning.
Here comes the sun
19 of us gathered to set off on a route that took us to Rishpon, along the coast past Sidna Ali, through Herzliya Pituach, along the waterfront and the back through the fields and along the main Herzeliya Pituach drag to Tapuz in the Herzliya park - a total of some 35 km.
We started in the cool and clouds but soon... the sun peeped out. So, with apologies to the Beatles:
Here comes the sun (zoomy zoomy)
Here comes the sun, and we say
cycle away
Participants: There was a nice turnout of about 18 people hoping to replenish their vitamin D.
Route (with a lot of help from David and Rafi's Pathfinder): Leaving Ra'anana near the Ra'ananim Mall;
continuing through the orchards of Batzra and the fields of Bnei Tzion and Harutzim; past the Kiryat
Shlomo Hospital going north; continuing east, north and then returning westwards till the railway line
south of Yakum; northwards on the eastern side of Yakum, turning slightly west and then north again
towards the Wingate Institute; from there turning south and crossing the Yakum footbridge over Route
2; continuing south until a refreshment stop at Si Espresso near Ga'ash; then south again and back over
Route 2 near Shefayim; through Rishpon and back into Ra'anana.
Distance: 33 KMs
Comments: It was quite an amazing ride - the weather was lovely and the route gorgeous, with very
little mud or sand. It included one of my favorite singles, along the ledge overlooking the ravine in the
Yakum Nature Reserve. Even the up-hills seemed less of an effort, although that may have been because
someone was pushing me from behind.
Everyone was in good spirits and very enthusiastic, so enthusiastic in fact that they kept falling off their
bikes. Adrian unfortunately fell twice, but that was probably because he was riding his (stunning) new
Trek and wasn't used to it yet. Meryl took a nasty tumble and had to go home early as she was aching all
over. I managed to fall down when we were all standing still, as I got my shoelace caught on the quick-
release lever of my wheel.
Uri had a puncture that we weren't aware of, and so we unfortunately left him behind. But in the
current era of mobile communication, it was a mistake easily remedied.
We encountered the usual hikers, dog walkers, horse riders, cyclists and jeep enthusiasts that are
familiar on these rides. There were also some less common attractions - a circus tent in the middle of
nowhere; a trance party down by the railway line; and a woman emerging out of the foliage in an
animal-faced hat that made John feel like he was back in Africa. However, the main highlight was the
stunning Black Iris up on the hill east of Yakum, which made David very glad that we hadn't come all that
way for nothing.
It was lovely seeing Ingrid at Si Espresso, as she's missed a couple of rides due to a foot injury. Wishing
her and Meryl speedy recoveries.
The reunion ride- after a month of not riding (excluding three crazy people who felt 1 degree weather is normal riding weather, we reunited at the Hadera train station.
21 riders decided to embrace the warm sun and amazing scenery. The repetitive question: "aren't you cold?" hinted to the morning chill but due to the lion king soundtrack that was stuck in my head from the drive to our meeting point, it was HAKUNA MATATA...
We started off at what seemed quite promising, into Hadera forrest with horses roaming the fields freely and all of us roaming the paths. After about 4 kilometres we were out of the woods physically but deep in the woods metaphorically. We reached road no.4 and could not find a way to where we intended on getting. Crossing roads, a few according to the law and some well not so much... we were now back on the western side of the road which lead us to Geulei Teman. We didn't let the uncertainty bring us down! That could be because we have our fierce leader and some other helpers and it is easier just following the pack in these situations. I mean what else can you really do?
Up a path and back down it, once here, once there and another time just for fun...
in the end David found a way... because when there is a will there's a way!
The ride was brought to a halt with Merrill yelling to tell us to stop. Frances is a bit behind with a puncture! So a bunch of our chivalrous men and Merrill rode back to save our damsel in distress! (I googled it and cannot change it to madam! Frances you are unwed for my ride report). In the mean while, the waiters enjoyed a snack, some small talk and our mixed feelings on the time and only 10 KM's done so far... but it wouldn't be a cyclenix ride without the constant excitement!
When they returned, we all continued pedalling, wondering, will we ever reach the promised land of Alexander River?
YEP! We made it! We got to the river! Whooshing quite fast through the paths, packed with people enjoying the sunny Shabbat we rode all the way to the beach!
From far you could see Stuart, Matty and Merrill lifting their bikes in the air to show off how light they are or for the rest of us to open in song with the circle of life "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba Sithi uhm ingonyama"
A too great of a photo op made me check how deep the water was. The water was quite cold with a strong stream but I conquered the island! Got wet all the way to my waist but it was worth it! Back on our bikes riding the sandy beach we really wanted to hurry up becauseit was getting late. The sandy paths, the wind and our appreciation for nature's beauty had other intentions for us.It took a little longer than planned. When we succeeded in getting away from the sand, the ride was smooth all the way back to our cars.,
Some went home, some had a nice breakfast at Aroma but all had fun today!
We did 28+ KM's according to my endomondo but most important got to ride our
bikes and enjoy the sunny Shabbat!
Those who did not join today your absence was felt...
I personally did not have someone to sing the lion king songs with and go in the water with.
A shout out HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To Yvette!!
Well, after being gone for the last several weeks I was finally able to make it to a ride. There were 9 of us, a small group but a good group. Word of the day, avocado! Merrill started us on the ride, going "back word". Riding, I am directionally challanged, so I'm not sure exactly where we all went other than we were all on bikes and rode on trails. The weather stayed nice, a little cool at the begining but it did warm up as we continued the ride. Merrill did have a fall in the "bamboo tunnel" up north near Natanyya. She was not hurt and the bike was uninjured as well. Remember the important stuff! There was a lot of trees ripe with fruit, oranges, nectarines, and avocados. The ride was good with good company and conversations. We ended the ride with the ever important coffee. I look forward to seeing everyone back next Saturday. Have a great week.
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19 of us gathered to set of on a chilly but sunny day - welcome to Jose, who originally hails from Costa Rica and now Hod HaSharon. I trust we will be seeing more of Jose....
We set off northwards, going through Beni Zion and eventually ending up near Tel Mond and Tel Yithak, from where we headed home. Since I never know exactly where I am... I can at least describe what we saw: lovely greenery (made me think of Tom Jones singing the Green green grass of home....), lakes of water with ducks paddling, the sun shining and avenues of trees. Not to forget the black 2014 Ferrari with equally smart-looking owner (spotted at our coffee stop at Ga'ash).
The route was lovely and picturesque (thanks to David) and we whizzed along in the cold, with Michal singing Daisy Daisy - so, with apologies to the original Daisy:
David, David, give us your answer do,
We're half crazy, don't know where to gooooo [to rhyme with do....]
Slow or fast or faster
You lead, we'll follow after
The path flies by as we
Ride our bicycles following you!
We covered around 35 km with a strong headwind on the way back. We had a break at Ga'ash where we refuelled and then rode the last way home.
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| CLICK HERE for the photo album for this ride |
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Post Script: Special thanks to Haim who looked after our bikes while we climbed up to the top of Tel Azeka to enjoy the magnificent view - David |
No Scheduled Rides Until Further Notice Dec-Jan 2020-21
All Cyclenix rides are suspended for the duration of the lockdown.
To All Cyclenix Members May 28, 2019
An Important Message:
All of us are aware of the devastating fires that swept across many areas of Israel over the past week. Amongst the areas damaged or destroyed are are...
CLICK HERE for the whole story
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If you have any questions or want to get in touch for any reason, feel free to get in touch with David or John:
Email: jcandy@inter.net.il
David: 054-474-1424
John: 050-942-2788
New riders always welcome to join us.
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