Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 9, 2017 - Meir's Views -  By Frances

Today in a chilly 9 point something degrees around 19 of us set off under Meir's guidance "in the direction of Wingate" as he said. We did indeed go in the direction of Wingate along familiar and some paths we haven't cycled on in a long time. It was a meandering route passing Tel Yitzchak, Yakum (where some chose to leave us to head off to Landwer) and taking in some marvellous sea views.

We cycled an extra bit from Yakum along part of shvil Israel up to one viewpoint on a clifff. We went further along to another viewpoint over the sea - perched on even a more treacherous looking cliff. We descended a kind of ravine onto Poleg beach. The sea sparkled and the white sand and warm sun beckoned.... but that was not to be.... We pressed on, returing to Yakum and home. Unfortunately one of us went south instead of north and was not seen again...

A lovely day of cycling along interesting routes (around 38km) under Meir's guidance.

A song for today:

You take the high road and we'll take the low road
And you will probably get to Landwer before us
And the one who go lost, we will hopefully meet again
Along the cliffs by the ocean

Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 2, 2017 - Arugot Ride -  By Ted

I'm starting at the end of the ride with David's Garmin results. If you take a look you will see how unusual this route is and unlike most of our away-rides this is almost one gradient constantly up and the way back down the reverse in a constant down. And when you have a tail wing on the return you can really pick up speed. I saw David's maximum Garmin speed on the ride back was in the mid 20's KPH but I have a feeling that Stuart and Co., were a tad faster??

As for the rest, what more can you wish for. Even the strong Easterly wind was in our favour. The weather was brilliant and the panoramic views stunning. The route was rock hard and tiny spots of mud were no obstacle. We were 18 and two of our riders Yaacov and Francis had maiden rides on their brand new spanking bikes... great bikes for both so Mazal Tov.

The lookout perch is always breathtaking whichever direction you choose to look but more importantly the vineyards we ride thru and those that surround the perch provide Barkan wines with fine crops that enable us to sip fine wines now and then. Which brings me to breakfast or brunch??

We located fine restaurant in Gedera where we ate "a la Eastern" but Barkan wine was not on!!!! I guess I was Barkan up the wrong tree with my Tuborg!!

Thanks David!!!

Ride Report - Sat. Nov. 25, 2017 - Local ride -  By Talia Feigenbaum and David

From Talia:
'Twas a festive Saturday "Home Patch", with 20 riders comprising the group, including our junior division rider - displaying some pretty fine technical skills. Clear skies after the rain this week meant that sandier parts of the routes were dampened down with only the occasional mud patch to be enjoyed by all. The cooler weather this week also meant that the fetching winter attire bedecking our intrepid cyclists was only shed midway, due to a fresh and brisk easterly wind.

Our route took us South-East towards the coast, through Kfar Shmaryahu and north towards Shfa'im through Ga'ash and towards the Wingate Institute. En route we got to see (and hear) a moto-cross competition - impressive stuff! We spent a few moments on the cliffs below admiring the sea views and the sheer drops from afar the cliffs' edge - while the braver amongst us like Avrahm displayed excellent gazelle-like moves near the edge. There may have been some illicit avocado shenanigans, but that is a story for anther day...

From there it was back westward, heading via Yarkum with a small detour via the scenic Ben Zion and upwards along the gentle foothills of Bazra towards a welcomed coffee and breakfast stop in Ra'anana at Landwer Cafe; where John graced us with his presence and wit after undertaking his own ride. Props to the cafe, if you bring to your waitress's attention that your omlette was not the correct one post consumption - a second one will be sent out... but fortunately a table full of cyclists very capable in making short work of the second one.

Till next time...

From David:
Participants: 20 riders at the start - but (for various reasons) less than 20 at the "finish"!
Route: From Ra'anana down via a new section (for Cyclenix) parallel to Road 531 ending just below Nahalat Ada and on towards the coast through Kfar Shmaryahu, then north on "Dina's Trail", Shefayim, Ga'ash, and briefly into the Sharon Beach Nature Reserve just south of the Wingate Institute, then over the Coastal Road at Yakum and back south, past Europark, then parallel to the railway line, east up the hill to Bnei Zion, south again through Batzra and on to Landwer Coffee Shop Ra'anana
Riding Conditions: Ideal weather, very few sandy sections (thanks to the rain over the past week) and very little mud (doubtless that will come after the next rains!)
Distance: 34 km

Ride Report - Sat. Nov. 18, 2017 - Local ride -  By Michal

I woke up at 05:30 am to go climb another peak. At 06:00 I texted Tracy to tell her that I am ditching her for a home patch ride and quality time with Cyclenix.

Her reply was: have fun and say hi to all.

So I think for the first time ever I arrived on time to the starting point. While many regulars were missing, 17 Cyclenixers pitched up. Anna joined us later taking the number up to 18 (Lucky number)

Uzi enjoyed all the "ooh aahing" about his new bike. Thanks to the thieves, he now has a new carbon Orbea!

We started riding on Keren Hayesod towards the fields as Anna phoned us since she was running late. David made a plan with her to meet her somewhere throughout the ride.

North was the general direction, going through Bazra and Bnei Zion. The weather was superb for riding and enjoying a fun morning out in the wide open.

We met up with Anna and continued to ride via Tel Yitzhak, Udim and Yakum. A happy birthday/sto lat video was sent to Abraham's granddaughter in the U.S. thanks to modern day technology.

Continuing along the train tracks and pleasantly surprised to turning right and not up Johns most dreadful climb, we arrived at Landwer where John could finally end his hunger strike that he was on due to my recent absence. The ride was just what I ordered! A nice simple fun ride with good friends who you just enjoy hanging out with.

We covered about 34 kms of pure fun.

Ride Report - Sat. Nov. 11, 2017 - Sovev Tel Gezer -  By Arik

(click for larger view)

Ride Report - Sat. Nov. 4, 2017 - Local Ride -  By Frances

Having not ridden my bike for some weeks, I and some 18 others gathered to set off on a beautiful morning. After the rains, the paths are more compacted and all those sandy bits have become a pleasure to wheel along!

We stopped off to admire the azure sea at Arsuf.... and went on towards Ga'ash. A way after the golf course Meir introduced us to a wander through the trees and up a little hill to another view of the sea - always good to broaden our horizons!

32 km in perfect weather - with the final pedal to Landwer. This is for David whose favourite spot is overlooking the sea at Arsuf (with a few modifications):

Oh I do like to be by the seaside
I do like to be beside by the sea
I like to wheel along the cliff, cliff, cliff
Where cyclenix gather to take pics, pics, pics
So just let me be beside the seaside
I'll be beside myself with glee
For there are lots of bikes beside,
I should like to beside.....

Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 28, 2017 - Local Ride -  By Abraham

So what did we have today? Some rain, a few puddles, a lot of nice autumn sun and about fifteen riders. Perfect for a pleasant, relaxed HP ride, interleaved with Yiddish phrases, Polish jokes, political analysis and deep discussions regarding religion, the bible and more.

And yes, that touching hug that Ingride gave this little crying girl, injured while riding her bike (see the pictures).

We probably passed Batzra, Bney Ziyon, Udim and a lot of greenery along the way, but who noticed? David must have, but we enjoyed just being there!

Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 21, 2017 - The Long and Winding Road... -  By Talia Shwartzberg

This is a short report about a very long ride of 48 kilometers from Ra'anana and back. We started with 23 people and ended with 8, the late-comers and non-riders meeting us half-way or at the end for coffee, and the early-goers making their own way home. The route took us out of Ra'anana, down to the Herzliya Marina, past the Mandarin Hotel and onto Tel Baruch. From there we continued along the Shvil Israel promenade, past Reading and into the old port. Turning back, we rode east along the banks of the Yarkon river, past Ramat Ha'Hayal and into Hod Hashron, where the few "survivors" stopped for a very nice breakfast at Café Café before returning home.

It started out as an easy ride, mainly on pavements and bicycle lanes, but the last leg along the river proved tougher, albeit very cool and shady. It was perfect weather, which meant that both Herzliya beach and Shvil Israel were bustling with people on legs and wheels. There were four new riders recruited by Meir (welcome, gentlemen), three toilet stops (the joys of civilization), two near-punctures (averted by gunge in tires) and one fearless leader (nice to have you both back, David!). Outside Max Brenner, someone thought David said he was treating us all to chocolate, but David quickly dismissed this baseless rumor.

To conclude, it was yet another enjoyable and challenging ride, with interesting conversation and lots of laughs.

Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 14, 2017 - Home Patch -  By tba

Coming soon

Ride Report - Sat. Oct. 7, 2017 - Home Patch -  By John

Nineteen members of the Cyclenix Family met at 7am at our usual "home patch ride" launching site. The weather was ideal for cycling.

First of all, we were all delighted to have Abraham back with us looking as good as new after his recent hip replacement. His photographs and constant smiling face always enhance our rides. :) It was also good to welcome, once again, Israel Brief who added an international flavor to the group.

In the absence of our trusty leader David, Meir once again led the way and as always, he did a fine job showing us a few new paths on the way.

Our route more or less took us through Batzra, part of Bnei Tzion, the Yaqum Nature reserve, Udim and onto the shores of the Green Beach in Poleg, where a couple of the riders downed a cold beer, while the rest looked on at the activities on the beach, in the air and in the sea, before wending our way back to Ra'anana where some of the group made another stop (for breakfast) at one of our favourite "watering holes", Landwers where the food and service are always top class .

We covered just over 31 kms enjoying great weather and good company.

See you on our next ride when we will once again have the pleasure of David and Ingride's company after their trip to Australia.