4th July 1998: Ra'anana/Rosh Ha-Ayn/Park Afek/Hod HaSharon/Ra'anana
We rode inland towards Rosh Ha-Ayn and entered Park Afek. This is the site of the ruins of Antipatria. The big grounds of the park border the source of the HaYarkon River and is a favorite picnic spot for thousands. Every second Saturday there is an out-door market in the main car park. This is an unusual market - the wares on sale include goats, snakes, exotic birds, poultry as well as cages and accessories for the domestic care of pets. The ride back was quite quick and easy. We rode through the fields skirting the park and came out at Kfar Baptistim. From there we joined up with the main road Petach Tikvah to Hod HaSharon and from there to Ra'anana.

6 June 1998 - Ra'anana/Tzomet Yarkon/Hod HaSharon/Ra'anana
We cycled from Ra'anana, through the industrial area of Kfar Sava to Neve Yamin. We made our way through the moshav Sde Chemed, to Jaljulya, along the highway to Tsomet Kassem, looked at the Trans-Israel roadworks, and continued to Tzomet Yarkon. From there it was a short ride to a new pet shop laid out in the style of a zoo. We stopped and looked at the snakes, lambs, fish and other animals and then rode on towards the Beduin Shuk. The shuk was already filling up with bargain hunters and those coming to just pass the time. Riding through the groves between the shuk and the Kvish Chotzeh Shomron, we came back to the highway and cycled towards Hod HaSharon and from there back to Ra'anana.

5 June 1999 - Herzliya Petuach - women's triathlon - "Cruise Rally"
We made our way towards the beach at Herzliya Petuach, and the large police presence en route reminded us that the women's triathlon was about to happen. We got to the beach just before the young ladies (ranging from 10 to 65 years) took the plunge - a distance of 500 metres. As you can imagine the whole area was pretty crowded. We saw Phyllis - to her credit she was within the first half of the "batch" out of the water! There must have been a good few hundred participants. We left the area as most had taken to their bikes and we made our way towards the marina. Even before we got there we had noticed an unusually large number of yachts offshore and when we arrived at the marina itself it was (like the beach - but for a different reason) abuzz with activity. We asked what was going on. Apparently 84 yachts, representing 19 countries, were taking part in a "Cruise Rally", which started in Istanbul, down the eastern Med. and ending in Alexandria. The yachts had reached Herzliya the day before (Friday) and were setting off for the marina at Ashkelon. It was quite a spectacle - you would really have enjoyed it Jack. Cycling round to another section of the marina, we saw two Turkish naval patrol craft alongside - obviously the rally escort. It always makes me feel good to see other "neighboring" flags within our waters - like seeing cars with Jordanian registration plates on our roads (just a personal observation!). From there we went back north to Rishpon (stopped at the pet shop and "object d'art" (some rather dubious - but interesting nonetheless) shop/factory on the corner at the entrance to Rishpon. From Rishpon we rode back inland, and followed the railway line north (on the eastern side this time - we had always in the past used the pathway on the west of the tracks) which is far more picturesque. Then up to the sunflower fields, and back south along our regular route, being careful to avoid the left turn (for my sins, at my suggestion last week!) which you remember took us "knee deep" into the soft sand. Then back to the Cohen establishment for Hermoine's delicious cheese cake (more than justifying the ride, but significantly "unjustifying" the exercise aspect!). By the time I got back to Kfar Saba, I'd clocked up about 47 kms.

30 Aug 1998 - Ra'anana/Rishpon/Nof Yam/Herzliya Marina/Ra'anana
During the hot summer months it is advisable to drink a lot of water. We especially start our rides early in order to beat the heat and try to get back before noon. The gravel roads are mostly loose sand now, and the going is pretty tough. Today's ride took us through the groves and fields from Ra'anana to Rishpon. We rode up the zig-zag foot bridge at Rishpon and cycled on the Coastal Highway to Nof Yam. The view of the ocean is great from the cliffs at Sidney Alley. We looked down at the amazing beach abode of the beachcomer who has made his residence and livlihood from the debris that he finds on the beach. We cycled on through Herzliya Pituach, passing some of the most magnificent homes. At the Sharon Beach we once again admired the view of the ocean and watched the antics of the bathers. From there we rode towards Herzliya Marina. On the way to the marina, we often take a short stop to watch the tennis at the courts at one of the sea-side hotels. When we entered the marina, we rested our eyes on one of the most beautiful ships to have entered these waters. The picture below hardly does justice to what must be one the most magnificent ships I have ever seen. One of the crew, working on a small launch on the side of the ship, told us a bit about the ship and some of the adventures that they have had.

20 June 1998 - Ramat Gan/TelAviv/Givatayim/Ramat Gan
Once again we started from the Ramat Gan Stadium, this time meeting very early and we were already cycling by 07:30. We followed the Yarkon River , enjoying the antics of the canoeists. It is amazing to see how many people are up and about so early on a Shabat morning. We passed joggers, walkers, other cyclists, dog-walkers, etc. The early picnickers were there already, selecting the best sites. The promenade in Tel Aviv was already proving to be a bit of an obstacle course, with people coming down to the beach to make the most of the great Israeli summer. By the steady "tak-tak" sounds, I could hear that the beach bat-and-ball games had already started. We even saw a famous political figure taking a brisk walk in the relatively cool morning air. We left the Port of Jaffa and cycled to the Yeminite Quarter in Tel Aviv. Wending our way through the narrow streets, we came to the famous outdoor Carmel market. Hylton knows the area very well and he gave us an excellent tour, pointing out the best eateries on the way. Leaving the smells of the market behind, we crossed Allenby Street into Shenkin Street. This is another of Tel Aviv's streets with a charm and character all of its own. We cycled down Rehov Yitzchak Sade, crossing the Ayalon Highway and continued on until Givatayim. Givatayim and Ramat Gan are satellite suburbs of Tel Aviv and both are densely populated. We had an interesting ride through there commercial centres, eventually crossing that important thoroughfare, Jabotinsky, and finally past the ice-skating rink, a brief stop at the ten-pin bowling and then back to our starting point. This ride was about 30 km and was relatively easy because it was on tarred roads all the way.

17 January 1998 - Tel Aviv
Starting from the Ramat Gan Stadium, we rode alongside the Yarkon River to the point were it flows into the Mediteranean. Riding into the Old Port of Tel Aviv, we watched the fishermen. From there we rode alongside the beach from the Tal Hotel right down the promenade till we entered Jaffa. We stop often to enjoy the scenery and take in the atmosphere of the surroundings. Jaffa is a tourist haven. There is so much to do there, from exploring ancient ruins to taking in an opera or show at modern day theatrical houses. The free underground museum on the actual site of ancient homes is one small example of the many sites and attractions available. Walking tours often start at the Watch Tower, a local landmark. We entered the Old Port of Jaffa and enjoyed the atmosphere of the open air market and the nearby fresh fish market.

10 June 2000 - Viola's track
First and foremost, we had a great turnout and a great ride on the the 10th. Thanks Viola for showing us the new route. There were quite a few faces that we haven't seen for some time. I hope that they will continue to make regular appearances! Welcome to two new participants on Saturday's ride, Asher Litz and Leonid Averbach, who have asked to be placed on our mailing list. I hope we'll see lots of them in the future. Viola is finishing her tour of duty at the American School and will be returning to the USA in a few days time. We've enjoyed your company and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Whenever you decide to pay Israel another visit you know where to find us!!!

27 June 1998: Ra'anana/Bnei Tziyon/Batzra/Sde Warburg/Kfar Sava/Ra'anana
We left at a brisk pace, entering the orange groves at the bottom end of Lev Hapark, Ra'anana. The loose sand made the going quite tough, and we cycled between the trees for some time until we came upon firmer sand. We could see that the watermelons growing in the fields would be ready within a few weeks. We rode parallel to the railway lines, eventually turning left towards Bnei Tziyon. We had a brief stop at the entrance to the Haruzit Reserve, taking in the magnificent view towards Wingate and Netanya. Bnei Tziyon was just waking up, and the barking dogs added to the morning noises. The houses in this area are really nice and from time-to-time you see some really special homes. The gardens are usually very well tended and we often pass people enjoying the relatively cool mornings on their shaded patios. Bnei Tziyon leads into Batzra and we followed the road under the Geha Highway, making our way to Sde Warburg. The locals were playing soccer. From Sde Warburg we cycled passed the turning to Beit Berel and went on to Kfar Sava, passing the turning to Gan Haim on our right. We passed the Medrano Circus and rode on to Ra'anana, ending the morning's exercise after clocking up about 27Km.

15th August 1998: Ra'anana/Neve Yaroq/Hyarkon River/Ra'anana
We started off as usual from Ra'anana. Cycling east through Hod Hasharon to Neve Yaraq where we turned left and then made an immediate right turn through vineyards to the Hayarkon River which we crossed (carrying our bikes). We then cycled to the Baptist Village and the adjoining large nature reserve park. We filled up with iced water and then went to the Beduin market. From there we travelled west, went under a bridge over which the trans Shomron road runs, got back to the banks of the Yarkon River and followed it all the way back almost to Tel Aviv. Eventually we carried our bikes up a steep incline onto the Trans Shomron, crossed the river again, went down to a dirt road that runs parralel to the Geha Highway, emerging at the Morasha Junction and then back to Raanana along the highway. All in all, about thirty-six kms mostly off road on not too sandy paths. A very pleasant and not too strenuous ride enjoyed by all.