13^th April 2002 
14 riders, including a new 'chaver', Livio, participated in today's ride taking full advantage of the ideal conditions over the 35 km route. April must surely be one of the best biking months - mud (to the regret of our candyman ) almost a thing of the past, "desert" sand not yet an energy-sapping reality and moderate temperatures under clear skies.

We rode northwards of Ra’anana and onto the orphaned Shefayin railway station for a short break. The route almost congested with Mountain Bikers, out to enjoy the great riding conditions and to get away from it all. Some new bikes and old friends enabled us to exchange shop-talk along the way as in the distance those magnificent men in their flying machines roared their way in the heavens above. After losing John as we veered northwards, an odd bird or two flew past as we viewed the flowering Avocados, in anticipation of mouth-watering things to come. A small repast at our Udim, "no-carrot-juice-served-here" (how uncivilized!) coffee house at the Yakum turn off, which seems to have become a mecca for Saturday morning bikers. Some of the fancy state of the art hardware made me wonder whether I shouldn't be hiding my "bronco" around the side!

A blast from Hylton’s tooter, declaring the reveille, set us going on our return via Kfar Shmaryahu and Rishpon to extract the maximum from the ideal conditions. Way to go Hylton. Ronnie's digital camera was working overtime with lots of photo opportunities “Don’t eat the daisies” Paul. Thanks Ronnie!

 But what even Ronnie's camera can't capture is just the sheer simplicity of "the Cyclenix Experience" - the outdoors, the effort and exhilaration, the good company and the laughs - and for a few hours at least - getting away from it all....... For more pics go to Home Patch Gallery

  21 April 2002
Daring the weatherman’s advice and ignoring the overnight rain, an optimistic group assembled at the departure site in the hope of another adventurous ride. And that it was!
Having congratulated Hylton for his de facto representation of the Cyclenix mob at the ESRA charity event, and what a sterling job he did, we left for Bassra to taste the dreaded Black run that Ronnie so enthusiastically recommended. An odd grunt and a fall and lots of fun and there we were at the bottom mostly unscathed with adrenalin running high. Heading North with few fellow riders and an occasional trekker crossing our paths, the laden clouds grew ominous, a portent of things to come. Minutes later we found ourselves heaving uphill past the avocado groves of Yakum, across to the bushy prickle-lined paths surrounding Yakum “lake”. After a two and three way split, leaving one offshoot scurrying for shelter from a heavy shower, we regrouped at the coffee bar for a hot brew to stave off the cool wind howling from the South. 
Hylton sounded a weak toot as we rode off to the south hoping to beat the heavenly showers but to no avail. The rains came and the wind shrieked but by the time we hit Siberian plain, only the gusty breeze was left. It was nice to see Shaul back in the saddle and his chain gadget almost helped to save the day for a fellow rider in distress. We even had a chance to thwart the efforts of a trail busting 4x4 vehicle from wreaking more damage to our precious treks. Yes, we did have fun and we didn’t melt in the rain.

27 April 2002 Nahal Zipori 
What are the elements of "a Great Ride" - glorious weather? beautiful scenery? challenging? a leader who knows his "stuff"? good company? Yesterdays ride certainly contained all of these is abundance and what a ride it was! The route: from our start at Tsomet Alonim a climb towards Bosmat Tivon and then on to Nofit, followed by a descent to Nahal Zipori, continuing along the river passing Ein Yifke and at its confluence with Nahal Yiftahel homeward via Beit Lehem Ha Galit and Alonei Aba - a distance of just over 30 kilometres. Which of course tells you nothing! - not that the 5 kilometre climb to Bosmat Tivon and Nofit was a relentless cardiac-arrest ascent (at the top of which one expected to hear the locals speaking Nepali!); not that the descent to the Zipori was the closest one can ever get to living "wild and dangerously" at 18 kilometres an hour!; not that once in the river valley you could be excused for thinking that you were in the Tuscany countryside; and not that Beit Lehem Ha Galit was a Brigadoon myth - what a gem of a village! Nor does it tell you of the "thrills and spills" - or should I say "splashes and gashes". Ted made it into the water, mud and all. I saw it in slow motion and for one timeless moment it looked as though he would right himself, but no - Ted didn't disappoint (he's not that sort of a guy) as Ronnie's faithful digital camera will show. Is Jack's long held "splosh" crown now at serious risk?? But the wheel of fortune is ever turning turning turning......If there was a "man of the match" that man must be Ronnie himself - for getting us there, for showing us the beauty and offering us a challenge, and for leading us faultlessly from beginning to end. Thank you Ronnie for a very special ride - and now we know that "a 5 kilometre climb" IS just that! For all the pics go to Nahal Zipori  

11 May 2002 - Home Patch Park Afek
We have been very lucky with the weather, earlier forecasts for yesterday's sharav to break only during the course of the day didn't materialise and we rode under typical early summer conditions. We were joined by "new girl" Gila (a warm welcome to you!) to make up a total of 11 bikers who set off from our usual Ra'anana start en route through Givat Chen, Hod Ha'Sharon, Neve Yarok (we'll be back when the grapes are ripe!) and down past the Baptist Village then on to Park Afek where we made our homeward turn - in all some 36 kilometres - with plenty of variety.South of Givat Chen had its usual energy-sapping patches of "Sahara" (definitely to be avoided as the summer wears on!) but more than compensated for by the pleasant inclines and downhills in the early morning freshness. After crossing the Yarkon we did some unexpected Burmese (oops - Myanmar-ese) jungle bashing (please include a panga, axe, surgical knife or whatever next time!) and few of us emerged without a minor scratch or two. Leading the way through this uncharted country I tried to "lose" the rest of the group - but to no avail! Sorry chaps - the lesson to be learned (again!) is that the man (or WOman) in front must ensure that the rest are in tow behind. And Gila gave us all the opportunity to get a lesson of a different kind - in "McIver-type" improvisation - when her saddle came adrift. Thanks John and Micha for an imaginative combined solution. 
We look forward to a bumper turnout on our "away" ride next week

17 May – Amikam from Jason “Slider” Bernstein
All the flowers are out and blooming, spring is in the air.
I highly recommend this ride – 2hrs, 15 km with great downhills. Sorry I haven’t ridden with you recently on a Saturdays. I am trying to make a serious attempt at being a student on Saturdays! Slidingly yours Jason

18 May, 2002 - Binyamina 'Away" ride
Once again Ronnie did us proud. Under ideal biking conditions, bright and warm with a cool breeze and intermittent cloud cover the whole group enjoyed an exhilarating ride through some of the most beautiful countryside that Israel has to offer. The trail included something for everyone, a stretch ‘on-road’, single-track, a nice challenging climb and lots of off-road through vine yards, reminiscent of Napa Valley, peach, apricot and plum orchards (unfortunately not yet ripe enough to eat). No major breakdowns, even Mark’s beast performed well (due no doubt to the superior speed and skill of the rider) the pedals stayed on, not to mention the wheels. It was great to have the Jerusalem contingent join us and we all wish Lori a happy holiday in the USA. Look at them go:

Tooter & Bike

Lori & Mark

Shaul

If you want to see more click on  Ronnie’s pictures

25th May, 2002 - Home Patch
Twelve riders met at our "homepatch" point of departure. Three 'newies" were included in this number, Gila's two friends, Alon and Baruch, and Gal, the grandson of yours truly! Our route took us through the industrial area of Raanana, Batzra, Bnei Tzion, the Nature reserve and the single track that we know so well and then on to Yaqum, through the kibbutz and to our usual breakfast stop at the Yaqum service station. There for the first time we saw a guard stationed at the entrance to the restaurant that brought home to us the reality of the times that Israel is presently going through. After breakfast we went on to Apollonia. The whole place has been thoroughly cleaned up. There are explanatory signs at strategic points giving most interesting information of this historical site. We learnt that from July there will be an entrance fee to visit this excavation. A guide provided by the National parks board was already "on site" giving guided tours to visitors. All in all it was a very pleasant 35 odd kilometre ride with super ideal weather and the usual great company. Four of our stalwarts were noticeable by their absence. David, (whose mother passed away this week and to whom we all extend our sincere condolences), Ingride, Hylton (with an injured back) and our webmaster Jack (in bed with flu' - does his wife know????).If you didn't ride with us this week, there's always the next ride to look forward to and we'd love to see you. Have a good week!
John/Candy

Golan Happening on the 1^st June 2002.
Following is the link to the site for more details of the ride event. It has the flyer with all the relevant information. Early registration (until 27/4) saves 20 shekels. It is in a terrific area and if the flora this past weekend is anything to go by, it should be quite colorful. Pablo, “Slider” and Guy tell me they will probably do the 25km “Ammami”.
http://www.golan.org.il/bike/

1 June 2002 Home Patch
Abandoned by their fellow female riders this morning, a gallant total force of twelve desperate males, their numbers bolstered by two new recruits, Izik and Moshe, set out in search of other female riders. They sought them to the north and west on the lanes to Rishpon and finally on Herzeliya’s beaches, they found them. Over a thousand women of all ages running, swimming and riding at the annual women’s Triathlon, including Dalia and Gila, were out there showing what they are capable of. This is an admirable and splendid event in which they can all take pride! As fellow sportspersons, we congratulate them and wish them equally successful Triathlons in future. They and us were again assisted by wonderful weather, ideal conditions for any outdoor sports. Yes, the summer delays it’s arrival and we are thankful. After a lengthy repast, replete with peppery jokes, at the delightful Marina (yes Jack, Mitz Gezer was on the menu), we remounted and set off northwards to the ancient port of Appolonia, recently partially excavated and where Jack was horrified to discover that none of the explanation signs showed evidence of Israelite or Jewish life in the land of Cannan (or Palestine as the Romans would have it). A blast of Hilton’s horn declared the return journey had begun and we were off via the verdant pathways of K.Shmaryahu and Rishon and back to the launch pad. A total of 32 delightful Km’s!

8 June 2002 – Home Patch
Well, we are looking for suggestions as to where we can find six certificates certifying that Ted, Dina, Galit, Micha, Nurit (who joined us for the first time) and yours truly are completely nuts for having ridden today in what must have been the hottest day that I have ever ridden!!! I don't normally feel the heat but, today I felt it with a vengeance!! We rode West along Ahuza and cut through the back of Herzliya making our way through some great sand to the Kfar Shmaryahu Railway crossing next to the Kfar Shmaryahu cemetery. Then it was on to Rishpon, over the bridge on the Coastal road and  back towards Appolonia where we discovered that new regulations prohibit the entrance of bicycles into the reserve. So, we travelled south past the Mosque and onto the Herzliya Marina for a well-earned breakfast stop. Thereafter, it was back home through Rishpon. 

To Nurit, who joined us for the first time....Welcome! Nice to have you with us and we hope to see you again.

15 June 2002 – Tel Aviv
Thirteen (lucky for some!) riders met at the Redding car park to take one of our usual Tel Aviv routes. We welcomed two new riders, Nurit and Avi. Hope we'll see them often in the future. We started out at 7.15 (or there abouts!!), a little earlier than usual, in order to try and beat the heat instead of the heat beating us!!! As usual we rode along the promenade to the Jaffe port. There, the fisherman were selling there freshly caught shrimps, crabs, fish etc and then continued on our way to the Bat Yam beaches. Lots of changes have taken  place since our last outing to that area. After a stop on the pier at the Bay Yam Beach we made our way back through the centre of Bat Yam and then on to Jaffe, to the view point of Tel Aviv situate in the Old City. After a chat and a drink we were off again back along the tyelette (promenade and on to the Tel Aviv Port where we made a breakfast stop and then headed back to the cars. 25 kilometres of very pleasant riding and company came to an end and we were ready to face another week.

22 June Home Patch - Dereh Ha Psalim and Burma Road (the shortened version!):19 gallant riders, including several newcomers whom we welcome. So, what if not the rote, then is significantly important for those who attended? Well, at the end of the day (at 1630!!) it was the recognition that the ride was a real challenge. The combination of the route, the terrain, the hills, the length (who declared it would not be a long ride? 49KMs later!), the time it took to return to base, confirmed it a challenge supreme. We were tested by the circumstances and all the riders can affirm that they did their best. The score sheet includes two chain problems, 6 punctured tires and 2 unconfirmed, two minor falls and gallons of liquids consumed. Comments included “wow, what a view”, “s----, what, another hill”,  “I’m  running out of water”, “it’s only 10 minutes to water”, “another 10 KM’s and we are at the car park”, “who has a spare inner”, “keep Pompin”, “what, no pas gumi”, “did you see the statue”, with reference to Derech Hapsalim. And there were lots more. In fact the route and the scented trees and bushes was lovely, a brief encounter with the Mondial at the Bedouin Ma’ahal also helped to make it a special day. Those who were there will long remember the events and the real challenge, which is where we came in. Ronnie did a sterling job in bringing us through all the way to another happy ending. Thanks Ronnie.
Here are the pictures from our ride.

http://cards.webshots.com/cp-28032201-kMFp-album/41430765EjsmiN

29 June - Home Patch
After last weeks challenge, this morning’s ride was a mere outing. That’s what perspective is all about!! A warm welcome to Aussie Malcolm James from Fox News who rode with us on the ride north to Yakum via Lake Pollution. Those who eat the fish from that very dubious source are either very hungry or totally ignorant. Not so the magnificent (are they so glorious with all the noise they generate!) men in the flying machines. They display professionalism and guile as their contraptions hang above us in aerobatic wonderment. The ride was an international affair with our newest rider Malcolm and two who joined us on route, one from Sweden and the other from Romania.  Ariella who arrived recently with her NRS from Taiwan is also welcome although she rode with us last week.
We were warned to avoid some sandy patches but we carried on regardless and finally rode past those smelly bovine (not so mad) creatures munching away at Yakum. We spotted a colourful Kingfisher up on the electrical wires just as we approached the watering hole at Udim. Hylton’s horn gave a weak reminder that it was back to work and off we went southwards against the wind towards Rishpon and on to the final home stretch.  

6 July 2002 - from David Lewis
12 Cyclenixs’ participated in our home patch ride today that took us first westward through the pardesim, then north following the roadway tracks. The clump of eucalyptus suddenly took on new significance with Ted's chance remark to Malcolm (whose arrival increased the Down Under contingent by 50%!) and suddenly the place was alive with virtual kangaroos, kookaburras and koalas - was there a sense of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull here? I wonder.....
Back to the realities - and after a stop for drinks at our Rishpon watering hole, it was time to re-visit ancient Appollonia, and behold the beauty of our coastline - what a sight! (thanks to the guards at the entrance who allowed us in on our Taiwanese steeds!).
Then on down to the Herzliya Marina to inspect the fleet - and for some, to reminisce about "little ships" in another place at another time.
We rode some 38 kilometers, under "summer" conditions, and above all else, in good company!

13 July Tel Aviv/Jaffo/Bat Yum. 
Shavua Tov! Ten riders participated in the Tel Aviv ride today. We took the usual route along the promenade to Bat Yam  and made our way back through the old city of Jaffe and enjoyed "brunch" at our usual "watering hole" at the Tel Aviv Port. Some of our regular riders were absent and we missed them! :-( 
Please remember that the Nahal Kziv ride scheduled for this coming Shabbat has been postponed! You'll be notified in good time of the new date. This is a ride not to be missed.
Also remember Thursday the 25th JULY, the scheduled date of our NIGHT RIDE! 

20 July – Home Patch
A steaming hot sun welcomed the bleary eyed group whose first comments were “where’s so and so”. By the time a fully report of absentees was logged, it was 07.30 and we set off for the classic ride thru Batzra, via the main street and it’s precipitous hill. We turned westwards and reached the Harutzim reserve to discover, to our horror, that a fire had destroyed the entire southern part. Fortunately the paths were as clear as ever and we rolled down in two groups, one on each of the two trails. We then headed north and happily found that the continuation of the reserve was intact. We passed by the “happy” mulberry tree and on to Yakum. We made such rapid time that the café- restaurant was still closed so we turned back to Rishpon for breakfast, Mitz Gezer, and other beverages on tap. We met a would be, wont be rider (lady) who provided us with an unusual focus and soon we were back in the saddle and at the waiting cars, by 10.45. This must be one of, if not the fastest ride ever…..and yes, it was hot but lots of fun.

25 JULY - Night Ride 
Two firsts for Cyclenix!
Our first "Night Ride" At about 7.15pm 11 riders set off from the car park at the Lev Ha'Park service station situate at the end of Rehov Weitzman. We rode along one of our usual routes to the kibbutz Yaqum but this time it was different. It wasn't long before the sun had set (an what a great sight the setting sun was) and anyone with a view from above could have seen 11 twinkling red lights making their way through the fields to the North of Raanana. Most of the time there was no need for a front light as the FULL MOON lit our way. Oooooooooo!
We made our way to the Sharon Beach where we sat in the green lawns, ate and drank (:Thanks" Ariella for the wine!)

You're waiting to read what the "second first was"? Okay! Here's the second "first"! Ariella rode in a dress! It's the first time anyone (male or female!) has ridden with us wearing a dress!! Well done Ariella.
From there, it was back to Raanana where we arrived at about 11.30pm. Wait a little longer!
I think that those who participated enjoyed it and I hope that this night ride with be the first of many. Except for a puncture at Yaqum and a spectacular fall by Dina on the bridge crossing the coastal road (she never fell off the bridge and fortunately apart from a grazed knee she was fine) the ride was uneventful. If you didn't participate, watch your e-mail and take part in the next one. It was great fun.

July 28, - Home Patch by Ted
This morning’s ride can best be described as routine. Even the hot weather, not unbearable, was as expected. Not that routine is a bad thing and can even be a blessing. Well, for one thing no one fell. Even Micha with his new clipless shoes had an uneventful ride. The routine ride covered Batzra, the Harutzim reserve, Yakum (approached from the orchards for the first time, not so routine), breakfast at Yakum, and a ride south off road (not so routine) and on to home. A total of only seven riders (again, not so routine) dared the threatening hot weather which was routine, including Galia who rode with us for the first time in many weeks. It was a nice, simple and enjoyable ride and in view of what I reported, maybe it was not so routine after all. But the one aspect that is worth noting is that daytime riding is not as much fun and excitement as a night ride which is definitely not routine for us Cyclenix crazies!!!  Hope to see more of you next week.

  3 August - Home Patch by Capt. Candy
Seven riders hit the trail on our Home Ride. It was great to welcome back David after his surgery. We were also pleased to have Micha with us after his accident this week. If anyone wants to know whether it's worthwhile wearing a helmet ask Micha. As a result of the accident his helmet was split in two BUT he never suffered any head injury, just a minor injury to his arm that required a little bit of sewing!
Our route took us through Bazra in a search for a new "watering hole". We found it only to discover that it's NOT open on Shabbat. It was then on towards Bnei Tzion and the burnt out nature reserve with our short downhill single track. To those who may do this ride on their own beware of the left hand downhill. It's in bad condition and could prove dangerous. The Right hand track is still fine. It was then on to Yaqum, breakfast and back home. Fortunately the weather was a little cooler than last week (but not much!!)

Saturday 17 August - Nahal Kziv  by Ted
It was a ride that started with a bang not a whimper. On arrival at Arsi? centre we discovered that a mysterious gremlin had burst Hyton’s tire which oozed green slime like a cartoon frog squashed underfoot. A patchwork repair did give Hylton some riding time but not with the main group as he opted to ride on safe terrain, which turned out to be a sensible choice. We missed him but we did maintain a line of communication with him.
The group of seventeen set off uphill through Ma’liya and then down several hundred hairy meters of precipitous stony road to the Ziv river bed (wadi, canyon) where we literally picked up the bikes and walked for several tens of meters. A short ride later led us to the grey-white rock pools surrounded on either side by steep cliffs overhung with lush greenery. Simply marvelous!
A few, armed with torches dared to enter the subterranean entrance cave of the source of the cool water flowing into the Ziv but no Guinness  record was broken for length of stay in those dark narrow passages. Later in the next pool some took the jump and had a swim while others less adventurous looked on in a mixture of some envy and suspicion about the state of the water. The fish however were thriving.
The next stage saw one broken bike and three falls with the medics working hard to keep the injured in their saddles. John’s Shiatsu too had some success. We rode on regardless and just as we thought how lucky we were with the cool breeze streaming down the wadi, we reached the plain and encountered a stiff blanket of heat. But the distance was short to the Club Med where cool refreshments were served to those with small coins. The drivers were soon back with the vehicles and off we were homeward bound. Tired and satisfied with appreciation for Ronnie’s leadership and organization. It was indeed a ride not to missed!

For more pixs just click on baldy
Pixs courtesy of Mark. 

Thursday 22 August - Benjamina “Ill met by moonlight”…….By Ted
Indeed we met under a full moon, all six of us, all males and rode off for a record 31km in just under two and a half hours including very few stops. It was a fast exhilarating ride facilitated by the limestone track we rode on for the entire distance. It glowed florescent white in the moonlight making a perfect well-lit pathway albeit a little stony and dusty. There was a silence to the ride broken only by the crumbling stones under the wheels as we rode on a mainly level track. We finally hit a serious hill that left us puffing and sweaty if not a little thirsty, and the farmers scout car with it’s spot light almost spoilt the atmosphere. We met patrolling soldiers in the dark and then we encountered, looming out of the night, an honor guard of bovine creatures, resting in the night, on either side of the track. Only the calves rose (out of fear more then respect for us) but we rode on undaunted by the smells. In fact throughout the ride we knew, without being able to see, what lay in the vicinity. The smells of dust mingled with decaying grape vines and cow dung, thistles, amassed, mint and reed. We sped downhill (cautiously!) as the moonlight illuminated the valley below with an eerie glow and we smelt the peach, nectarine and apricot groves. Riding along the water-carrier our faces were whipped by the reeds and weeds as our occasionally lit torches pierced the pitch dark of the night seeking the path as the moon disappeared in the clouds. An odd unidentified animal stirred in the brush on our left and our bodies were jolted alive by a steep descent into a deep riverbed. And then we were back at the station in time for a glass of wine, provided by Shaul, a light snack, and onwards home. Sorry for those who missed out on one of the best yet and thanks to Ronnie for a great ride.

Saturday 24 August - Neve Yaraq/Gan Eden  by Candy
Eight riders set of for our weekly ride. Seven of the eight a treat in store for them.......looking at Micha's new top of the range TREK BIKE! Micha, we wish you well and may you have many years of safe riding! It's a great bike.
Our route took us through Givat Chen and we tried a new detour which turned out to be a little sandy in parts and certainly worked muscles that we never knew existed! We crossed the bridge over Kvish Geha and made our way to a new "watering hole", Gan Eden, discovered by Hylton. It was too early to eat so we made our way back to the Hod Hasharon - Petach Tikva Road where we traveled east making our way to the Moshav  Neve Yaraq where we stopped for a quiet chat and a drink on the newly laid out lawns in the moshav. Then it was back to Gan Eden for brunch. Gan Eden is one of the most interesting "restaurants" that I have visited. The food was good, the music was good, in fact the whole atmosphere was excellent. I highly recommend a visit. Then it was back to the saddle and home we rode! We all enjoyed a very pleasant ride.
Our numbers seemed to have dwindled in the last few weeks (except for the Nahal Kziv Ride). Why? Is it the weather? Come on, it's not as bad as that.