14 September 2002 – First Ride of the year
13 Cyclenix participated in a 30 km ride under ideal summer conditions - with just enough cloudy spells to remind us that cooler weather is not too far away. Our route took us northward towards Bnei Zion but at the eastern entrance, instead of riding up through the moshav and then down through the nature reserve on the western side (a popular Cyclenix trail), we continued northwards into the pardeysim, through the Harutzim area and on to Lake Moskava (a Cyclenix name - where as you may recall even the fish only speak Russian) at Neve Hadassa and then westward and onto Yakum where a most regrettable incident occurred.
It happened like this: as we approached the airstrip we noticed a microlite aircraft circling above. Closer observation revealed the individual at the controls (I hesitate to use the term "pilot" as an insult to others more deserving of that title) seemed to be carrying out some aerobatic maneuvers and (as it moments later transpired) generally showing off. As he approached the airstrip at a reasonable height he suddenly dived down, headed straight for us, passing just a few meters over our heads - a really nasty experience for us all and especially for Ronnie, who injured his back and severely gashed his ankle (7 stitches required) as he tried to jump clear of the path of this man's madness, which we hope does not go unaccounted for.To add insult to injury the personnel and other onlookers at the airstrip hanger not only failed to offer Ronnie any immediate relief but seem to have enjoyed watching the incident. When the pilot landed his aircraft he showed no remorse and when asked for his Toedat Zahout said that he did not have it with him but gave us his name and number, claimed he was 25 meters form the ground when he passed over us and said that in any event we should not have been on the property. We wish you a speedy "get well" Ronnie!
From Yakum we made our way to our regular "watering hole" in the area to calm our nerves (over coffee, cool drinks or whatever), then homeward via Ronit Farm, the Shefayim station/siding/shack, Rishpon and the pardeysim.

Sept 2002 - Holidays
How about a mountain biking trip to Costa Rica? Costa Rica has become a popular destination for adventure travel - especially mountain biking.  Its tropical climate, diverse terrain, and incredible coastline make it a mountain biking paradise.  Here are a couple of trips going on this fall.
Interested just click on the link  www.ctocadventures.com

"Wheels of Love" - charity ride
(Alyn Children's Hospital in Jerusalem)
Total ride is approximately 386 kilometers / 239 miles.
The ride begins in the Golan Heights and ends in Jerusalem
11/4/2001 9:00 am - 11/9/2001 5:00 pm
Registraion Fees : $300.00 per Individual
Interested just click on the Wheels of Love Logo for more details

  5 October - Home patch
Hi and Shavua tov! Well, after an absence of two whole weeks (I was beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms!!) we  were back in the saddle again today. Eleven of us set out on a local "Home Patch" ride and we all enjoyed it. We rode a variation of the route to Yaqum and breakfasted at our usual "waterhole", the Service station at Yaqum.......good food and good company! There was nothing out of the ordinary, no spectacular crashes, no mechanical breakdowns, no punctures, etc so we had a really good time and we will be meeting at the same place and time next Saturday. DON'T FORGET!!

12 October - Home patch
Before I give a rundown of today's ride I want to welcome a new "member", Craig Nadler. Nice to have you with us and we hope you enjoyed your initiation and that we'll see you with us often on future rides. I also want to welcome back (after too long an absence!) Mal  and Nurit. It was nice to have you back with us.If you weren't on the ride today you missed a good ride with even better company. We stopped for breakfast at our favorite watering hole at the service station at Yaqum. Some of us got a lesson on a Harley Davidson from a group of bikers who use the same watering hole! Very interesting! Did you know that the cheapest ordinary Harley costs a cool $30,000? If you're intending to buy one of these smelly loud beasts start saving NOW.

19 October  - Home Patch
We set of  towards the East (for a change) with the intention of riding a route that we have often ridden in the past through the southern side of Kfar Sava only to find that our usual route South to Magdiel had be blocked by none other than the construction works of the NEW KFAR SAVA RAILWAY STATION!!! Yes, for those of you who didn't know (and I didn't know!) construction of the Kfar Sava Railway station is well under way! I haven't ridden this area for some time. We had to continue east and I could not believe the new highways that have sprung up. We made our way to the entrance of Kefar Bara and carried on North to Horshim and then on to Eretz Aheret. It was a shame to see that, perhaps because of the security situation, the place was somewhat run down. We continued to make our way in a circular route back to the entrance of Kefar Bara and then East along Highway 444 to the construction camp of the Tsomet Cassem, then east alongside he Trans Shomron Highway, through Neve Yaraq and back towards Hod Hasharon where some of us made a small detour to another delightful "watering hole", Yigal's Cafe-Museum! It's well worth a visit. Thedre's good home-cooked food, great coffee and so much to see from a wedding dress to antique keys, old 8mm cinema projectors, what looked like a collection of Jail cell keys, food grinders, ships bells etc etc etc. 

26 October - From Hylton
A goodly number of riders met at our regular meeting place for our regular ‘Home Patch’ ride. We want to welcome two new members; Leanne who came with Jason (Slider), and  Leslie Bernstein,( Hylton's cousin), both for the  first time. We hope they enjoyed the outing; and will become regulars with us. Welcome back Ariella after quite a long break. We have missed your smile and enthusiasm these last weeks which are an added bonus to our rides!!!! 

It's been suggested that we change our venue at the Yaqum "watering hole" for one that we saw at Arsuf that reminds one of the little house on the prairie! Just to end off by saying that next week's ride is the annual "Round the Kinneret" ride and many of us will be participating. For those who are not, see you in two weeks time.  

2 Nov Annual Kinneret Ride
Almost the whole group, some with spouses, arrived on Friday and the ambiance was one of relaxation and anticipation helped by a sip of wine and some nibblies and good company just before dinner. 
A beautiful Saturday greeted us when we gathered at Tzemach at 06.45 in the morning after having dined the previous evening on fish/chicken, at a reasonable establishment on the shores of the Kinnert. Some of our riders made the early start from Raanana and we met up at the start. The assembled riders chatted excitedly, especially the first timers, and soon we were off. Shaul was there with his "new" speed machine. The only small "minus" about this year's ride was that long sections of the route had been scarified. This didn't affect the mountain bikes but I saw more than one rider repairing a punctured wheel of his road bike. The weather conditions were excellent and the ride turned out to be fun and of adequate sufficiency in the way of challenges. We were treated to two excellent falls by Ariella, one down the stairway at the hostel and the other, a spectacular backward dive into some bikes!!! Fortunately Ariella wasn't any the worse for wear and the stairs and bikes were undamaged!!! (Sorry Ariella, I just couldn't resist that!!) The facilities were fine and thanks go to Hylton and Jill. A great weekend and we are all already thinking about next year.

30 Oct to 2 Nov Arava Extravaganza
What a rush. The space and grandeur of the Arava is overwhelming. The great sweep of the plain sculpted by dry riverbeds, framed by the rugged mountains, under the biggest sky that one can imagine. Wow, clean air, miles of open space, no people, no bikers, hikers or other pollutants, just you, your trusty steed and nature. I had the privilege of riding with Jerome, a no no-nonsense biker from Eilat, and his son Reef. Thank you Jerome for the best cups of tea that anyone could wish for, the good company and super good mountain biking experience. The highlight of my sojourn in Eilat was riding the great 5.5km Wadi Shlomo downhill with my son Rae who put me to shame by beating me down on his Diamondback. This is the ideal time of the year to enjoy biking in the Arava and I was particularly fortunate to have cloudy skies on the first day and in places even a little rain for my first taste of riding these trails. All the many hiking trails are very well marked and added to these there are lots of ‘dirt roads’ obviously traveled by 4x4’s so for an MTB you have lots to choose from. For us City Slickers I would not advise riding without a competent guide that knows the area. Once you get into the mountains it is very easy to become disorientated and if there is a chance of rain it can also be very dangerous to be caught in the wrong Wadi when there is a flash flood.
Terrain - This is rough, tough riding, stony, sandy, rocky with some single track that gives new meaning to the word. The rule is that what goes down must come up again so think twice before taking that inviting down hill run or you will suffer later.
Taboos - You are prohibited from burning what little firewood is available so be prepared to carry your own heating materials. Never relieve yourself under a tree or bush (if you can find one) it is probably the only shade for miles so unless you enjoy sitting in your own waste product don’t do it.
Equipment - Spini map, compass, hiking style shoes rather than fancy biking gear, good quality sleeping bag if you are thinking of sleeping over (it gets bloody freezing at nite). Water at least 1 liter and hour while you are in the saddle and an extra couple of liters overnight. (This is the minimum).

9th November,2002 
Sdom- Annual International Race
Cyclenix was represented by seven intrepid rides in this very demanding event. A real carnival atmosphere prevailed with a the assistance of an Argentinean dance troupe entertaining the spectators and participants throughout the day. The main biking venders all had stalls showing their wares and on the whole the event was well organized and attended by some 2000 riders and spectators. The only downside was a complete fiasco at the start with our group of some 600 riders standing sweltering in the midday sun for 2 hours while the organizers got their act together. This in the middle of the desert and + 200 meters below sea level. If that did not finish you the first 5km climb up 200 meters, over very rough terrain, gave visions of imminent cardiac arrest. All compounded by a frenzy of the other rides in the group pushing for position on the narrow track. The previous +1000 rides had already run the track 4 times and reduced the soft areas to a fine white powder that rose as chocking dust. We then you faced the boulder strewn downhill. Not to be attempted by the fainthearted. Altogether a great ride and super outing. Pablo and Hylton did us proud both finishing the 18km course in well under 2 hours.

Home Patch
 In perfect weather 9 riders (including one guest, Shane, the son of yours truly) set of on another enjoyable "Home Patch" ride. Our route took us along Ahuza, where we branched off to the left a short distance before the Raanana Park Lake and then along the outskirts of Herzliya North, through the agricultural lands towards the Eastern border of Kfar Shmaryahu where we turned north making our way around Havat Rinat and on towards our usual "watering hole" at the Yaqum Service Station. However this time instead of stopping for breakfast there we made our way back to a newly discovered breakfast stop, Cafe Arsuf, only to discover that we were TOO EARLY!!! So, breakfast was eaten at Rishpon.

RIDE REPORT 16.11.02 
In ideal weather riding conditions we set of on a 'Home Patch" ride with a difference. The the majority of the riders were our regulars and there were the usual few "new" jokes. So, what was the difference? Well, we were met at our breakfast stop by an officer of the Israel Police in the person of Oded Vardi who gave us a rundown on The Civil Guard Cycle unit of the Israel Police which to date comprises of more the 700 hundred members (all volunteers) all over Israel. He explained clearly the advantages of such a unit over other units and also gave us a brief summary of the duties of such a unit. The purpose of Oded giving up his time to talk to us was to recruit new members from our group to the unit that is attached to the Mishmar Ezrahi. Lets show him that his efforts were not in vain. All that is asked of the volunteers is to donate a minimum of four hours a month to the Police. In return, the volunteer will receive instruction in police duties and the use of firearms. Those interested are requested to contact me either by phone (051-422-788) or preferably by e-mail, giving me your Name, teudat zehut number, phone numbers and address. My e-mail address is candy@inter.net.il Lets make our contribution to our community and to a safer Israel. I'm waiting to hear from you. 

RIDE REPORT 23.11.02  
Despite forecasts earlier in the week of a change in the weather on Saturday the much needed rain did not materialize and we rode in ideal autumn conditions. Ronnie joined us en route and its good to see that some of the relative "newcomers" to the group are becoming "regulars" - that's great and its good to have you with us! We took an easterly route riding mostly in the Hod Ha'Sharon area including sections we hadn't visited for some while. The ever increasing network of new roads and the paving of old "rough" paths gave us far more "on road" riding than we bargained for over the 35 or so kilometers that we covered. Captain Candy then took off and under the able leadership of David Lewis we made our way homeward. We crossed the narrow bridge over the Geyah highway and made our way up through the vegetable fields and pardesim to Givat Hen - a pleasant change that at very least got the "mountain biking blood" flowing again!

14.12.02 _ Capt. Candy. 
On a freezing cold morning nine intrepid riders set off in the direction of Rishpon. We crossed the coastal highway via the bridge at Rishpon and made our way to Apollonia where we had a great view of the sea. We then made our way to the Marina via Herzliya Pituach. It's been a little time since we were last there and the progress of the development at the Marina is truly amazing. There also seemed to be a lot more boats moored there. The breakfast was good and the service excellent and we then made our way back home. We enjoyed some 32 kilometres of warm company and cold weather. Watch your e-mail this week as we may have an "away" ride in store for you next Saturday (21.12.02)

Super good pics John.

Appolonia		Best Buddies		Brekkies
Serious Biz		Capt. Candy		Le Group

 "Fill-in" - 21.12.02 - Capt Candy rides again
I arrived at our usual point of departure and was met by four trucks and a bulldozer!. Well, I took off at 7.46am in sunny weather with a very slight breeze. It was COLD but perfect weather for riding. I made my way towards Rishpon through the back of Raanana and guess what? There was no sandy patches, just great puddles (some bigger than others...and deeper) and lots of lovely mud!!!!I reached the Rishpon Bridge that crosses the Coastal Road and then it happened!!!!! 
Somebody turned on a great big fan and opened a giant faucet. 
The rain came down in buckets and the wind propelled me along at breakneck speed to the Nof Yam turnoff. There I was flying along the coastal road like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Funnily enough I never saw another biker out enjoying the fresh air! When I arrived at the Nof Yam Bridge I decided that as the company was lousy and my walkman batteries had died on me it was time to head for home! The rain had calmed down to a gentle drizzle and the wind was not too bad as I made my way through Kfar Shmaryahu back to Rishpon and then east to Raanana. By the way there were a few walkers and joggers. My rain suit and boots ensured that I arrived home DRY and only near the end of the ride was there one small potential mishap. One of my boots sank into lovely thick mud and it took a while for me to extricate it!!! All in all it was a " one-der-ful " ride that you missed and an opportunity to wash your bike without a bucket or hose!!! See you next week!!!

28.12.2002 - Photos & text courtesy of Capt. Candy
HERE'S MUD IN YOUR EYE!!! If ever there was an appropriate time to raise our glasses and make the age-old toast "here's mud in your eye" then our ride on the 28th December was the it. Our last outing of 2002 was certainly a muddy occasion. We met at out normal take off point at 7.45 and Micha was there to bid us farewell. He leaves in the next few days for the UK where he will be for some time. We'll miss his smiling face and good humor but he'll still have a family representative in the group......his daughter, Galia! We also welcomed a new rider to our group, Lillian. We hope to see you with us regularly even though your introduction to the group was a little muddy!

Well, as you can see from the photos, this was a home patch ride with a difference.........lots and lots of beautiful wet, soft, sticky mud!!! I think that even those who now and again are a little lazy and don't clean their bikes after every ride had no option after this outing.