Ride Report - Dec. 26, 2009 - Local Ride - By John
There's not much to report on as far as today's ride is concerned. Twelve of us met at the start and the weather conditions were as near perfect as can be. The route was a well worn one for us, albeit that we changed the order now and again. There was some mud, but not enough to have entitled us to call ourselves "The Dirty Dozen" at the end of the ride.
It was great to have Gabi back with us and good to see that he's recovered from his recent injury which was the reason we've not seen him for some time. By the way, the injury was not sustained on a bike ride, but in the gym! He did take a tumble today (in the mud, and I never managed to catch it on my camera!)), but fortunately came out none the worse for wear except for a bit of mud! Merril had and argument with a bouganvillia bush and Megan made her debut as our medic (see the photos) under the strict supervision of our resident Dr. Daniel.
We made a water stop at Cafe Buono at Yaqum service station where there was an impressive display of high-powered motorcycles (sorry, no photos of the motorcycles). That's about it. At the end of the ride some made their refreshment stop at Arcaffe and others went on to Gam Cafe at the lake in the Ra'anana Park. I was at the latter venue and can vouch that the food was good and so was the service. The ride itself was +/- 33 kilometres of very pleasant riding in very pleasant company. See you next week!
Ride Report - Dec. 19, 2009 - Tel Aviv to Rishon - By Ted
What a windy morning we experienced. As we rode south in the initially cold morning from Reading, we worked doubly hard against a powerful headwind and dodged the oncoming traffic of Sat walkers and barely evaded those ambling along with their backs to us. To avoid pedestrians we detoured slightly from the esplanade by riding on the Hilton path towards the Yarkon hotel's "drive" but soon were back in the "dodge'ems". But for all that work we had compensation in the way of the sea. The strong winds were blowing the waves that came crashing down on the rocks and barriers lining the route and the further south we rode the stronger the force and proximity. At times we felt the spray and heard the roar of the crashing waves up close. We passed Jaffa and Bat Yam on the newly built beautiful paths (battered by recent deluges)and eventually after some "where are we", reached the Rishon shore where many changes had taken place since our last ride there years ago. On the return we temporarily split up into those who rode road on and those who rode off...road that is! It was easy going as we “breezed” along with the wind at our back and we effortlessly reached Aroma for b’fast. We sat in the shade and munched and slurped, noticing that it was actually cool when stopping. I should mention that apart from Ingride’s abandoned glove it was an ideal ride. Perfect sunny skies, windy weather, stormy seas and good company.
Ride Report - Dec. 12, 2009 - Local ride - By John
Shame on all those regulars who didn't show up for this ride. Four stalwarts pitched up for the ride. We may not have had the "quantity" but we had the "quality". Megan, Frederic, Daniel and yours truely! Despite the weather forecast there was NO rain and neither were there any sandy patches! There was however no shortage of mud! We had a really great ride travelling along Ahuza Street to the West, down the Park road where we turned off to the left and then continuedalong one of our well travelled routes down to the TA - Haifa railway line, then North to Rishpon, on to Shefayim, Yaqum, through the fields and on to Bnei Tzion and Spingo for a well deserved refreshment stop and then back to home base. We had to do a wee bit of walking because of some muddy patches and the wind was agaist us on our homeward stretch. Daniel had a puncture but his "Jeefa" saved the day and there was no need to replace the tube! All in all we had an excellent +/- 34 kilometre ride.
Ride Report - Dec. 5, 2009 - Ariel's Route - By Frances
Eleven set out from our meeting spot under the expert guidance of Ariel. Welcome to Beverly - and a HUGE apology. You and Steve were not forgotton - it was entirely the fault of the sweep. He thought you were ahead of him.... Jules and Frederick went back to look for you, but without success. So, please give us another chance! See the photo of collective apology.
So, nine continued through the Sharon Nature Reserve to one of our favourite spots - the lookout over the sea. The weather was perfect and the surf was up. After a short break we whizzed on. With no sandy spots or mud, we managed to make good time and were sipping and eating by 9.30 at Cafe Bouno. There were no toys for the boys to admire - so we enjoyed the sun and conversation instead.
Ariel led us back to Ranaana, exiting the fields near the cemetry. We then went on a lovely route through the quiet streets and parks to Weizmann street, where we disbanded.
One comment about the moral tone of our group - it has sadly reached rock bottom! Yes, everyone has started PILFERING - today, it was avocados. Who knows what it will be next week. Megan is also concerned about the aesthetics of our group. My ensemble of pink socks, orange T-shirt and red riding shirt didn't pass muster. Uh Oh, I will try harder next week....
Check out these sites 
Israeli Police, cyclist rules of the road:
Israeli Police, Bike Riding Rules
Beginner's Mountain Bike Info Guide:
http://www.romp.org/rides/beginnerguide.html
Bicycle Unit of the Civil Guard (Mishmar Ezrahi),
The Department of Community Affairs and the Civil Guard of the
Israeli Police Force in conjunction with the Israel Cyclists' Association call
on you to join the Cycling Unit of the Civil Guard.
Volunteer Now .
Follow the link for more details .
THE BOTTOM LINE ! :
ALL RIDERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CLUB'S ACTIVITIES MUST ACCEPT THAT THE CLUB
CONSISTS OF A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS, FOND OF RIDING IN EACH OTHERS COMPANY, ON
THE BASIS OF UNDERSTANDING THAT NO ONE TAKES OR BEARS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR
OTHERS AND EACH IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OWN LIFE, HEALTH AND BELONGINGS.
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