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On The Trail - Archives for March 2007
Ride Report: 31st March 2007 - Eshtaol/Tel Tsuba - by David
For some of us this was our fourth "pilgrimage" to the splendour (and perhaps even the spirituality) of this part of the Jerusalem hills, but for all 18 of us, 30 kilometres of great biking, with uphills for agony, downhills for ecstasy, scenery for exhilaration, and in combination to remind us just how lucky we are to have such incredible riding opportunities right on our doorstep. We rode east from Eshtaol (route 9329 - red markings) following the Kisalon river and after the Bnei Brit Caves joined the Shvil Israel, through the Martyrs Forest, turning south at Ein Limon up the hill (!!!) to Kibbutz Tsuba and Tel Tsuba, returning on route 9362 (blue markings), which brought us down to the Bnei Brit Caves from the south, then back to Eshtaol. No mechanical (or human) breakdowns, no punctures, no accidents, great riding conditions, perfect weather, and as always an abundance of vitamin GC (GC=Good Company) to keep us on a "high". Chag Pesach Sameach to you all - and we look forward to having John riding with us again from next week.
Ride Report - The North -  24th March 2007 - by Ted
Thirteen Apaches ambushed the Lone Ranger this morning in the Canyon. Caught unawares, he rode off into the sunrise in their midst as a cloudy sky blanketed the awakening sun in the east. The westerly wind whipped up the sand as the war party proceeded Northwards thru the Pardesim and into Basra. At Bnei Zion they were spotted trying to break through a private homestead but having been left no choice, they rode furtively into the Bnei Zion nature reserve, leaving their tracks so deep that even Tonto would be able to follow. Among the riders were two who had not been in the saddle with the “party” for some time. One Shaul and a Menachem from the Golan Apaches in the North. Both rode in a manner that indicated they had ridden for many moons. On the road junction the Party took evasive action from the cavalry by entering a pardes where they had ridden only once before. This almost uncharted route took them to the “Russian” lake, now overgrown by a weed that has “swamped” the swamp. The trail took them westwards to the railroad but muddy patches drove them to walk a way along the rails. They passed other mounted war parties of various biking tribes as the wind blew in their faces but the ride southwards to their teepees took them via the Drago Saloon, closed for a day. Throats parched, they barely reached the Gofferman watering hole and broke bread with some of the locals. The Lone Ranger, finally unmasked as one Daniel, was by now enjoying the adventure and the Apaches it seems were the “good guys”. We wish the Lone ranger (rider) a good trip as he will be away for a moon in the land “Down Under”. The most notable part of today’s ride was that despite the muddy patches, we arrived dry and “clean”. Look Mum, no mud!!!!!
Ride Report - The Lone rider -17th March 2007 - by Daniel
Cyclenix reaches new heights. A record number of one brave rider dared to leave his warm bed for the clear sunny blue skies of a 7.30 am Saturday morning ride. On arriving and finding myself the only rider I waited a few minutes and then took a vote. A quick head count revealed an absolute majority of 1-0 in favour of riding despite the near perfect weather conditions. I decided to head out through the industrial area towards Batzra and Bnei Zion. I was the leader and also the tail end of the ride and also in charge of any mechanical or medical problems that may arise during the ride. I made my way up the hill at Bnei Zion and then turned north along our well ridden route towards the Tel-Mond prison. The conditions were excellent in bright warm sunshine, firm ground after earlier rains and large expanses of green fields with drops of water on the leaves sparkling in the sunshine. At the prison I turned on to the tar and rode back to Raanana and home deciding again by a majority vote to forego the regular Drago Grill coffee break. I had completed a 22 km route without a break and returned home after a wonderful 1 hour and 20 minute ride. There were no photographers on the ride therefore no pictures. Hopefully this is one record that wont be equalled again. See you all on Saturday.

HYLTON  SHER

Hylton (not related, but nevertheless 6 stars) is one of the founding members of CYCLENIX. He saw an advert that John had posted looking for a riding partner, and ever since they have been partners. Dave joined up with them within a very short period, and the rest is history… Until a few years ago, his bright canary yellow bicycle was the love of his life (wife coming a very definite second), but since then the bike with the trilling bell has been moved down the line by the acquisition of grandchildren, and his Saturday rides are dependent on whether or not there is a chance to see Ma’ayani and Alon on that day. There are also occasional hiccups with various body parts – knees conking out, hand not good, back giving in, but that is just one (some?) of life’s little problems to be worked through. Hyl’s spare time is spent glued to the computer, checking out the CYCLENIX web-site to see whether there is anything new going on, and going into every bicycle and spare parts site on the web – and I mean EVERY. I must admit that occasionally he will go off for a ride to Tel Aviv, down to the Sportek to check out the cricket action (or that’s what he says) or down to the Tayelet to check out the action (now that’s more like it!) leaving his wife to heave a sigh of relief that at least he will come back home in a good mood and totally exhilarated at having got moving again. Long live CYCLENIX, which keeps him happy the week round (and out of my hair for a Saturday morning)!

דו"ח רכיבה - 10 במרץ  - הר הכרמל - מאת מינה 
נפגשנו חלק מהרוכבים בצומת רישפון בשעה 6:30. חלק מהרוכבים מכווצים מצינת הבוקר המוקדמת, חלק טרודי עיניים במחשבה האם עשו את הבחירה הנכונה לעזוב מיטה חמה בעבור קור של בוקר ונסיעה שלא ברור מה טיבה. נסענו צפונה לכיוון הר הכרמל. בואכה לכפר דלית אל כרמל משם פניה לפאתי הכפר לחורשות הכרמל. התקבצנו 23 רוכבים במצב רוח מרומם עם אנרגיות טובות ליום מאתגר ומזג אויר מעולה, שכל רוכב מבקש שיתגשם, שמש חמימה מעט רוח קרירה שמים כחולים ללא ענן אחד, סביב חורשות עצים ירוקים ושטיח של פרחי אביב במלוא פריחתם. כבר בפריקת האופניים מהרכבים הבנו שהמסלול יהיה יפה ומעניין אך לא ידענו עד כמה. התחלנו לרכב בשעה 8:00. המסלול היה תלוי על כמה זוגות אופניים והרבה רצון טוב לא לטעות בדרך. דיוושנו להנאתנו במסלול נוח למדי עם עליות ברות כיבוש וירידת נעימות, אך גולת המסלול היה הנוף שנשקף מכל רגע לכל אורך המסלול. כל החלק הצפוני של מפרץ חיפה נשקף לפנינו והעמק של כביש יגור בואכה אזור התעשייה. הצמחייה מסביב עצים לסוגים שונים בצבעים של ירוק וכול גוונו פרחים בשיא פריחתם תחושה של רוגע עטף אותנו לכל אורך הדרך. שתי תקלות קטנות היו לנו בדרך של פאנצ'ר שבזכותו זכינו לעוד הפסקה לספיגת הנוף המרהיב סביב, ונפילת שרשרת, אשר תוקנו במהירות על ידי חברי הקבוצה במקצועיות רבה. רכבנו כ 24 ק"מ במשך כשלוש שעות מענגות. הגענו למכוניות בהרגשה של כיף של מסלול, וכיף של קבוצה (כל אחת ואחד). קינחנו בחורשה בפיתה דרוזית ולבנה, זיתים, קפה ושמש קיצית נעימה. כל הכבוד למארגני המסלול המקסים. 

Purim Night Ride - Tel Aviv area - 06 March 2007- by John
Well, what can I tell you all. This was the first time for some months that I was able to ride with the group. It was such a good feeling. I have really missed my regular outings with Cyclenix but as from April, it will be "riding as normal" again. Thanks for the welcome. Eleven of us met at the Ramat Gan Stadium and off we went towards the Hayarkon Park. There are now paved bicycle paths for most of the route that we took, and the paved path to the Hayarkon Park is now very well lit. The nights are still a little chilly so the usual crowds that traverse the route we took were absent. The weather was perfect and the stillness of the night was something one doesn't often observe in the heart of the Tel Aviv area. We made our way towards the Park and followed the path parallel to the Hayarkon River until we reached the old Port of Tel Aviv, followed by the Beachfront Promenade. Once again, not too many people were out and about and it was a pleasure not having to dodge the usual numbers of walkers, joggers and other bikers who abound during the Summer months. Eventually we made it to the Jaffa Port which we normally visit on a Saturday morning. What a difference. Tonight all was quiet. The small boats were rocking gently in the port and the loud fishmongers selling there catches were nowhere to be seen. Tranquility ruled the night. Back towards the Old City of Jaffa we rode and then on to one of the most beautiful parts of Tel Aviv.......Neve Tzedek where we rode through "history". Every road and house there has a story to tell. It's an area that every Israeli and every visitor should see (preferably with a knowledgeable guide). During this section of the ride, we were suddenly confronted with the magnificient Suzanne Delal complex. It was then on to the Shalom Towers, the famous Rothschild Boulevard, and the Ibn Givrol Street where we headed back towards the Hayarkon Park and back to our cars. Before starting on the homeward bound stretch and close to the Northern end of Ibn Givrol there is a small street leading into Ibn Givrol called Hurkanos Street. On the North Western corner of this intersection is a small cafe where we stopped to satisfy our thirst and hunger. Their food was excellent, the coffee was good, the prices were very reasonable and the service was terrific. It's a place that I would have no hesitation in recommending to others. That was the perfect way to end the ride. Well done Martin for making the suggestion of the ride. As is usual with all Cyclenix rides, the company was "five star" . It was a pleasure to be back with the group.
Cyclenix Ride: Saturday 3rd March 2007 - by Stephen
At 7.35 a.m. a group of 22 cyclists gathered in the traditional, hallowed parking lot next to the long departed Hamishbar Tzarchan. Under the able leadership of Yitschak, we then took off, left Ranaana and entered Rishpon. After crossing the coastal road via the pedestrian bridge, the group headed towards the sea. The weather was warm and balmy, the company good and the route was interesting and varied. We cycled along single track through dense shrubbery and were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the area's Black Irises. We climbed up through sandy paths and eventually found ourselves on the cliffs overlooking the sea. While having a rest and enjoying the magnificent view, we were treated to an impressive display of aeronautics by an ultra – light pilot who looped the loop above our appreciative heads. From then on, it was a succession of downhills. After finishing a lovely long slope, the group congregated to decide to continue on the other side of the coastal road to Udim to see more Black Irises and then David led us on a long sandy and muddy ride for a well deserved morning coffee break at Draggo grill. Altogether, it was a most enjoyable and rewarding morning covering 35 kilometers.