Ride Report - 31st May. 2008 -Wheels of Hope RideBy Ted
Etgarim rides are a tradition for Cyclenix by now. It's a worthy cause and
we all return with a feeling of having accomplished something other then a
simple bit of regular riding. How else can one feel when humbled by the
courage and tenacity of the Etgarim handicapped and their gallant volunteer
army of assistants who ride alongside or in tandem or is it on tandem, with
their brave wards. Simply magical stuff! It was all there, the colors, the
varied bikes and the numbers bigger then ever..Over 9000 reported by Guy
Solomon of Etgarim who puts this show together. We left, some 18 Cyclenix in
our new outfits (I was asked who we were on two occasions) without the usual
fanfare at the start and earlier then published. I guess that the heat
prompted the organizers to get the show moving ASAP for good reasons. The
never-ending-winding-dragon of rider wound its way on the Valley loop and as
usual the police and volunteers were unbelievable in their patience and
support. More water then last year from Neviot...an essential improvement.
The heat (34Dg) bore down as we hit the climb up Ramat Ishai but the Air
Conditioning was on in downhill stretches making the ride bearable.
Ingride's unfortunate accident was a cause for concern and anger but she
continued riding the remaining 40 odd kms despite the pain (left elbow and
right hand) - now that's what I call "gutsy" !! David verbally drove her
assailant away who in true Israeli style denied responsibility. Our
politicians have educated the public effectively. One could write so much
more but just refer to previous year's rides reports and it much of a
"muchness". The usual grazing spot is a fitting end to another superb
adventure circumnavigating the grand Yizrael Valley in support of those who
really demonstrate the indomitable human spirit. See you there next
year!!!!!!!!!
Ride Report - 24th May. 2008 -HOME PATCH RIDE IN MEMORY OF RONNIE FEINBERG ז"ל- By John
This Saturday ( 24th May) Cyclenix had a near record turnout of over thirty riders for a Home Patch ride which we held in memory of Ronnie. The route was not important. At 9.30am we reached our newest refreshment stop at the entrance to Bnei Tzion where we joined up with a large group of road riders (more than 70) who were also riding in memory of Ronnie. Here a number of riders spoke of Ronnie and his wonderful contribution to the Israeli Biking scene. Ronnie's brother, Alan, was also present and of the many people present I don't believe that there was a single person who wasn't touched by the moving speeches. Israel's biking world will be the poorer with the passing of Ronnie.
RONNIE FEINBERG 1955 – 2008
Last Saturday Ronnie Feinberg participated in his usual ride together with his inseparable cycling partners Norman Baron and Hilliard Hart. That evening, a few months short of his 53birthday Ronnie died peacefully in his sleep.
Ronnie was always into cycling participating in many national road rides in South Africa. John Cohen initiated and established the Ra’anana-based mountain bike club Cyclenix, but it was Ronnie that made membership grow as he brought their rides out of the immediate fields north of Ra’anana to once a month ‘away rides’ all over the country. I personally participated in rides from Nahal Katziv and Monfort in the north, to Zippori, Migdal Afek, Ben Shemen and Be’eri in the south.
About ten years ago my cycling partner Stephen Schulman and I happened upon Ronnie early one Saturday morning and we became friendly. Stephen and I told Ronnie that we two novices decided to participate in the national Trans-Israel ride from Kibbutz Dafna on the Lebanese border to Eilat, 550 kilometers in three days. He came to my home and had endless patience to explain the demands of the rides, what food we should carry, and what to expect of the organizers. We instantly knew the Israel Cycling scene should have him as the co-coordinator and brains behind any event. He also knew about cycling techniques be it on or off-road. He understood the importance of correct cadence and in addition, bicycle maintenance.
It was when I was involved with the London-based charity One-to-One and organized the ride around the Kinneret for Victims of Terror that I approached Ronnie. His input was imperative and his work on the details. These rides went without a hitch thanks to Ronnie’s input. This was not a one-time effort.
David Altshuler, the co-chairman of One-to-One wrote
"Adrian
This is very sad news. Ronnie was a great presence at the One to One Kinneret rides... I have many pictures of him and the guys and will always have good memories. Please wish his family long life and also tell them that together with you and your colleagues, he has inspired the setting up of eight One to One cycling clubs for disadvantaged kids in different parts of Israel... an enduring legacy.
All the best.
David"
Ronnie, you could not see the hundreds of people who attended your funeral, nor the 80 roadies and 32 Cyclenix off-roaders who participated in today’s Memorial Ride in the Sharon region. But without you, your gentleness and caring, none of this would happen.
Our condolences go to his family and also to those who will miss him four-times a week on their rides, Norman and Hilliard.
Adrian Wolff
Ride Report - 17th May. 2008 - Elishema along Nahal Kaneh - By Ariel
יצאנו היום לכיוון מזרח. נקודת היציאה נקבעה - אלישמע, מושב צמוד לכפר סבא.
רוב הרוכבים הגיעו ברכב - המהדרין הגיעו באופניים מבתיהם.
הגיעו 22 רוכבים מתוכם 4 רוכבות.
בצענו מסלול שכבר רכבנו בו בעבר ומזג האויר היה נוח ונעים. המסלול התחיל בנחל קנה ונמשך לירקון עצמו. חלפנו ליד בריכות הנופרים היפות ושדות בהן פרחו החמניות הצהובות במלוא הדרן.
עברנו בסמוך לפארק אפק ותחנת הרכבת השוממת של ראש העין.
לבסוף הגענו ליעדנו - מבצר אנטיפטרוס אליו טיפסנו והתגברנו יפה על הקושי שבעניין. המבצר עצמו מרשים מאד ועובר שיפוצים שיעשו אותו עוד יותר אטרקטיבי.
התעכבנו בבית הקפה שבתחנת הדלק ליד קיבוץ עינת ולפי דרישת מקס גם אכלנו.
משם הדרך כבר היתה קצרה הביתה, לא לפני ששני רוכבים חזקים במיוחד נפלו כתוצאה מקפל קרקע מרגיז.
כאן מוני התגלה במלוא כושר האילתור כשראה את הגלגל הקדמי של מ. במצב שמיניה פשוט עלה עליו וכך הגלגל חזר וקדמותו ומ. שב לרכב עם חיוך נסוך על פניו.
מי שנורא רוצה לדעת מי הנופל צריך להביט בגלריה.
לקראת החזרה לאלישמע התפצלנו לכבישונים ולשטיחונים וחזרנו עייפים א מרוצים
תודה למקס ונורית על 40 ק"מ מהנים וזורמים.
Ride Report - 10th May. 2008 - Neighborhood Meanderings - By Denis
It was another of those rare magnificent spring days, perfect for hitting
the trail and enjoying every moment. Few such days remain before summer
arrives in force, and the fields of green are already starting to wilt.
Inspired by the need to ride now or wait until autumn, some 26 brave and
hardy souls appeared at the usual spot at a most uncivilized 7am in order to
head off towards the ocean. An unknown number (at least one) fell victim to
habit and arrived at 7:30, and either dashed in vigorous pursuit after the
peloton or vanished to places unknown.
The aforesaid peloton wended its way across yellowing fields, past the local
airstrip, through Rishpon and over the bridge to Shefayim, to the high
balcony overlooking the glorious deep blue sea in the Hof Hasharon nature
reserve. Here the fresh Mediterranean air was breathed deeply by all, but
despite the official notice at the entrance no foxes or badgers were
observed. Then northwards through Gaash, around the golf course, into the
woods of Ariel's forest (yet to be officially named, but bear-free), and all
the way around to the Yaqum bridge. The few sandy patches en route were
still readily passable. Then south and east through the orchards and up the
hill (only a little hill) to Bnei Tziyon. Some of the kinder souls among us
stopped to offer help to a passing gent with a broken chain, but despite
admirable technical expertise the chain stayed broken and the gent had to
summon his private rescue service.
At Bnei Tziyon the newly discovered refreshment stop and bike store offered
sustenance to those who remained. A fair damsel amongst us decided to go
shopping and returned with a pair of the most dazzling blue cycle-hosen to
be seen this side of St Tropez; sunglasses are recommended when she next
rides in her new togs. And so home via Bazra. After a refreshing 36km the
real world loomed.
Ride Report - Zippori - 3rd May. 2008 - By David
Credits: Another great Box-Office Hit from Ruthen Productions. Thanks Max and Nurit for researching the route, for your confident leadership from start to finish, for reminding us urban/suburban-ites of the beauty of the area and not least for arranging perfect weather (and thereby redeeming yourselves following the "excessive" wind and cold you laid on at Little Switzerland)
Participants: 16 riders were at Kfar Hassidim having driven up either in convoy or independently for the start shortly after 08:00 hrs.
Route: From Kfar Hassidim southwards to and through Kibbutz HaEmakim then eastwards through Busnat Tivon (where some of us had the distinct impression that our arrival in the village was not an altogether welcome event), into the Alonei Abba Reserve to soak up the natural beauty of the area and to enjoy some welcome downhill trails, then on up to the historical and charming village of Beit Lehem HaGlilit. From there north east down to Nahal Zippori and westwards along its length for about 12 kms, which included patches of "water/mud contact", some intentional and some not so intentional, with a brief stop at the picturesque mill, a scene which would not have been out of place in the countryside of Tuscany. Then leaving the river, it was back in a south westerly direction and to the cars, a total distance of 37 kms.
Conditions: Ideal riding conditions, both weather-wise and trail-wise
Bottom Line: This was certainly an outing to remember, having all the components of a great ride from every biking aspect - trail, scenery, accident-free, no mechanical (or human) breakdowns, and lots of fun.
Check out these sites 
Israel Police cyclist rules of the road:
http://www.police.gov.il/english/Traffic/Road_Safety/04_en_tr_bicycle.asp
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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