Megan, the daughter of one of the founders of Cyclenix, John, returned to Israel two years ago after an absence of 14 years in France. During the time that she lived in France she visited Israel on many occasions and it was during these visits that she started cycling with the group. Now that she's back, she's a regular rider with Cyclenix. She is the mother of three - her eldest daughter is serving in the IDF and another son and daughter at High School in Ra'anana.
While is France Megan was an English teacher at primary school as well as instructing Krav Maga, having had her own Krav Maga Centre at one stage. She also played in the local mixed (men and women) handball team.
Megan has always been an active sportswoman, excelling at whatever she does and was always known as a daredevil (some even labeled her "wild"). When still at school she represented Israel in the Woman's National Handball Team. It was in the army that she first became acquainted with Krav Maga. Her army service was spent as an intructress.
Now, back in Israel, Megan is a member of the International Krav Maga Federation. She's an International judge in the sport and instructs privately as well as arranging and giving courses all over the world. Megan recently became the only woman in the world to be accepted in the Global Instrutors' Team. As such she is the most highly qualified woman in the IKMF. She also happens to be a Wingate Certified personal physical trainer. Notwithstanding all these activities, Megan still manages to ride with Cyclenix on a regular basis and is considered one of our strongest riders.
We wish her everything of the best in her future back in Israel.
NEXT RIDES
Night Ride (weather permitting) - Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
Night Ride - Weather Permitting!: We'll meet at the usual place, cnr Ahuza Street and Reh. Yerushalaim at 7.30pm. Remember to have lights on your bike (front and back) and bring a bit of cash for our refreshment stop.
Check back for updates due to possible bad weather.
Away Ride - Be'eri - Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
Be'eri :
It's the time of the year again when the flowers bloom, even in the desert! This is a ride that should not be missed!
For those wishing to travel in convoy:
We will meet on the South-bound side of Kvish Geha (Road no. 4) on the Southern side of Tsomet Ra'anana Meerkaz at 6.40am and will be leaving at 6 45am SHARP! The ride will start at Kibbutz Be'eri at 8am
For those wishing to travel direct, here are the directions: The Route: From Tzomet Ra'anana south on Route 4 until Yad Mordechai (Route 34 - approx 9 km south of Ashkelon)
Continue on Route 34 until the intersection with Route 232 (approx 9 km)
Turn right onto Route 232 for approx 7 km until Route 25
Turn left onto Route 25 for approx 700 meters then turn right back onto Route 232
Continue on Route 232 for approx 5 km - entrance to Kibbutz Be'eri
Park in the parking area
Total distance approx 101 km
THIS RIDE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS.
Always remember to take plenty to drink.
(Please note these rides may change so check back often)
Check back here regularly in case there are changes or other details.
FOR ALL RIDES - HELMETS COMPULSORY
by Law Always ensure that you bring 2-3 litres of water, energy snacks for the breaks, a spare tube, and that your bike is cleaned, oiled and in perfect working order
For more details:
David
054-474-1424
John
050-942-2788
Site News May 5 2011: More rides have been moved to the archive section, so if you're looking for ride reports you'll find them all linked at the bottom of the menu on the right site of this page.
An elastic 15 (we grew and shrank during the ride) started off from our usual meeting point. We headed off on our familiar route to the lookout over the blue, sparkling sea.
In the words of Johnny Nash:
"I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
It's gonna be a bright bright bright bright sun shiny day"
The only obstacles we had were a few muddy spots, but they were easily navigated. There were lots of cyclists out enjoying the excellent weather and we were lucky enough to see a number of the black Iris that blooms at this time of the year. For those that like trivia, a strain of the iris, the Iris nigricans is the national flower of Jordan. We went on past the golf course and then headed to our watering hole at the gas station. We tanked up, enjoying the sunshine. Congratulations to Barbara, who has a new grandson in Australia and to Menachem who was riding before going out to celebrate his birthday with his family. We cycled a very pleasant 29 km with very few splashes of mud to bring home.
Ride Report - Saturday, Jan. 28th 2012 - Home Patch Ride Report - By John
Two rider....yes, only two! What happened to the rest of you? True, it was raing and also hailing at our starting point, but that was before Hylton and I set out. Hylton actually unloaded his bike twice this morning. After the first time, and before I arrived, it started hailing so he put the bike back in the van and seriously considered abandoning his cycling plans!
However, a short while later, I arrived and the hail had stopped and the sun was peeping through so, off we went heading for the Herzliya Marina, having decided between us that we would avoid mud.
We headed for the Marina traveling West along Ahuza and then turning South at Reh. Yerushalaim, our aim being to reach the Marina via the Herzliya Park and Herzliya Industrial area. We made it to the Marina and then made our way along the pier to the very end. Believe it or not (see the photos) there were surfers braving the rough seas. Both Hylton and I took a few showers (not by choice) now and then (again, look at the photos), before making our way to Cafe Neto on the Marina where the two of us had a great breakfast before heading back to Ra'anana. One thing is certain, the rain suits that we were wearing passed their test with flying colours!!!!
90% of the ride was in cool sunny weather and we covered in all, 30 kms. Those who stayed in bed, missed a good and enjoyable ride which was relatively "mudless".
Ride Report - Saturday Jan. 21, 2012 - Home Patch Ride Report - By David
Participants: Six (which could have been 8 if 2 of our regulars -who shall be nameless - had taken their wake-up-alarm system a little more seriously!) which included Rafi sporting his brand-new squeaky-clean Merida (it didn't look quite the same at the end of the ride!). Many hours and kilometers of happy riding Rafi.
Route: From Ra'anana down to Kfar Shmaryahu, then along "Dina's Trail" to the lookout south of Arsuf; north via the Sharon Beach Nature Reserve (still a bit early for the Black Irises as we discovered) to the southern tip of Wingate; over the footbridge to Yakum; north again down the single-track and through the picturesque Yakum Nature Reserve (where the Kalaniot are already out in abundance); south on a rather muddy (mea culpa!) track, an uphill (challenging!); under the Coastal Road to Ga'ash for a refreshment stop, and back to Ra'anana - total 38 km.
Bottom Line: Who says rides in the Sharon area are boring!!!!
Ride Report - Saturday, Jan. 7, 2011 - A Winter Wonderland - By Frances
Six hardy cyclists gathered to venture out in the early morning chill (around 11 degrees C to start with). Only after about 10 km did we start to feel our fingers and toes....
The views on our familiar route were spectacular - the crisp weather gave us a clear view of the surroundings -
"On a clear day,
on a clear day,
you can see forever,
and ever, and ever more"
(from the musical On a Clear Day You can See Forever)
We didn't burst into song, but did ride at an easy pace, bumping into familiar faces along the route. We managed to avoid most of the mud so David's new shoes are still looking sparkling and new. We enjoyed the winter sunshine at the Ga'ash coffee stop and by the time we got back to Ra'anana, we covered an enjoyable 32 km.
Ride Report - Saturday Dec. 31, 2011 - The Magnificent 6 - By Ted
The Magnificent 6 by Ted
While some chose to forgo the opportunity to ride in a new region (for various reason) and the last for 2011 five of us did not want to miss out and at 0800 (plus a few minutes) set out from Arugot with Hagai at the helm. The air was crisp (and the wind cold) but a surprising sunny morning gave added value and warmed the charged atmosphere already loaded with anticipation at what was in store. New territory brings new challenges.
We travelled east and stopped for fresh figs (we pigged or figged...ask Merril) and took in the amazing vistas of agricultural landscapes with many types of crops. Browning grape vines, sunflower, field crops, grain and others, stretching for miles (unusual in Israel unless you move southwards from the narrow coastal plain). We reached route six and veered south travelling gradually upwards over rolling hills running along route 6.
Just as we turned eastwards a car bearing my grandkids came along and Itai my 5yr old g/son removed a bike from the car boot and joined in on the ride. His dad Eyal and sister Emma followed in the car until we had completed the climb to the highest point in the region where we stopped for hot herb tea provide by Hagai and Eyal. There we sat atop a lofty lookout where we took in the Toscana -like breathtaking vistas. The wind tore through our bike-ware so after a hasty munch and sipping we took off for one long thrilling descent passing by various villages and settlements. Too much to take in on one ride.
The hazy but blue sunny conditions helped to make this a brilliant ride and our thanks go to Hagai (Eyal's brother) and Eyal for planning a fabulous route and a great ride. Deserves a return ride!!!!!!!!!
Ride Report - Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 - A windy Home Patch Ride - By John
If we'd lost our way or started off in the wrong direction, one could say the "we blew it"! But, that was not the case today. WE were blown! There were lots of the usual pluses....nice crowd of riders; sunny weather; not too hot; good food at our "breakfast" stop.......but there were a few minuses! First of all, we missed the presence of David and Ingride who decided to give today's ride a miss ( I think they knew what was in store for us!) and the BIG minus was the VERY strong headwind that we faced when we turned for home. This was definitely one of the strongest winds we have faced for a long time.
As soon as Ted had fixed a puncture, (this should have been a sign to us that there was trouble ahead!) 13 of us set off on our ride with a nice strong tail wind pushing us West along Ahuza Street and then on one of our usual routes towards the Tel Aviv - Haifa railway line where we made our way North towards Yaqum. Ted wisely suggested that in view of the strong wind that had sprung up soon after we left the starting point, and at the stage was behind us, we should cut the ride short and turn back at Yaqum (which we did). As we turned South and headed for our breakfast stop the battle began. The strong head wind was relentless and I reckon that we used a good 30% more energy than we usually needed.
Our "breakfast stop" was a welcome relief and thereafter we headed for home battling against the wind all the way until we turned East towards Ra'anana. The ride was 32 kms but at the end of the ride it felt as though we have ridden 50kms!!!! Despite the wind I think we all had a good time and there will be plenty more good rides ahead of us.
Ride Report - Sat. Dec. 17, 2011 - Home Patch Ride Report - By Gabi
Surprisingly, after the large turnout of the past few rides, only 9 of the usual crew showed up for today's ride, which took place in perfect weather - cool but sunny, and gradually warmed up.
We started out northwards towards the usual Udim-Yakum-Gaash track, but here I introduced a small twist which I learned a few days ago. After exiting from the pardessim of Bnei Zion, near the Ultralight landing field, we crossed over to the North side of the Poleg stream ("puddle" is a more appropriate description) and turned eastwards after the large water reservoir. We continued in an interesting agricultural path among newly planted fields. Near Dror junction we turned sharply westward and after a quite long climb reached Tel Itzhak. Continuing from there westward we reached the railway bridge which we frequent in every ride towards Udim. Here we also met Avi Tsaban, who betrayed our friendship and continued on a different direction with other people.
Here Ingride picked up the glove of innovation, and decided to continue by herself in a different direction from the rest of the group, notwithstanding vocal warnings to the effect that she would lose her way.... And lo and behold, the entire group gradually turned back and gallantly followed her. This turned out to be a good move, since her path led us to the familiar bridge over the Poleg near Udim, but from the southern direction. Here we ran across a large group of horseback riders who dared their horses to ford the knee-high waters (that is horse knee). Some of the horses liked the idea, some did not, but in the end all crossed, under not so gentle persuasion from their riders. Everybody got thru this experience dry, except the horses.
From here it was the usual route thru Udim, Yakum and the traditional slow-service gas station cafe in Gaash. After filling our bellies, and with nobody splitting and going home the fast way, we innovated once more, turning at the shopping mall westward instead of along the heavily congested service road. We cycled around kibbutz Shafyim and reached the waterpark from the west. From here, across the fields and the Rishpon bridge, it was the usual route again, nice and uneventful. For those who care to know, the passiflora fruits are already on the trees, but they are not ripe yet.
Having prolonged the usual trip by a couple of miles due to the detours, we all returned home after a pleasant and a bit tiring ride. See you all next week.
Ride Report - Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 - Wheels of Hope Ride (South) - By John
Well, at last the postponed ride took place. At least 13 Cyclenix riders were at the start of what was a well prepared and organised ride. "Well done" to the organisers!
A desert has often been described as "miles and miles of nothing". It has also be written on more that one ocassion that "Israel made the desert bloom".......and this is what we saw yesterday. The photos show it all. If we get a little more rain then I am sure the "desert" will become a carpet of green. Despite what many think, I think that the desert can be (and yesterday it was) beautiful.
The route was some 6 kilometres shorter than advertised but this was probably because it was revised because probably recent rains had made parts of the original route somewhat muddy. There were lots of uphills (none too strenuous or long) which were always followed by a reasonable lengthy downhill to give tired legs a chance to recover. Megan and Frederic set off at a blazing pace and they finished almost an hour ahead of the other Cyclenix participants. Well done! At the end of the ride we rested a short while and then some of us set off to a well derserved "brunch" stop.
There is one small mystery that we can't seem to solve. Gabi pointed out that according to David's trusty GPS ..." we gained 1,222 feet in elevation but lost only 1,146 feet.That means we were left some 60 feet up in the air." !!!
7.30am, cold but sunny and where was I? With about 19 other cyclenix riders of who 3 were "newies" Welcome to Yvette and Ilan who hail from Tel Mond, and Menachem who have joined our ranks. Hope to see all of you many more times in the future and hope that you enjoyed today's outing.
Our regular sweep, Ted was not with us today (he had Grandfather duties to perform) and so yours truly assumed the duty. However, after reaching the entrance to Bnei Tzion the sweep was swept away for reasons that will not be expanded upon. Yes, I lost the major part of the group and remained with four others. The larger group took the high road and I took the low road with my four stragglers and we did meet up some 20 kms later at one of our regular breakfast stops, the gas (petrol for those who are not Americans) station at Gaash. David who lead the larger group reported on a very pleasant and somewhat different route from the time I lost them. My little group rode on to Udim. The route David took was at least 7 kms longer than my route to Gaash. Having satisfied our thirst and hunger we moved on to home base (Ra'anana). All in all we rode at least 32 kms in great weather and excellent company.
Ride Report - - A Longer than usual Local Ride - By Dennis
Question: How far away from home may a Home Patch Ride get? Check with the
Cyclenix lawyer for an authoritative opinion. Irrespective of the answer,
the riders, or at least those of the 18 at the starting line who didn't
break away early for obscure reasons, made it all the way to Reading, and
had recorded about 43 km on their odometers by the time they got home.
The morning began cold. How cold? Brass monkey cold? And the wind chill
made it even colder. But as the sun rose higher in the sky the riders
stripped off their outer layers, and it became a perfect day for a little
peddling. And, given the foresight of our leaders, we were able to stay
well away from anything mudlike.
So off to the very new paths on the west side of Herzlia Park we went - a
place needing more exploration. Then over the stony, bumpy bits at Tel
Michal, a stop at North Tsuk Beach for some puncture repairs and a lesson
not to carry prepunctured spares, some pedestrian dodging on and around
the Reading Tayelet, up the Yarqon, around Rosh Zipor and a visit to the
duck pond, and via the just-reopened underpass to Ramat Hahayal for
refreshments. After caffeine replenishment, a swift return through Tsahala
and over the Tennis Center bridge, etc., etc..
For the writer of these lines today is an anniversary - one year since the
Wounded Knee incident (or, as some might say, accident). Great to be on
two wheels again, and especially with what is arguably the largest group
of English speaking mountain bikers between the Suez and the Euphrates.
Any disputes over the previous sentence should be referred to the
aforementioned Cyclenix lawyer. It is also the 4th anniversary of my
first ride with Cyclenix - long may we continue to pump the pedals.
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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