About 2,500 cyclists are expected to participate on Friday, October 16, in the Riding in Hope cycling event initiated by the Petah Tikva Municipality. The ride will start from the city's Shlomo Group Stadium and split into three routes, 10, 20, and 37 km. long, which pass through the paths of the Yarkon River. The routes are prepared by the Yarkon River Authority, a partner in the event.
A main trail passes along approximately 28 km. of the Yarkon's bends, connecting to additional paths, some existing and others still in the planning stages. Together, they create a network that connects the neighborhoods and communities along the river to open spaces, nature and heritage sites, and recreational centers, without stopping at the boundary of a single city.
In the Petah Tikva area, the paths pass between the urban landscape and open fields. Along the way are Beit Leah, the Concrete House, the Abu Rabah site, the Yarkon Sources National Park, and the Nofarim Pools. A map of the paths and sites along the river will be distributed in the participants' kits so that they can return to them even after the event.
What happens on the trails all year round
Alongside the rehabilitation of the river and the improvement of water quality, the Yarkon River Authority maintains the walking and cycling paths: Safety pruning, vegetation care, waste removal, and hazard removal. After every winter, roads and trails are reopened, seasonal damage is repaired, and the reed tunnels are pruned so that people can pass through them. In preparation for the event, the authority will operate a photo booth near the starting area against the backdrop of the reed tunnels, which have become a symbol of riding along the river.
At the same time, the authority is promoting projects that connect segments of the river. In the Hadar Hayarkon section, near the mouth of Hadar Stream, the first stage of rehabilitation has been completed, including promenade and cycling paths, seating areas, and lookout points. The next stage is expected to continue the rehabilitation toward Qana Stream.
What you need to know before setting out
Assembly will begin at 6:00 a.m. at the Shlomo Group Stadium parking lot. The challenging 37 km. route will launch at 7:00 a.m. and is intended for ages 14 and up. The 20 km. route, of medium difficulty, will launch at 7:15 a.m. and is intended for ages 10 and up. On both routes, minors require parental accompaniment. The 10 km. family route will launch at 7:30 a.m. and is suitable for all ages. Extreme sports shows, a climbing wall, and training tracks will also be available at the complex, and a raffle will be held at 10:00 a.m.
The routes are suitable for mountain bikes, tandem bikes, and bikes with child seats, depending on the route and difficulty level, but not for road bikes or children's bikes with training wheels. Bikes and helmets can be rented during registration.
Each participant will receive a kit with a shirt, a bike number, and a wristband according to the route. The kits can be collected in advance on Thursday, October 15, between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Ofer Mall in Petah Tikva, or on the morning of the event at the stadium complex, about an hour before the launch. Registration is open until October 13.