Cycling - Experience and Tests

bicycle lane marking

Two bicycle riders, aged 44 and 54, suddenly collapsed and died, at different spots, several days ago (rip). Sadly, it's not for the first time that such a tragedy happens. In fact, we're told that more cyclists die of cardiac arrest than in accidents. 

In an emergency situation like this (cardiac arrest), only a defibrilator (a device sending an electrical shock to the heart) can save the life of the unconscious cyclist. This device is not always accessible, and the resuscitation efforts done by paramedics or others on the road, are not always successful.

cycling along the promenade

According to the News, the two were experienced riders, and had undergone all the neccessary medical tests.

The thing is that the Heart organ can often be unpredictable, so one cannot fully rely on experience and tests. Besides, tests are not always accurate, and doctors don't always have the right answer or medication at hand.

female bicycle rider

male bicycle rider

waiting for the green light - on Kalisher street  Tel  Aviv

I suppose the best thing  one can do, in addition to the tests, is to practice moderation and caution, especially after a certain age. This applies to any of our life's  activities: eating,  work, walking, sports.
(The world ,it appears, is full of 'nutters'. I myself was one of them till recently; I used to walk  like there was no tomorrow).

photo taken through the bus window

Cycling has lots of physical, mental, and social benefits. Unlike other sports (running or jogging, for instance) it is not weight-bearing. No wonder it has become so popular over the years. Anyway, its dangers should not be overlooked

jogging in the park

Purim Parade

We had Purim holiday  last Thursday.  Purim is the most joyous day on the jewish calendar. It is celebrated with  parades, costume/mask parties, gift giving, and a traditional, triangle shaped pastry  named  'hamantaschen' . These cookies are made with a variety of fillings to choose from:  poppy seeds/ fruit jam/  chocolate (My favorite filling - poppy seed or apricot gem).

hamantaschen (Web picture)

The parades are mainly for kids and youngsters;  adults will usually remark : 'once you've seen one, you've seen them all'. They do a great job, though, accompanying their children and sharing the fun and joys of the day.

parents leading the proud little girls to the parade site

muscle man with his baby kid in a red Purim outfit

no place like Dad's shoulders

Father and child in 'strawberry' costumes

little tiger, safely'n his Dad's arms

Each town organizes its own sort of parade ( the most grand and famous being the carnival of Holon city,  south of Tel-Aviv). 
I did not attend this year's local  parade, so I browsed through my pictures of a previous one to get the feeling of Purim. 

The parade included clowns, gymnasts, percussion bands, lots of balloons, cops, and other security guys to assure the order, viewers standing on the pavement or sitting on its edges.

clowns

gymnasts

younger group age of gymnasts

performance  with circles

The dominant color of the event seemed to be red, the color of Joy. However, khaki, white, black, and blue colors were also seen around. 

                                     youth movement teens in khaki uniforms

 bridal white gowns

geometry - squares and circles in white&black combo

blue &yellow ice cream cone hats 

lady in black - what a look in her eyes!!

here she is again; cop across the street watching procession

 percussion bands;  white&green shirts; stylish blue hats

Some adittional things that caught my eye: 

cop in a long embrace with a lady ; while on duty:)

walking on the wooden legs

acrobatics

Hoping we all  happily make it to next year's Purim festivities!