In honor of Israel's 60th Independence Anniversary, A Cycling Salute, the largest bicycle marathon in the history of the State kicked off on Monday and will continue over the Passover holidays. During the four day salutory ride, over 2000 IDF commanders, officers, and soldiers as well as young American Jews participating in Birthright, and members of the public  will participate in the marathon,  that covers Israeli cities and communities from the south to the north of the country.The marathon will conclude in Nahariya on Thursday where cyclists will be treated to a music festival with Israel's top artists. 04/22/08