Another sunny day and since I wasn't feeling too bad after yesterdays' ride, and I was keen on reconnoitering the Meldert Forest, I got on the Merlin for a ride that would bring me through Meerdael Forest and the fields of Beauvechain towards Meldert. Circumvening the forest and then entering it through the iron gates I stumbled on a walking path, narrow and moist. Following this upwards towards the Sint Jan college I found a couple of very big sequoia trees. Time for a couple of pictures before riding onwards towards the main building. Following the path to the left through the gardens proved to be more tricky than I thought. The grass was high and the path wasn't very obvious. Some wooden boardwalks that were supper slippery made me dismount - remembering my fall on one of those in the Doode Beemde in october 2012, I didn't want to take any risk.

Looking around I followed the trail all the way back to where I entered the park. The trail was overgrown and riddled with fallen wood and other traps. Along with the wet underground this caused me to be very cautious. Making it back up to the main building I exited the park and set forth for l'Ecluse. I managed to run out of trail in the fields and had to descent through a mown field in order to stumble on another trail that would lead me into Aalst, just south of Hoegaarden. A nice climb out of Hoegaarden and I set forth to the north and Meldert again. Following the tarmac for a while until I reached Opvelp where I chose field trails again to lead me towards Meerdael Forest and on to Blanden. Had a good ride , building up the distance slowly.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 40.5K and 365 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h06min

3335/9875

07-07-2014, 12:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Everything was feeling OK this morning so when the sun remained out I decided to ride again. There was a strong southern wind blowing. I started out in Meerdael Forest, fully covered with long-sleeved Assos trousers and a Gore-tex raincoat. When I got to the south of the forest and into the fields, the warm wind made me decide to take off the raincoat and ride on with bare arms. Less chance for horseflies - they don't like the strong winds - but I still felt uncomfortable in the hollow roads . I rode towards Meldert because I was curious for the Sint Jans College gardens, which were open to the public. When I arrived I was impressed by the chateau-like main building but not matter how I searched, I could not find any path leading into the gardens or adjoining forest. Oh well, I will come back for those later.

Back on the trails soon after leaving Meldert for the north. Lots of cobbles in the field roads and even though I was on a fullsuspension bike I got a good beating. On the long cobble road into Bierbeek I could make good speed with the strong southern wind in my back and flew over the cobbles. Back into Meerdael Forest for a last stretch along the Weertse Dreef out of Mollendeel and then taking the Margrietendreef into Blanden.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 37.5K and 270 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h48mins

3295/9510

06-07-2014, 13:09 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After a month of taking heavy antibiotics - 15 days Tavanic and 10 days of Bactrim Forte - I was feeling mushy and tired. So after the last pill went into my mouth, I waited for 5 days before trying to ride a bike.
Today was that day. I took the Merlin out into Meerdael Forest for a short ride. It was raining lightly but it was warm and I was dressed for it. Ideally suited weather for me to venture into the summer forest.
My butt on the saddle felt awkward, and my legs were not used to being used so I started out at an easy pace, exploring what tempo my body would be comfortable with. The full suspension bike was an ideal choice for this ride. After an hour I was feeling tired and could not control my core muscles any longer so I decided to turn towards home. In all, it was a great ride and I enjoyed being out there in the forest again.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 23.5K and 215 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h06mins

3257/9240

05-07-2014, 12:12 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After two days of rain this late afternoon saw the sun coming back. There was still a stiff breeze blowing from the west and this would play a big part in my ride today. Riding out on the Vortex the wind carried me swiftly along the Expressweg towards the Haasrode Industrie compound. There I started on a big 8K lap. The wind was giving me some trouble but most of the lap was OK. It was very busy on the roads and I was not planning on getting much more than a couple of big laps , ending with a smaller lap and making my way back towards Blanden through Haasrode, to escape the headwinds. The legs felt not too bad and I had a good hours' easy ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 28.5K and 175 heightmeters (Garmin) in 00h59mins

3234/9025

05-06-2014, 18:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I felt ready for a new ride. After the 250K ride last friday my body was recovering well and I was going for an easy recovery ride. Riding out on the Vortex again I set sail towards Bierbeek, Opvelp, Neervelp and the Boutersem, whence I joined the big road towards Tienen. The wind was more or less in my favor so far so I quickly regained the Ring around Tienen. Turning right towards Hoegaarden and then upwards towards the Goudberg and further on to the Marollenkapel. A quick dip into Meldert and then I rode towards La Bruyere and Beauvechain. The wind was blowing in my face now and I was glad to turn left towards Bierbeek. Onwards to Haasrode Industrie for a quick local lap and then home over the Expressweg.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 55.5K and 340 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h56mins

3205/8850

01-06-2014, 13:34 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw the second day of the yearly 'Kom Op tegen Kanker' challenge, where the aim is that teams bring in 5000EUR for the battle against cancer. This buys a 4 day stint of 250km a day, to be ridden by maximum 8 persons.
Today was my day. I was to ride the second leg in this years' challenge, a 250K trip between Mechelen and Geel, and back to Mechelen again. I was a bit weary because the last couple of months were full of lower back problems and I was not sure how my lower back would cope with a 250K ride. The weather forecast was calling for dry weather, some clouds in the morning and the sun coming through after noon. I decided on wearing a couple of extra layers in the form of my Assos windbreaker and a light Moots shell. Leaving at 7.40AM it was still rather fresh but by the time we reached the first rest stop, some 2 hours into the ride, the first layer was finding its way into my back pack. At noon, when we arrived in Geel for our lunch stop, the Assos would also be packed and tucked into my shirt. I decided to keep the armlings because I didn't have any suntan with me and the sun was burning . Did not want to risk a sunburn.
The arrival in Geel was a memorable one. Long queues of people along the roads, all making a lot of noise with bells and screaming their lungs out in support. Wall of sound. Impressive !
During lunch I was able to hook up with other riders of the various KBC-b.strong teams. Some were riding the 1000K solo, which is quite an amazing feat. Me , I was part of a 4-person team, each taking 1 days and 250K in his or her stride.
My lower back in the meantime was coping very well. I had taken some paracetomol to make sure any pain would be dulled but I could not feeling anything untoward. I had to get used to riding in a big peloton again, where you need to stay in the front half, lest you want to sprint after each and every corner to join the pack again. The pace is more even, the closer you are to the front of the bunch. Lessons quickly learned. The bunch was moving at an average pace of 28kph. Police and motorcyclist were closing of every crossroads so the bunch could move without having to stop or even slow down. Like a real peloton in a race. It was a great experience to ride like this. talking to other cyclists along the way, each with his own reason to join a ride in the battle against cancer.

The lunch was a moment to join the other b.strong teams and share our experiences. Some of them would ride the complete 1000K over the 4 days, me I was more than happy to do only one leg of 250K. In the afternoon, we got back on our bikes for the ride back to Mechelen. The shoulder and neck muscles began to tyre and my legs weren't as fresh as half a day ago, but in all I was feeling OK. The lower back did not give any signals of distress. The sun was out now but there was also a bit of wind blowing from the north. We were looping towards the north and it was good to be in the peloton. The rest stop after 2 hours into the ride was a welcome relief. We were now moving towards the southwest and the wind was no longer a factor. The bunch was getting more restless but nothing the road captains couldn't handle. No flat tyres this year so I was happy about that. The arrival in Mechelen was a big party. Lots of people cheering us on and the market place was filled to the brim with enthousiastic people. Supporters and family.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 251.5K and 400 heightmeters (Garmin) in 09h03mins

3150/8510

30-05-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today was election day and after doing our duty I was restless to ride out. The sun was shining and the forecast for the next couple of days wasn't very good. So after pushing the thought around for a bit I rode the Vortex out. First toward Bierbeek and Neervelp and onwards to Willebringen, Hauthem and Hoegaarden. Here I injected myself on the Ravel 2. I felt quite good despite yesterdays' ride so I could maintain a good average as I followed the Ravel slowly upwards through Jodoigne and then onwards in the direction of Eghezee. I cut to ride in Hottomont and stopped for a couple of pictures before riding onwards to the N91.

On the N91 I could make good speed, with the wind - the little there was today - half in my back. In Hamme Mille I was bothered by a Vito driver who began pushing me to the side of the road with his car, yelling and calling me names . Shouting that I should ride on the bike path instead of on the road. I joined the bikepath as soon as I could but he kept harassing me verbally until halfway up the hill . I wished him dead, kept my mouth shut and continued my way.
Just a short stretch to go now. On top of the hill I rode back on the road - the bikepath is a mess up there - but I did not see my friend anymore.
Undisturbed by other car drivers who probably understood why I was riding on the road instead of on the dump they call a bikepath here, I joined the super bikepath on the Naamsesteenweg leading all the way into Blanden. Had a good ride except for the moment with the idiot, which upped my testosteron quite a bit. But I decided to let it go, he does not deserve my attention or thoughts. This was my longest ride this year so far.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 71.5K and 460 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h26mins

2898/8110

25-05-2014, 14:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Despite the forecast for thunderstorms and rain there was not a cloud in sight when I rode off for a ride with the Vortex. I decided to stay close to home nevertheless so I rode towards the Haasrode Industrie Park for a couple of laps around the compound. The wind was blowing quite strong an after 2 small laps I decided to go for the slightly longer Lindenboom lap. This is some 8.1K and comprises a couple of ascents . The wind was really nasty only on two particular sections of a couple of 100 meters but for the rest it was not bothering me too much. The legs were slow to warm up but after a while they were fine. I moved the Arione saddle up 0.5cm and this felt a little better. After 6 big laps I decided to call it a day and ended up with a normal lap of 2.3K. On the way back to Blanden along the Expressweg I had to fight the wind which made this a very tough section near the end of the ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 62K and 385 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h07mins

2827/7650

24-05-2014, 12:43 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I took a day off from work today - my first this year - and when the sun came out I decided to try the Vortex on a longer ride. First riding along Meldert and Hoegaarden towards the Ravel2 , I started following that past Jodoigne up to the point where it forks towards Perwez. I stopped to take a little picture of my bike through the window of a bus stop shelter in Hedenge . Following the fork towards Perwez I arrived in Ramillies. Up to now, the wind had been blowing against me. I was sheltered from it most of the time when on the Ravel but I was nevertheless very glad when I turned towards the northwest on the N91 and I noticed the strong push in my back. Good for the legs, good for the average speed.

I flew through Dongelberg and past Pietrebais and before long I was already in Hamme Mille. The legs felt good and also my lower back seemed to be at peace with this ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 62K and 385 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h10mins

2765/7265

22-05-2014, 12:51 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Hot fot the time of the year with around 27 degrees C when I rode out on the Vortex for a series of laps on and around the Haasrode Industrie terrain. Still testing the F:izik Arione saddle and so far all is well. I did 50K today, which was the longest distance on the Vortex this year. I made sure to concentrate on riding without using too much force on the pedals, instead concentrating on smooth and fast pedalling. The laps went well, near the end the skies became menacing but I managed to keep it a dry ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 51K and 295 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h46mins

2703/6880

20-05-2014, 20:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I felt well rested in my legs but I had some pain between my shoulders blades. I decided to ride out for a recovery ride and to check out a F:izik Arione test saddle I had on loan from Filip Sport. I was looking for alternatives to the Brooks, which turns out to be a very comfortable saddle but I feel it spreads my lower hips a little too far apart.
I rode towards the haasrode industrie terrain for 4 big laps reaching all the way to the Lindenboom, followed by 4 normal laps on the Industrie terrain itself. The sun was out in full blaze and there was a stiff breeze from the northeast. But I felt good and kept my pace, holding back on the power to avoid putting too much pressure on legs and lower back.

18-05-2014, 12:43 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning I went to the Novotel in Leuven to wave out the KBC b.strong delegation which was undertaking a 7-day cycling trip to the Vosges and back. Normally I would have done this as well but the continuing problems with my lower back made me decide to throw the towel on this adventure. It hurt seeing them ride off into the sunshine.
When I got home I decided to go on a ride myself. Taking the Merlin Works 4.0 out I had a plan to ride a big chunk of the 42K Accro Bike. Making my way though Meerdael Forest and Bossut towards Grez Doiceau I started out on those familiar and well-loved trails. The first big climb into Biez was no longer rewarded by a splendid view over the valley of the Train towards the west. Some developers have been building house near the to of the slope, spoiling the view for years to come.

17-05-2014, 15:26 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was taking a turn for the better. The sun was out and it was drying rapidly. When I arrived home after a 2-hour stint in the car, covering 39km - I was happy to be able to relax my thoughts and get on the Merlin Works 4.0 for a ride into Meerdael Forest. The forest trails were still damp but not overly so. It also was not very warm so when I got at the back of the forest I decided to ride into the fields and plains of Valduc  and Hamme Mille, warming up in the evening sun. The wind was blowing from the east which suited me fine because I was headign west towards Bossut and Nethen. Into Meerdael Forest again and riding towards the North now I was following the bigger forest trails, making good speed on moist roads. A U-turn along the Weertse Dreef and then back through the old army barracks area towards Vaalbeek. A last loop following the Prosperdreef and then turning left towards the Naamsesteenweg and into Blanden. The legs felt good and strong and in all I had a pretty good ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 28K and 265 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h19mins

2552/5470

15-05-2014, 21:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Still lots of showers but they are fewer and further apart. Should be dry the next couple of days. Until then I decided for a ride on the Tacx Satori. I even upped the resistance a notch and completed the ride on a good pace but with a little more effort than usually. Legs felt good though.

Ride Stats : 39.5K in 01h01mins

2524/5205

13-05-2014, 18:39 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Yesterday I decided to try a new saddle on the Vortex. Went to Filip Sport to get a test saddle from Fizik. An Arione with agully down the middle. I will try it out as soon as thet weather gets better. I did 40 minutes for Nancy Farzans' Core and Pilates exercises and had a good feeling in my body whilst doing them.
Today the weather was still windy and some occassional heavy shower interspersed with sunny interludes made me decide to stay indoors and settle on a long Tacx Satori ride. Long and at a fast pace.

Ride Stats : 62.5K in 01h31mins

2485/5205

11-05-2014, 12:36 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Wind, occasional rain and general unfriendly weather made me decide to take it easy and opt for an indoor ride on the Tacx Satori. Reading and listening to Spotify and spinning my legs in easy and fast circles.

Ride Stats : 54K in 01h21mins

2422/5205

09-05-2014, 18:59 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was unstable with lots of wind and the occasional shower so instead of riding out I decided for a recovery ride on the Hilset on the Tacx Satori. Time to catch up with some reading as well as I ventured into F.Paul Wilsons' short story compilation - a compilation of 16 "oddities" as he calls it - Aftershock.
The legs felt fine and the ride went smoothly. Looking forward to some dryer weather in the coming days for another ride outside.

Ride Stats : 40K in 01h01mins

2369/5205

07-05-2014, 18:18 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Wanted to ride to day so I chose the Vortex for a spin around the Haasrode Industrie terrain. Quite a lot of traffic made me slow down more than I normally do, but since I was only out to do some easy kilometers on the race bike I didn't mind. It was quite warm in the late afternoon and the sun was still shining with a dry wind blowing from what looked to be the east.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 32.5K and 195 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h07mins

2329/5205

05-05-2014, 19:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After yesterdays' road ride I wanted to do another ride today but for this on I chose the Merlin Works 4.0 and decided to do the Meerdael Bloso routes. Starting around 10am with the sun shining but temperatures only around 10 degrees C and no wind to speak of. Ideally suited for a ride.
I started out on a good pace. I would maintain this pace throughout the ride. Putting some stress on my muscles and lower back so see how they would hold out. There is no other way to find out.
Starting on the green and working my way through the relatively flat sections in Heverleebos and towards Korbeek Dyle. The climb next to the railroad in Oud-Heverlee was a brutal switch from the big chainring towards the small one. I had 2 bikers behind me so I did not slouch. I lost them on the steep bit near the end. Short downhill followed by a cobble climb. Next onto the Blue Bloso at the Zoete Waters. This is the more hilly of the tree and some strain began to build up in my body whilst the steep sections were followed by - too - short downhill sections. On the climb behind the Kluis I had another biker in my sights but despite my efforts I could not close the gap. Down towards Nethen and then settling down for the long climb next to the Savenel wall. My aim was still riding in front of me, giving me a goa. Pity he followed the Blue Bloso to the left on the split with the Red. I continued along and still was able to hold a good speed. Out of Bierbeek the long climb into Mollendaalbos was the next big challenge. The sun was shining and I felt rather good on the bike. Taking care to keep my core muscles tight during the climb to relieve some of the stress off of my lower back. Back on the big chainring after passing the highest point in Meerdael Forest. The trails were super. It had rained a bit last week which has caused the dust to settle but there was no mud. The singletrack next to the Naamsesteenweg was a joy to ride. I stopped for a little photo break at the Dikke Beuk.

From then onwards the Red offers only a couple of challenges before crossing over to the Green. Back in Heverleebos and a couple of short climbs later I was where I had inserted myself on the routes a couple of hours ago. During the ride back along the Prosperdreef I was trying to initiate a cooldown but in practise I kept maintaining a good pace until the end.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 54K and 560 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h33mins

2296/5010

04-05-2014, 14:25 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It has been a while but today I finally got the Litespeed Vortex out for a ride. Since last year I changed the cassette and 50/34 chainrings and mounted a YBN SL-210 full titanium chain. Very expensive but I have had it laying around for a couple of years now so I figured I might as well use it.
I was weary getting back on a road bike because of the added speed, racy position and lack of comfort with tyres pumped up to 100psi/7 bars. But the titanium of the Vortex does dampen the shocks quite well. Obviously I was curious as to how my lower back would react to this bike.  My knees have been giving me trouble as well. Since I couldn't resist running a week and a half ago, my inner medial band is hurting. Went to the doctor and she said I have developed a slight O-leg stance so this put extra strain on that inner medial band. If I am serious about running, I should consider putting inner soles in my shoes to put my legs in a neutral position.
That being said, rediscovering this bike was a blast. It is fast, light and nimble and it demands a whole different level of awareness whilst riding in traffic and on these thin tyres. I put on a 21mm tyre in front but I changed that to a 23mm version as soon as I got home. I also put in a Joe's No Flat inner tube. Filled with Joe's No Flat racing fluid this inner tube weighs 50g more than a regular inner tube. I hope it lives up to its name. I have another one in stock in might put in my rear tyre one of these days.

03-05-2014, 12:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf