After my last appointment with the kinesist I decided to do an easy recovery ride with the Vortex. Choosing for a big loop and taking it easy whilst allowing the leg muscles to work in a relaxed way. The weather was still OK with around 22 degrees C but the forecast for the weekend does not look too good. The - much needed - rain might fall at last. Maybe not tomorrow but for sunday it looks like showers will hit us.
But today no worries, just a loop taking me through Korbeek Dyle, then right to Egenhoven - where I think I crossed Christine Vardaros on her training ride - and then looping back to Neerijse and following the Sint Jansbergsteenweg to Huldenberg and Overijse. Still straight on and upwards to Maleizen. Here I took a double left and zoomed down into Tombeek. Right towards the Wavre industry zone and then left again towards Ottenburg. Straight through and down into Sint Agatha Rode and Sint Joris Weert. Past the Zoete Waters I added another loop towards Oud-Heverlee centre and Heverlee before returning along the Naamse Steenweg into Blanden.

Ride Stats : 56.5K and 395/410 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h2mins

2976/30585

13-05-2011, 21:29 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

12-05-2011, 21:17 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Ever since I rode this roadbook, in september last year, I have been wanting to come back to get a second chance at the many steep ascents I could not ride . Due to the Lyme disease which was already manifesting itself in my body, I did not get a fair chance to match my biking prowess against this wonderfully difficult roadbook.
So today was the day. I had asked Roger if he wanted to accompany me, and he agreed. We rode to the starting point in Huy and set off at 2pm for the 34K of the Ben-Ahin roadbook. I also wore my new shoes for the first time, so this would also be their testing ground.

For a detailed report on the roadbook I would like to refer you to my blog entry of 03-09-2010, where I explain the track in great detail. Now I just want to focus on some of the highlights of todays' ride. I made sure to get the difficult passage, where the track meets itself a couple of time, right. And still we managed to take a wrong direction for 100 meters or so after not riding the very steep uphill out of the forest into the fields which were to lead us towards la Sarte à Ben. But after that we could complete the first loop, leading us towards Andenne, without much trouble. Viewing the magnificent landscapes, and undergoing the technical downhills, singeltracks and very steep uphills we arrived back at La Sarte à Ben for the start of the second loop. Roger had been cursing his hardtail bike on the very difficult stony climb up the Bois de Mavelin. Whilst I was enjoying the gentle plushness of my Merlin full suspension bike. 

Another fine loop with some very beautiful tracks, steep downhills and a very steep and rooty climb towards Solieres and we stopped to have a bite to eat and talk about bikes. Roger was thinking about selling the Sola and getting a full suspension bike again. He complained about the lack of traction and comfort on the roots and stones. When we arrived home I checked his tyres and found them to be pumped up rather firm. He says they are on 1.5 bar but I say he needs to check his pump. I'm sure they were well over 2 bars. Perhaps letting out a bit of air would soften the ride and considerable add to the traction of the rear wheel.

Closing the second loop we came to the last third of the roadbook, starting off with a very difficult and steep 21% slope on rocks and roots in the Bois Mélart. We both made it with flying colors and the singletrack next to the fields that followed had us both receiving a lot of nettle stings. With tingling legs we rode down into the valley of a dry river for the last and possibly toughest climb of the day. The singletrack next to and high above to the riverbed was superb. The steep climb after it was - steep. But we both made it. Sitting on the front of our saddles to keep the front wheel from lifting, the dry conditions provided grip so that we could keep the wheels turning and make the climb into the Bois Madame. My garmin says that the slope is 47% at its steepest but I think it is safer to say that it is between 30 and 40% at its steepest. Last time I measured it at 38% which will be about right.
Great, now a last stretch of offroad brought us to the top of the cote de Ben-Ahin where I wanted to try an alternative downhill instead of the impossibly steep drops from the Tour Joseph. This alternative is straightforward and even though it is steep - it is a 150 meter drop after all - it is completely ride-able and brings us nicely to the  railway tunnel that takes us to the end of our ride. We are both very pleased with todays' ride. Small in kilometers but with a good amount of Ardennes' feeling and a lot of climbing and descending.



Ride Stats : 35K and 770/790 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h33mins

2883/29775

11-05-2011, 21:12 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Legs felt a bit like tutti-frutti so I could do not much more than ride out on the Litespeed Vortex for an easy recovery ride. Recovery means I stay off of the big ring and ride relaxed and with a low heartrate and high frequency.
I made a loop that did not incorporate many climbs and avoided the steep ones. So from Bierbeek I rode towards Beauvechain, La Bruyere and then into Pietrebais and Grez-Doiceau. From here I made my way towards Bossut and down into Pecrot. Left towards Eerken and then through Sint Agatha Rode and Neerijse towards Heverlee. I stopped a the Arenberg campus to take a couple of pictures. The funny thing is that there is a Litespeed model that is called "Arenberg". So my Vortex was in the right place.

I then rode on through Heverlee and back towards Blanden to complete an easy loop with an average heartrate of 103bpm and still a good average speed of nearly 25kph. The sun was out - again - and there was a cooling breeze - again - whicj made for ideal biking conditions.

Ride Stats : 56K and 360/400 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h14mins

2848/28985

08-05-2011, 14:15 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Time to get myself in gear, get in the car and ride towards Nandrin. A long standing favorite of mine where I always enjoy going to. A couple of years ago I found some markings belong to other Adeps tracks and upon investigation I found them to be from the Tavier/Anthisnes routes. I tried following one of them but the arrowing wasn't allowing me to do so for very long. So I took a picture of the route map in Tavier and vowed to be back and check some of them out. So yesterday I traced 2 of the loops using Mapsource and put the tracks on my Edge 705.
Today was that day. I started as usual on the Nandrin village place and took the White loop towards the Bois des Gottes.

There I stumbled on the 17K Green route of Tavier. Taking that towards the starting point I decided to do the 11K Green Walking route first.

This walking route is marked with a green spade on a white field. It is quite a nice route as it loops towards Limont passing through some nice wooded sections, and then follows the Chemin del Haye des Sarts into what turns out to be a splendid passage through the Bois du Sart. Crossing the N638 and then disappearing into the forest again before dropping me back into Tavier. Great trail.
The 17K Green Biking trail is next. Its starts off with a boring tarmac section which brings me into Hody. After Hody the trail goes offroad and starts getting more interesting. It roughly goes anticlockwise through Villers-aux-Tours and  then runs in the opposite direction of the 11K walking route I just took.

Great section now, a downhill towards Petit-Berleu where I cross a little river which marks the deepest point of this route. From here it goes upwards again, unfortunately over tarmac but eventually the tracks goes offroad again for a nice singletrack downhill  . Before long I am back on the Nandrin White route where I met the 17K Green Tavier trail some 28K ago.
I decide to further follow the Nandrin White until the point where it meets the Red - that is coming straight from Nandrin - and ride back to my car to refill my drinking bottle and apply some suntan lotion.

Starting again, following the climb that is shared between the Nandrin White and Red, and then continiung on the Red itself . I left out this little detour on the Garmin Connect map and gpx track I share at the end of this narrative. But if you study the map you can see where the trail is within 3km from the start. If you want to ride it, that is where you can ride back to Nandrin.

But then you would miss the cherry on the cake because the Nandrin Red trail alone is well worth a visit to this region. I have done it so many times and it never ceases to amaze me with its beautiful landscapes, tricky descents and physical climbs. Especially the long steep one in the Bois de Chaumont is a geargrinder. And today it came after I already had 70K on my counter, so it was particularly difficult. I encountered some fallen trees at several places and had to carry the Merlin over them.

The next two climbs - singletracks in the fields - are starting to make my legs ache but after a refreshing drink from a well in Villers-le-Temple I am ready for the last long climb through the forest towards Scry. Crossing the N636 next and beating the wind on the tarmac climb on the Rue Tilesse I turn left , straight towards Nandrin. Crossing the busy N63 and from now on its mostly downhill with a lovely passage through the Fond de Beche before reaching the starting point.
The wind had been blowing fiercely but I did not mind since it provided some coolness. Temperature was really high today with an average of 26 degrees. Not bad for a weekend in May. It was a long ride, made tough by heat, wind and the terrain but it left me very satisfied with my performance. I started out easy and was able to maintain a good pace throughout the ride. Even after the return to my car, with the difficult red still in front of me, I was mentally strong enough to go for it. 


Ride Stats : 84.5K and 1375/1420 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h52mins

2792/28585

07-05-2011, 20:33 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The wind had turned to the warmer southeast and with the sun out, I decided for a longer road ride this evening. Starting again along the Biz'on the Bike trail I chose the 90K version at the split in Pecrot. Bossut, Grez-Doiceau, Bonlez, Gistoux and then upwards to Longueville and Dongelberg. Just past Dongelberg the trail runs parallel with the 1W ride. So I followed that towards Huppaye and stopped at the little chapel for a snack and to take some pictures.

Riding on towards Melin I finished the 1W ride in La Bruyere. Adding another loop over Meldert , Bierbeek and Haasrode brought me home with a solid distance and a good average. I noticed I passed the 1000K on my Vortex and also that it is the bike I rode most with so far this year. That does not mean I'm turning into a roadie. Its just that I missed a lot of kilometers in january and februari and with the Vortex the K's add up easily. I have plans for an Ardennes ride on the Merlin this weekend. Tomorrow will be a rest day for sure. I need to get some info on some new shoes. My old Shimano SPDs from 1992 are on their last legs. With nearly 20 years on them they are ready for a well-earned retirement.

Ride Stats : 85K and 710/705 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h7mins

2708/27165

05-05-2011, 21:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Looking for a 'not-too-difficult' ride I decided to follow the blue Biz'on the Bike markers and do the 57K loop. The markings date from last year but they are still there and this was the first time I rode this track with the Vortex. Legs felt tired but I still managed good speed, also due to the fact that the wind was less than yesterday. When I arrived in Bierbeek I decided to do an extra loop over Heverlee Park and then return to Blanden via the Expressweg. Good easy ride in sunny but sometimes overcast conditions. Temperature was up a couple of degrees compared to yesterday.

Ride Stats :  57.5K and 455/490 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h8mins

2623/26460

04-05-2011, 20:18 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After having ridden the 35K base loop of this years' Haasrode TT I was eager to try out the 65K version I got yesterday from the organisation. I asked Roger L. if he wanted to come along and Roger agreed.
Around 3.30pm Roger parked his Seven Sola at my place and 20 minutes later we set out on the loop. The weather was sunny but a strong northeasterly wind made it no warmer than 15 degrees. A good windstopper proved no luxury. The first bit of the loop was of course very familiar to me, since it runs along the base loop. After the nice loop through Gottechain we got to the split and decided to ride on for the longer distance. The loop then turns towards Pietrebais and Longueville. The wind on the plains was not always to our advantage and the sun was welcome to warm us up again when the wind was in our favour. We rode at a leisurely pace, heartrates around 110 bpm , and enjoyed the fine landscapes that paraded under our wheels. When we rode through the rapeseed fields towards Heze I could not resist taking a couple of pictures. The greens and yellows were amazing.

We then rode towards the Chapelle du Cheneau in Longueville, the furthest point of the route. The track then made for Heze town and later Biez. Passing Grez Doiceau we arrived back on the base loop. Through Gottechain and Bossut and then towards Nethen and the Meerdael Forest. Here I was a little complacent and followed the base loop towards the point where we injected on the route, thus missing some 10K and 200 or more heightmeters. So we ended up doing a 55-56K loop instead of the full 65K. But in view of the fading light it was perhaps not a bad thing we missed out on that extra loop. We were both very satisfied with our ride. Beautiful landscapes, nice weather and a good long-distance workout. We can do the full monty somewhere during the next weeks.

Ride Stats : 62K and 735/820 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h24mins

2565/25980

03-05-2011, 21:51 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another beautiful sunny morning and I could not resist taking the Vortex out for yet another long ride. I decided to start along the tracks of the Haasrode - Huy - Haasrode ride - which was also taking place today - and then past Jodoigne iject myself on the L142 ravel route. And indeed, as I expected, the HHH crossed the Ravel at Huppaye. So from there I followed the 'Croix the La Hesbaye', a tarmac bikepath following the trail of the old Line 142 railroad. You can read more about this here.
The wind was blowing rather strong from the northeast - again - and while I passes through Eghezee and Vedrin I knew the way back home would be difficult. But at least on the way back the track would go downhill. Now I climbed until I reached the 200m mark . At Cognelee the trail started to descend , an 8km long descent riding towards the Saint Servais area of Namur. Arriving at the end of the line I turned around and took a picture of the bike at the 43K waypoint.

I then started the long ascent back to Cognelee. Pausing for a bite to eat overlooking Saint Servais and again taking some pictures.

The wind was blowing from the right now, and from time to time it was blowing hard in my face. But all went well and again I passed Eghezee and now followed the Ravel to Jodoigne and Hoegaarden. Here I left the L142 and rode towards the Marollen Kapel , Oorbeek and Hoksem. Riding on towards Kumtich and Willebringen I was quickly back in Bierbeek and Haasrode. The wind was blowing in my favour now - at last - and on the downhill into Blanden I nearly did 50kph. Good solid long ride in excellent circumstances ;  dry and sunny , with only the strong northeasterly wind playing spoilsport to make the conditions perfect. Still managed a good average and had a low heartrate of only 113bpm on average throughout the ride.

Ride Stats : 120K and 655/695 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h23mins

2504/25160

01-05-2011, 16:29 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Saw some green arrows during my ride yesterday and I was pretty sure they belong to the Circuit du St Georges, a 90K road ride starting in Grez Doiceau. So today I took the Vortex for a long road ride . The Circuit passed in Blanden so I picked up easily. The arrows were very visible but sometimes inconsistently placed. One time on the right side of the road, one time on the left side. But as a whole the arrowing was good. The sun was out but there was also a strong wind blowing from the east, dampening the euphoric feeling somewhat.
The track went through Sint Joris Weert, Terlanen, Ottenburg and Archennes towards Grez Doiceau. Here I passed the start for the rest of the ride. First they went to Longueville, then though Incourt and Dongelberg in the direction of Jodoigne. But they didn't quite go so far, stead turning to the right for a nice loop through Bomal and Autre-Eglise towards Huppaye. Had a bit to eat here before braving the wind that was blowing in my face now on the plateaus.

From time to time the track veered to the left or right which gave me some time to recuperate. Through Jodoigne and then towards St Remy Geest where a long stretch of cobbles reminded me of the difference between a roadbike and a mountainbike. Even though the frame absorbs a lot it still kicks from time to time on these uneven cobblestones. But I survived and continued my way towards Melin and then towards La Bruyere and Beauvechain. Here I left the route which veered to the left towards Opvelp to add another loop to reach a 100K. Towards Meldert , Willebringen and Bremt and then into Bierbeek where I picked up on the Circuit du Saint Georges again for the last stretch through Haasrode and Blanden. Not bad as an training ride and with 800 heightmeters not that easy either. But today the wind was the biggest adversary.

Ride Stats : 104K and 840/825 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h2mins

2384/24465

30-04-2011, 15:52 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Some rain last evening and this morning but I didn't mind waiting a bit to start my ride. Watching Prins William say 'I do' to his princess Catherine while waiting for the tracks to dry out a bit. Sun was out and skies were blue when I rode out half past noon.
I wanted to do a substantial ride so I chose to combine a couple of Meerdael Bloso routes with the majestic hilly section of the Meerdael Classic 100K organised ride. This section comprises around 35K and close to 700 heighmeters. No comment on the toughness.
Starting with the Green Bloso in the opposite direction, connecting soon with the Blue just outside Blanden. I decided not to do the Red because that would lead me too far before I got to the start of the Hilly Section. So when I arrived in Nethen after the downhill of the Savenel, I crossed the road to Sint Joris Weert and climbed into the Ruelle du Curé. Down and up in and out of Pecrot and then I was at the little train station where the Meerdael Classic passes. The Hilly section is what makes the difference between the 65 and 100K distances of the Meerdael Classic. When I started the first serious climb up in the Bois de Laurensart I met Johan of Vaalbeek. It had been a while since we last met and I was pleased to be able to say HI to him. Hope to meet you again soon, Johan.
Into the Ottenbrug area next where the track goes up and down relentlessly. I stopped for a couple of pictures in the little secluded valley before attempting the steep climb in the opposite direction of the Overijse Red Bloso.

I only had to stop once on that climb because of a slippery root so I must have a very good condition. Its been a while since I was able to ride this climb. Into the Sint Agatha Rode bos next for another 21% climb, which is easier because there are no roots. The temperature was ideal for this kind of demanding ride, around 20 degrees C with a refreshing breeze from the east. During the ride the sun would hide and some darker clouds would emerge but it hasn't rained yet. Again a steep climb in the right direction this time of the Overijse Bloso to a plateau where you have a magnificent view of Huldenberg.

Down into Huldenberg and then following the river Ijse for a while. When the track arrives at the Margijsbos there are 4 successive climbs waiting for me. After the last one the trail descents towards the Wolfshagen and then another climb takes me back up to the Smeysberg plateau. Down towards Sint Agatha Rode and then crossing the Marbaise to reach Pecrot. A last steep climb into the Beaumont forest and I can descent towards Nethen to find the Blue Bloso again. Following this until it connects to the Green Bloso just before entering Heverleebos.

Now there are some easier kilometers waiting for me, ideal to recuperate a bit from the heavy work on the Meerdael Classic loop. When I reach the point where I injected on the Green Bloso I have close to 80K on my counter. Just a little connection to reach my home, tired but very satisfied with the ride.


Ride Stats : 85.5K and 1080/1200 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h31mins30secs

2280/23640

29-04-2011, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Some rain has fallen today and the tracks were a little bit wet when I rode through Heverleebos towards the meeting point for the start of the weekly KBC MTB club ride. The sun was shining but in the forest temperatures were only around 15 or 16 degrees, a far cry from the 25 degrees we had last week. But there was more oxygen in the air and the pollen had been washed out by the rain.
There were 7 guys and one girl at the start and we set out through Heverleebos towards Korbeek Dyle where we entered the Doode Beemde, following the river Dyle for a while and then the little tracks in this Nature Reserve. From Neerijse we followed the river Ijse until we reached the Margijsbos.

Here we climbed upwards and then rode towards the Wolfshagen and Sint Joris Weert. Entering the Doode Beemde again and following the old train track the girl in our company suffered a flat tyre. 2 man to help her, and one to put it on a digital camera, and several minutes later we could continue our path through the Beemde towards Sint Joris Weert.

Entering Meerdael Forest now and while the others rode back to the start, I chose to ride home through Vaalbeek and the Prosperdreef. Had a good ride with a very low intensity heartrate-wise. Only 108bpm on average. But with an average speed of nearly 20kph we were not exactly slow. The tracks turned out to be mostly dry with some small puddles here and there. The bike will need cleaning but I can do that tomorrow since I took a day off from work.

Ride Stats : 35.5K and 220/295 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h47mins

2198/22440

28-04-2011, 21:20 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another fine day and when I came home from work I just had to go out and ride. 7th straight day in a row but my legs felt surprisingly good. I chose to ride the Meerdael Bloso's with just a couple of extra snippets along the way to spice things up. Starting off with the Green I could maintain a very good speed, spending lots of time on the big ring. I was amazed that after 1 hour of riding I had more than 21.5kph on average. Obviously the average dropped when I engaged the Blue but on the Red I could set out all sails and speed along the forest trails. During all that time my heartrate was surprisingly low so I didn't even have to push myself. It seemed like my feet were pushing the pedals down all by themselves. Switching on the Blue and then finally again on the Green I started to feel the efforts though but then I was alsmost home. 7 days, 500K and 4400 heightmeters and 20 hours of riding. The good weather made me do it ! 
Now its time for a day of rest and a kine session to check my healing shoulder muscles. My average heartrate today was 112bpm and my max 133. 

Ride Stats : 58K and 525/610 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h45mins

2163/22145

26-04-2011, 19:52 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Beautiful day - again - and I took the Litespeed Vortex out for an easy ride along the Vaart towards Mechelen. From Mechelen I followed the Zennegat until I reached Willebroek. Here my counter was almost on 50K so that was sufficient for a good ride. Riding up to Mechelen I could make good speed, the wind was more or less in my back and at times I saw my speedometer go towards 36-37kph. The tarmac trails along the Vaart were pretty busy with all kinds of people so speeding along at 30kph+ I had to scream a lot to make my presence known. Note to self, check if you can put a little bell on the Vortex.
When I reached the midpoint of my ride I stopped for a little snack and to take some pictures of a Sherman Firefly tank that had been put there to commemorate the liberation of Willebroek in WW2.

Turning the bike around I immediately felt the wind in my face. The track runs more or less to the southeast and I'm guessing the wind was blowing from the east. When I neared Mechelen and rode next to the Vaart I was riding more towards the south but could still feel the wind coming from my left. I rode at the left side of the water as much as possible to minimize the wind. Halfway I caught up with another biker was was riding more than 30kph as well and we rode along together until he had to veer off towards Linden at the Remy towers in Wijgmaal. We had a good conversation and could keep the speed well up. Now all I had to do was ride around Leuven and reach Blanden. Here I did another little loop to reach the 100K mark. Very pleasant ride and due to the high average probably more taxing than imagined.
My average heartrate was rather low though - 123bpm - so I hope I got some recuperation during this ride.
  
Ride Stats : 100K and 225/255 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h27mins

2105/21535

25-04-2011, 14:46 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another beautiful day and Easter to boot. Took the Vortex out for a spin along the Haasrode Toer. That is a route that I have been doing for quite some time now. It starts in - not surprisingly - Haasrode and follows some nice roads towards Willebringen, Hoksem, Oorbeek and the edge of Hoegaarden. I usually stop at the Marollenkapel, which was built to be a miniature effigy of the Scherpenheuvel church. I had something to eat and took a couple of pictures. The sun was shining and there was only a little breeze coming from the north-east. Great conditions for biking. 

From the Marollenkapel I then set forth towards l'Ecluse, where a stretch of cobblestones gave the Vortex and me some good vibrations. Nothing too bad though and I rode on towards Beauvechain and Pietrebais. From here I decided to avoid the bad macadam in Archennes and ride through Bossut and La Malaise instead. The stretch on the La Malaise plain used to be cobblestoned but they have added some tarmac here and there and it rides better than the old macadam in Archennes. Down to Pecrot and then taking the road towards Ottenbrug before turning to the right towards Sint Agatha Rode. Another bad stretch of macadam and then I could recuperate a bit on some nice zooming tarmac towards Sint Joris Weert. The center of Sint Joris Weert was closed for the Weertse Feesten but I could take a small connecting road towards the Zoete Waters.
In all a very nice long distance ride on which I noticed that my heartrate didn't want to go up. Sign of fitness or perhaps also a sign of the intensity of the last 3 days? I did almost 400K and 3700 heightmeters this week. Due to the excellent weather of course just begging me to go out and ride a bike. I leave you with the GPS track to this little ride.


Ride Stats : 71K and 475/515 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h35mins

2004/21280

24-04-2011, 17:54 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Looking for an easy mounatinbike ride isn't that easy. I rode towards the Zesdagmaalstraat in Sint Agatha Rode where I pick in on the Overijse BLOSO routes. Getting there involved some riding through Meerdael Forest towards Nethen, and then onwards over Pecrot, crossing both Marbaises and climbing up to the Zesdagmaalstraat.
It had rained here yesterday evening - a short thunderstorm - so the tracks were a little moist but it proved to be a very local phenomenon because once I had passed Terlanen it was dryness all along. But that made the track very fast. On the steep climb of the Moskesstraat I felt my muscles protesting and they did the same on the little track just before Huldenberg.
What I also did notice is that I am on the big ring a lot sooner than I usually do. This might be a benefit from riding the Vortex. I passed some beautiful landscapes and could not resist capturing one of them on my Sony.

In Overijse I paused briefly to have a little snack and then I moved on for the remainder of the routes. Added an extra climb just before Ottenburg - a very technical one with lots of stones - but soon I was negotiating the last climbs to reach the point where I injected myself into the route. Riding back towards Sint Joris Weert and from the Kluis taking the Denteneerpad crossing Meerdael Forest again. The air seemed cleaner than yesterday and it didn't feel that hot either. I noticed that I passed the 20000 heightmeters mark today. Still a lot of catching up to do, both in kilometers as in heightmeters, compared to the last couple of years .

Ride Stats : 59K and 740/820 heightmeters in 3h13mins

1934/20765

23-04-2011, 14:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Got the track for the Gambrinus 105K ride starting from Leuven from my friend Roger, and today looked like a fine day to try it out. I have no way to attach my Garmin 705 to my bike but I would grab it out of my back pocket when I needed it.
Through Vaalbeek and next to the Zoete Waters , then Korbeek Dyle and a bit further I picked up on the track. The weather was promising to be hot and sunny so I took the precaution of applying sun lotion on my arms. Sun lotion before Easter, the world is indeed heating up it seems.
The track made its way towards Leefdaal, Vossem and Duisburg. Towards Maleizen a first climb announced itself. It would certainly not be the last. Dropping into La Hulpe, riding towards Ohain and Genval I had to look at the GPS frequently, sometimes even stopping to keep things safe. I was riding a bike in traffic after all. Some nice backroads and bigger roads brought me into Lasne, where it was rather busy in the town centre.

The track was now climbing and descending all the time as I rode towards Couture St Germain. The highest gear needed to go on and still the hill was very steep. Then I arrived in Ceroux Mousty and had a nice long drop into Ottignies LLN. Busy town traffic again and I took a wrong turn somewhere. Half way the hill I looked at my GPS and saw my mistake. Turning around and I was on my way for a nice passage through the forest in Limelette. Very steep hill again and then a bikepath through the Bois du Manil. Nice. I had a bit to eat and then the track dropped me down into Limal. Climbing again to Rixensart before arriving at the Lac de Genval. Lacs are mostly in the deeper regions so indeed, a new and steep uphill, this time bringing me on the road to Maleizen. From here I was on familiar grounds and I could guess which hills they would include. I left out a steep one going from Archennes to Bossut, instead riding a bit further towards de Chaussee de Wavre where I did the same hill but with a lesser slope. The Rue de Pecrot climbing out of Pecrot towards Nethen finished off a great succession of climbs. When I arrived back at the Zoete Waters, the counter gave more than a 100K so I did another century ride on the Vortex. I leave you with the map and the GPS track if you want to try this ride yourself one day. There are NO markings on the road so you need the track to find your way around.


Ride Stats : 107K and 975/1100 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h16mins

1875/19945

22-04-2011, 16:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The rear tyre of the Moots has been fixxed by Filip @ Filip Sport so it was ready to go . The weather was again very warm, with temperatures of 25 degrees C when the KBC MTB club met at the Heverlee meeting point. There were 10 bikers at the start. I decided to lead the ride around the basic track of the 2011 Haasrode TT, some 34K normally but I would cut the furthest section short in Gottechain. The first couple of kilometers brought us to the start in Haasrode. The field roads were very dusty, something we would experience throughout the entire ride. It was almost as if some fine powder was sprayed on to the roads. Luckily once we got into Meerdael Forest the trails were less dusty. But still very dry of course.

The pace was pretty high throughout the entire ride and the group was very homogenous. When we arrived in Bossut someone got a flat front tyre so we had to pause for a while to have that fixxed.

The sun was setting fast now and we had to hurry through the fields and drop into Nethen. Long climb into Meerdael forest for the last stretch of the track towards the Naamsesteenweg. Unfortunately disaster struck for one of the guys when he broke his rear derailler jockey wheel. He could still ride his bike though and I left the group when we passed my home. Someone's front tyre was losing air so I lend him my big pump to inflate it to 4 bars. This would be enough for the last 5 or 6 K back to the meeting point. I think apart from the mechanical and the flat tyres, we had a good ride through the dry and dusty countryside.

Ride Stats : 39K and 345/395 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h58mins

1768/18845

21-04-2011, 22:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another summer day so I took off for an easy ride . First I had to stop at the Cafe bij Wiske in Blanden because I noticed an Evo 9 I knew standing there. Had a quick chat with the owner - Oh yeah its for sale, 25K€ for 440bhp or thereabouts - and took a couple of pictures. I know the history of this car and I would advise against paying that much for this one. It has been tormented even though well maintained, at least by its previous owner.  I could be wrong, but I think the current owner does not really understand what this car represents. I am still looking for a red one, preferably a Belgian one, but I would not shy away from a UK version either..

That being said, I rode on and went to my sisters' at Binkom, passing by the above Evo 9's previous owner for another little chat. He has an Evo X now, but currently the engine is blown so he has to wait, and pay for a rebuild. Fast cars are expensive.
My ride then took me back  to Lubbeek and Lovenjoel, before finishing over Bierbeek and Haasrode. It was almost 27 degrees C so much too hot for the time of the year. Still I felt rather well and had a good strong ride with the Litespeed Vortex.

Ride Stats : 45K and 325/345 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h35mins 

1728/18450

20-04-2011, 19:05 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

18-04-2011, 19:30 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf