Dry and relatively warm when I rode out. I rode towards Grez-Doiceau to enter my Competition Licence request chez the Club Presidente. Another year coming up and I want a UCI licence in order to be insured and also to be able to enter races should I feel the need to do so.  Passing through Nethen, Pecrot and Archennes on my way I decided to do a bigger loop than I initially set out for. The conditions were good and I felt OK. Riding from Pietrebais towards La Bruyere I could feel a couple of raindrops falling and before long it was raining mildly. Fortunately after I passed La Bruyere the rain stopped. Into L'Ecluse and then onwards to Meldert, Opvelp and Bierbeek. From Bierbeek I rode towards the Haasrode Industrie and there it started raining again, this time a bit harder than before. But I was almost home and the last bit against the wind was the toughest part of the ride. Into Blanden and then the rain subsided again so I arrived home in the dry.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 60.5K and 395/455 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h53mins

12959/114115

20-12-2011, 20:33 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Temperature was a mild 4 degrees C when I set out for a short loop. Starting along the Naamsesteenweg I rode to Hamme Mille. There I took a left in the direction of Tourinnes and rode on to Beauvechain. The wind was blowing in my back - more or less - and even though it was cold it was still dry. Turning left again and riding through Opvelp towards Neervelp I could see the occasional snow drop passing through my lightbeam.  Another left turn and whilst I was riding along the E40 towards Bremt and further on towards Haasrode Industrie it started snowing. The wind was in my face as I set towards Blanden and the cold snow dropped the temperature to around 1 degree C. I feared the roads would become icy but I was lucky, they became wet but I did not feel any wheel slippage. The last stretch home led me along the Prosperdreef and the Diewegstraat towards the edge of Meerdael Forest.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 32K and 205/245 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h37mins

12899/113660 

19-12-2011, 19:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw very variable weather. From time to time it cleared out and at other times snow flurries scoured the land. The temperature was just above freezing when I rode out, well-clad in several layers of thermal clothing topped off with a Gore-Tex jacket. My feet were warm in a double layer of Assos stockings and my hands were also protected by 2 layers of gloves. I was Pre-Pa-Red.
I set out towards Heverlee and Egenhoven, watching the clouds move hurriedly across the horizon. It snowed lightly when I left but before long the snow became wet and cold rain before petering out. Optimistically I set towards Bertem and followed the N3 until I took a left towards Leefdaal. From Leefdaal I climbed up on the plateau and from there I could see a dark cloud with snow veils beneath it moving parallel to me. To my right another cloud was threatening with a promise of snow. I decided to take a right and follow the Sint Jansberg Steenweg towards Huldenberg and until I reached Overijse, all went well. Climbing out of Overijse along the N4 towards Wavre I noticed the cloud had almost reached me. Soon I would get my come-uppance. And indeed, when I rode into Ottenburg the snow came, cold and with gusts of wind from my left which made it colder still. Only one thing to do. Grin and bear it. I clenched my teeth and rode towards Sint Agatha Rode. Good thing I mounted my fenders yesterday, even with them I could still feel my legs getting sprayed by the wheels. And that spray was cold. 
Into Sint Joris Weert and I could see the cloud was disappearing, and some lighter skies were upon me. From the moment the wet snow stopped I felt warmer and this gave me a new impetus to add another loop over the Zoete Waters instead of taking the Weertse Dreef which is a little shorter. Also, when I reached the Zoete Waters and turned towards Vaalbeek, the wind at last was blowing in my back. A glorious moment I can tell you. Just another little loop towards the Sapellenbos and I was home. 
A couple of reminders to myself. Next time when there is rain or snow forecast, wear the sealskinz socks and the waterproof Pearl Izumi  Amfib tights. Keeping that dry and comfy feeling in these kinds of conditions is half the battle won.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 57K and 410/485 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h47mins

12867/113415

18-12-2011, 14:01 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After a week that saw a lot of rain, wind and generally adverse conditions to ride a bike in, it snowed last night and this morning a modest white carpet was gracing the fields. Around 10AM the sun came through and I decided to risk riding out. It was only 2 degrees C and it drizzled cold icy pellets when I started. I saw a big black cloud over Brabant Walloon so I decided to ride in another direction. From Bierbeek, over Bremt and Willebringen I rode towards Vertrijk and the N3. Crossing the N3 and riding further north towards Kerkom and Binkom. From Binkom I rode towards the east and Lubbeek. The clouds were gone now and the wind had dropped as well so I decided to add some more kilometers by riding towards the N2 and follow that towards Leuven. Here I rode north again along the Leuvense Ring until I reached the Tervuursepoort where I rode along the Groeneveld towards Campus Arenberg and Heverlee. Another loop was possible so I rode through Oud-Heverlee and passed the Zoete Waters on my way to Sint Joris Weert where I took the Weertse Dreef towards the N25. I stopped on the bridge spanning that road to take a picture with some left-over snow from last night. It had rained since so most of it was gone by now.

Following the N25 into Blanden I completed this ride. My average heartrate was quite high but I blame that on the cold and the fact that I was passed my point of supercompensation, having not ridden a bike for 4 days in a row.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 61K and 430/495 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h50mins

12810/112930

17-12-2011, 14:50 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Dry and not too cold this evening so i set out with the Hilset for a recovery ride. This would take me towards the Zoete Waters and then to Korbeek Dyle where I rode up to the small tarmac track on the crest towards Leefdaal. Taking a left and dropping into Neerijse I set forth to Huldenberg. Here I climbed the long way up to the Smeysberg ridge and then dropped into Terlanen. Up again and I was in Ottenburg. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and I was anxious to see the moon appear over the horizon but she kept me waiting.
From Ottenburg I made way to Pecrot where I incorporated a couple of climbs. When I was on the steep one leading towards Nethen I noticed a red moon appearing through the trees on the horizon. At last. Down into Nethen and then to Hamme Mille for a last stretch along the Naamsesteenweg into Blanden. The moon was well up now and the red had gone, big and yellow she was now.
Had a good recovery ride at an easy pace. My legs felt a bit painful at the start but got better once I warmed up.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 46K and 485/530 heightmeters (Pola/Garmin) in 2h23mins

12749/112435

12-12-2011, 20:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Trying to do a relaxing ride today I set out in the Hilset. First following the Naamsesteenweg into Heverlee and then up towards the Heverlee cazerne where on December 30th a cyclocross will take place in the Fidea series. This Cyclocross will replace the Tervuren event. From Heverlee I rode along the Expressweg until I reached the N3. I decided to follow this towards Tienen.
The temperature was around 5 degrees today but I could feel a cold win blowing from my left. I would have to reckon with that wind later on during my ride. Before Tienen I followed the orbital until I reached the N221 which I followed into Hoegaarden. From here I rode upwards towards Sint Katelijne Hauthem where I picked in on the 'Haasrode' tour.
Stopping briefly at a memorial for a deceased community worker I set forth towards l'Ecluse and La Bruyere.

The wind was blowing in my face now and it was cold and forced me to pedal harder than I aimed to do during this recovery ride.From La Bruyere I took a right turn towards Beauvechain and Opvelp. Here I took a left towards Bierbeek and then onwards to Haasrode. The wind was in my face again and I was glad I passed the Blanden church and at least I had a downhill in front of me.
I have ordered a Brooks Swift Ti saddle for my Hilset. This will replace the minimalistic Tune Speedneedle which I have been using for 6 years now. The step coming  back from the Litespeed Vortex - which already has a Brooks Swift Ti saddle - to the Hilset this fall has been  a big one. I hope the Brooks will bring me some much-needed comfort because that is one of the mayor differences I experience between these two road-oriented bikes. Obviously a mountain bike is no road bike. Not even with slick tyres.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 56K and 325/365 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h43mins

12703/111905

11-12-2011, 17:45 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw temperatures of just above freezing so I waited until 10AM to ride out. I was in two minds about going offroad and I was also not sure what to do or where to ride . But just before I left the plan came to ride towards the Bois des Reves. A little forest next to Louvain La Neuve. There are some nice singletracks here and they are very steep and demanding some technical prowess to ride them well and keep the rubber side down. I decided to try and incorporate as much offroad tracks along the way towards Ottignies as I possibly could .
Not as easy as it sounds because I had to pass around Wavre - capital of Brabant Walloon - and even though there are some nice tracks in the urban environment, I rarely am able to find them.
The first bit was easy, into Meerdael Forest and then up towards Bossut. From Bossut I set towards Doiceau and then aimed for the Bois de Bercuit. The trails were moist with morning dew that froze over.

10-12-2011, 17:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another evening, another nightride in the planning. I got the Obed out for a new trip into Mollendaalbos. The temperature was 3 degrees C warmer than yesterday (7 against 5) but there was also more wind. The wind and the moist trails made venturing into the forest a bit tricky. I decided after one loop that I would change my track and instead of a wet and rooty singletrack I incorporated a wider forest trail which also netted me a couple of extra heightmeters because I descended a little further. The rest of the trail was more or less dry enough to avoid getting mud-splashed but I did also change the loop at another point - the long descent from the Mollendaal hut towards the edge of the forest near Haasrode - because that downhill also had some puddles I wanted to avoid.
I did 4 big laps of 8km with an average of 110 heightmeters per lap. The lap incorporates 4 climbs and as many descents. The owls were very active and together with the wind that rustled through the trees and the moon that was almost in the ides of december , the atmosphere was a little spooky. But of course my trusty Lupine Tesla 4 burned a big white beam through the darkness and got me home safe.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 36K and 375/475 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h06mins

12576/110530

07-12-2011, 19:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Some rain yesterday and when I got home from work around 4PM I decided to enter the forest for a couple of laps along my Mollendaal loop. I added a bit and found an extra hill, keeping the loop completely inside the forest. The wind was pretty cold so staying in the forest seemed wiser. The tracks were moist but not overly so. Here and there a puddle slowed me down a little but on the whole it was fine. Care had to be taken on some of the rooty singletrails because a wet root spells trouble for the unaware.
But all went well and I added a little loop riding into - and out of - Vaalbeek, passing briefly into Heverlee forest and then re-entering Meerdael Forest along the Prosperdreef. The temperature was 4 degrees C on average but I did not feel the cold.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 24.5K and 235/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h27mins

12540/110055

06-12-2011, 19:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After yesterdays' rainfall it did not seem like a good idea to go offroad so I was up early this morning to start a road ride on my Hilset BBW. There was quite a bit of wind blowing but it was dry and not too cold. I settled on the Red road Bloso that starts in Heverlee and that I happen to know by heart. I added an extra loop from Terlanen over Tombeek, up the Bergstraat towards Maleizen and then back to Terlanen. The loop is quite hilly and I made it a long slow distance ride. I was passed a couple of times by cyclists on road bikes, going a lot faster than I was, but that is the faith of someone riding on the road with a mountainbike. I might have been able to follow them , but that would require more effort than I was willing to spend. Arriving back in just a tad over 3 hours I had a solid ride under my belt.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 66K and 575/630 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h07mins

12516/109765

04-12-2011, 13:23 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

02-12-2011, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Took a day off from work today and I was lucky with the weather. This last month has seen nearly no rain at all and very clement temperatures. Today was no exception, it was sunny and there was a light breeze blowing from the south-southwest. Temperatures would exceed 10 degrees C during my ride. Starting past 10AM I took the Hilset out for a spin that would bring me on semi-moist tarmac roads from Bierbeek to Meldert. The old church was standing in a dramatic poise due to the sunlight and with bells chiming and birds flying off provided a nice backdrop for a picture.

It had rained lightly late last evening and when I arrived in Hoegaarden and took the Ravel to Jodoigne, the leaves on the track were still wet. But the sun was wout and pretty soon I was leaving Jodoigne and heading for Melin and Sart-Melin. My legs felt a little saturated but I kept the pace low and enjoyed the sunny day out. Stopping on my way to Nodebais at the little chapel in the fields, I took a picture of it shining in the sun.

From Nodebais I rode to Hamme Mille and Nethen, finishing my ride over Sint Joris Weert, the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek before reaching Blanden for a last loop along the Naamsesteenweg into Heverlee forest and then down the Banhagestraat into Blanden again.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 60K and 430/495 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h51mins

12410/108830

30-11-2011, 14:31 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

A lot of wind again this evening so I chose to ride in the forest instead. Taking the Litespeed Obed for a spin with the last half hour needing my Lupine Tesla to light up the darkening forest.
I remained in Mollendaalbos throughout the ride, making loops and more loops, incorporating a lot of fine trails and riding up and down the slop that leads to the highest point in Meerdael Forest. I explored some trails I hadn't done for a while and most were free of brush and tree, meaning that the forestry had cleared up the remains of the heavy woodcutting that has been going on this fall.
The temperature was a fine 7 degrees but it felt colder because a dry easterly wind sometimes managed to penetrate the forest and chill out the trails.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 31.5K and 395/435 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h57mins

12350/108335

29-11-2011, 18:25 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today the wind was gone and the air was crisp and open. When I got home from work I decided on an easy recovery ride, taking the Hilset BBW out for a spin. Starting off towards Heverlee Park and Heverlee and then riding through the Arenberg campus towards Egenhoven. From Egenhoven I rode to Bertem and onwards up the crest and then along the narrow tarmac road to the Weeberg where I took a left turn to follow the Neerijse Steenweg into... Neerijse. Crossing the Sint Jansbergsteenweg and then along the Wolfshaegen towards Sint Agatha Rode. Into Sint Joris Weert and onwards to Nethen and Hamme Mille in the fading daylight to close my loop riding into Blanden along the Diewegstraat and then the Prosperdreef towards the Onze Lieve Vrouwstraat. Nothing fancy, just a relaxed ride to loosen my muscles.

ENDO

Ride Stats : 40.5K and 270/300 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h54mins

12319/107900

28-11-2011, 18:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather had taken a turn since yesterday, with a strong wind blowing from the southwest and the temperature which was a couple of degrees warmer. I had an appointment with Johan H. to ride the O2 Bikers "Taalgrens" roadbook. I have done this a couple of times and it consists of a starting loop in Meerdael Forest, then moves towards Nethen and Bossut before crossing the N25 and making its way towards Pietrebais. It then moves on past Roux-Miroir , almost into Jodoigne before returning through the fields towards Beuavechain and ending into the Meerdael Forest again.
Since the wind was pretty fierce and the loops into the fields past Pietrebais are not very challenging, I had cut into the loop past Pietrebais, bringing us back north towards the Wahenge farm and from there we picked in on the loop again.

27-11-2011, 14:45 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I wanted to do the best of the Lubbeek and Holsbeek BLOSO routes today. I rode them both seperately during the last couple of weeks and it was obvious that the tracks in and around Holsbeek and Linden, on the crest of the Meesberg and Chartreuzeberg and further south were among the best those BLOSO trails have to offer. So I combined the Red Bloso of Lubbeek with the Green and part of the Blue of Holsbeek.
Riding towards Linden to pick up on the Red near the church I quickly was embalmed in climbing and descending the slopes south of the Steenveld. Arriving at the Bed of Napoleon I followed the Blue Holsbeek Bloso down a great descent into Holsbeek. Following the route for a while to connect with the Green and the fun really begins. Crossing the Leuvensebaan a steep climb takes me into the Gertrudisbos.

A big loop in this forest has me shifting constantly from the big over the middle to the small ring in front. Down the Meesberg and back up again on a long climb that starts out over cobbles into a valley and finishes high on the crest of the Chartreuzenberg.
Down again towards the Leming where another great section awaits. A tricky descent takes me back towards the Leuvensebaan but not for long since I take a right again and am already climbing back up the crest. I am on the Blue Holsbeek Bloso now and arrive at the Bed of Napoleon where I follow the rest of the Red Lubbeek Bloso.

This takes me into the Bleekbos for a nice loop down towards Vlierbeek. The sun is out and the myriad leaves on the forest trails glisten. I enjoy the climb back up towards the Kasteeldreef and then its down a long sweeping path into Linden where I end my Bloso loops.
Back towards home I follow the GR path up the Trolieberg. Passing the white-red communications tower I look for  - and find - a little path to descend towards the Tiensesteenweg. Riding along small roads I reach the Abdij van Park and descide to return home along the Heverlee kazerne and Heverleebos. But I am forced to make a little detour since there is a mountainbike race taking place on the military grounds and parts of Heverleebos. Making my way to the Kerspelstraat and further on towards the Prosperdreef I conclude a nice ride that has netted me quite some heightmeters and nice passages.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 57.5K and 650/700 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h05mins

12211/106930

26-11-2011, 14:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It has been awhile since I took the Hilset BBW out for a ride so today when I got home from work I needed to clear my head and agreed on doing an easy rode ride. The temperature was still mild with 9 degrees on average throughout the ride and there was no wind. Instead, a bit of mist had hung over the country most of the day and the roads were a bit moist from it. I did a figure 8 ride starting over Haasrode and Bierbeek-Bremt, then riding towards Neervelp and Opvelp, Meldert and into l'Ecluse. From there I rode thought La Bruyere and took a right towards Beauvechain and onwards to Opvelp again. Left here into Bierbeek and then towards Haasrode Industrie and back to Blanden along the Expressweg and into the Duivenstraat and Banhagestraat . Easy pace and a relaxing 113bpm on average demanded no stress from my body.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 47.5K and 290/320 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h11mins

12154/106230

23-11-2011, 19:24 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This years' november month is turning out to be one of the dryest november months - ever. The pluviometer of the Blanden weather station stands at 9.2mm of rainfall. This translates into dry trails. Except for the morning dew and the mist there is no water to make puddles or mud. Of course this is a blessing for every mountainbiker and today I could not resist grabbing the Obed and ride out. I settled for a Meerdael Forest perimeter ride where I try to follow the forests' edge as close as possible. Halfway through the ride, when I arrived high above Sint Joris Weert I saw the sun setting over the Dyle and Nethen valleys. Stopping long enough to take some pictures and then I rode on towards the Kouterbos.

Heverleebos was the last patch of Meerdael and I completed my lap in complete darkness with whisps of mist rolling in the open spaces between the trees. My Lupine Tesla had been burning for about half an hour when I arrived home with a nice distance under my belt. The cold was seeping in already and I think it will drop below zero tonight. But until the end of the week there is still no rain forecast.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 36.5K and 350/405 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h10mins

12107/105910

21-11-2011, 18:42 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I wanted to do a fun ride with my Litespeed Obed and I had an idea in mind that would bring me towards the Margijsbos for some exploring and climbing. I rode out just past 10AM and the temperature was around 2 degrees C. The sun was out though so I expected it to warm up a bit during the riding. Starting out in the Kouterbos and making my way to Sint Joris Weert where I crossed the Dyle valley to reach the slopes of the ridge between the valleys of the river Dyle and the river Ijse. I could feel my legs were still recovering from yesterdays' ride so I took it easy on the climbs. Upon reaching the top of the ridge I set about doing every possible climb and descent I could reasonably find in the Margijsbos. The small tracks were wet with dew and treacherous during the downhills. They also did not offer much traction on the ascents so I had to take care to find the perfect track. Big fun of course since I love to climb and explore new tracks. Often I had to turn back because a track that looked promising at first ended in the private property or appeared to have been overgrown. But I did find some new trails that connected me to the next uphill or downhill. I also came accross one trail that had been closed before - and the "private property" markings were still there - but where the community had hung a notice saying that walkers and bikers had a right of passage here. In case of complaints or trouble they even mentioned calling the police.

A good development, there have been a lot of bridleways that have been unlawfully privatized in the past, and the community is now reinstating them as valuable passage-ways. Upon reaching the outer edge of Huldenberg, and the edge of the Margijsbos, I decided to ride back towards Sint-Joris-Weert and add another couple of climbs into Meerdael Forest. It turned out that I still had a lot left in my legs because I added quite a bit of heightmeters in my home forest to the already impressive amount I made in the Margijsbos. The sun was out in full november splendour now and the forest was shining bright and colorful. I stopped to take a picture before tackling the long climb along the Savenel estate wall.

In the end I had a great ride, with lots of fun trails and with an moderate pace and average heartrate that was only 115 bpm. So an easy ride despite all the climbing. The average temperature was a mere 6 degrees Celcius but that was more than enough with the right amount of clothing. During this week I passed the 12000K mark for this year, which makes me very happy because that is usually the amount of kilometers I set out as a goal for a years' riding. Having passed the 100000 heightmeter mark a while ago I have reached both of my cycling goals already for this year.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 42K and 635/705 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h41mins

12070/105505

20-11-2011, 14:31 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Cold but sunny this morning so around 10AM I rode out towards Lovenjoel to pick up on the Lubbeek Bloso routes. I was on the Green route which turned out to be the main loop, with the Blue and Red routes adding two extra loops, respectively to the east and the west of the main loop. Before long I came upon the Blue loop which rides all the way to Binkom. Nothing really special here, lots of small tarmac roads with the occasional offroad or semi-offroad track breaking the boredom. I was more concerned with passing cars than with the intricacies of the trail. Entering Binkom the church lies dominantly before you on a hill.

19-11-2011, 17:01 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf