Last night saw a considerable drop in temperature. This morning it was just above 0 degrees. I rode out with a layer of clothing more as compared to yesterday. I used some very thin undergloves which Elias - who is currently racing in Finland - hinted me to. They look and feel like something very flimsy but they actually seem to work. The Assos gloves I used today are rated to 6 degrees C and with the undergloves I could descend 4 or 5  degrees lower without any trouble.
My ride was a simple one. Riding along the Expressweg and then the Geldenaaksebaan into Heverlee. Crossing through to the Arenberg area and Egenhoven and then follow the Sint Jansbergse Steenweg all the way to Huldenberg. Here I rode up the Smeysberg and then down again into Sint Agatha Rode. Could not resist taking a picture of its church and the tree in front of it. Some postprocessing with Vignette for Android produced a nice vintage result.

Riding on towards Sint Joris Weert and then through Meerdael Forest along the Weertse Dreef. I had only felt a couple of raindrops but not long after I arrived home it started to snow. My legs felt already stronger than yesterday.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 38K and 335 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h43mins

1149/10860

19-02-2012, 13:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After the cold spell during the first 2 weeks of februari the weather changed this week to a wet but warmer couple of days. I decided to take a couple of days rest to let the pieces fall together. My body felt tired and I struggled with a cold during the first days of this week.
Today I rode out for an easy recovery ride. The temperature difference from last week is almost 20 degrees C. The wind was blowing though and I took it easy . There was a light drizzle near the end of the ride but I took my precautions with fenders and a Gore-tex jacket.
Meanwhile, the Moots Psychlo-X is on its way to Belgium. It left Brookline, Massachusetts on Februari the 12th and has passed through the  sort facility in Chestnut Hill, MA and is now residing in another USPS sort facility in Nashua, New Hampshire . 

Ride Stats : 30K and 195 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h22mins

1111/10525

18-02-2012, 12:36 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

According to the weather forecast today may well be one of the last ice days. It looks like next week temperatures might at last go over the 0 degree C marker. Anyway, tonight saw another -12 degrees and when I left around noon it was still -6 degrees C. The forest lay calm and still white waiting for me. I crossed a multitude of bikers completing the Zoenk organised ride before I came on my lap and was on my own. Except for the occasional runner, a lost mountainbiker and a couple of walkers I could enjoy peace and calm on my laps. I chose for an 8K lap and did that 4 times. With around 120 heightmeters a lap and some singletrack this was far from easy. But there was no rush and I could enjoy the passing of the trails whilst practicing skills and honing fitness. When I arrived home I had an average temperature of -3 degrees C and my heartrate was well down with an average of 122bpm.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 37K and 535 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h09mins

1081/10330

12-02-2012, 15:15 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Sunny skies but very cold this morning. Another -10 degrees C night. I wanted to do two big laps in Mollendaal forest so I started out around 10.30AM with the Obed . There was a cold wind blowing but I was wearing lots of layers of clothing and hoped for the best. The snow was a little less than a couple of days ago - probably due to the temperatures reaching almost 0 during the last 2 days and a bright shining sun whic helped in the thawing process. I set out along the north-south lines of my big Mollendaal lap and things went well. After the initial cold shock my feet and fingers started to warm up and I was fine for another lap. 

I saw lots of mountainbikers and there ware a multitude of trails which had been well-used. My sunglasses helped against the blinding rays of the sun  in the snowy patches. When I arrived near the Bremberg the wind was at its worst. I had to use my balaclava to keep my lips from freezing and my breath to become icy. I saw some rider of MBC De Zoenk who were busy arrowing their organised ride that takes place tomorrow. Maybe I will do part of it, but I don't think I will leave before noon. Today I had a good workout and a great ride on the hard snowy trails.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 50.5K and 630 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h51mins

1044/9795

11-02-2012, 15:05 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The temperature went up to around 0 degrees today so it looks like the winter is slowly losing its grip. When I rode out it was back below zero but it felt a lot warmer than a couple of days ago. In the forest I was also sheltered from the northern breeze that had been blowing during the day and into the evening. I decided to to monday's ride again, but add a couple of loops going further south where possible. The resulting ride was a nice one. I am getting used to the snowy trails because I could up the speed a couple of notches as compared to monday. The snow is getting mashed together by all kinds of traffic and here and there the bare ground is coming through. Also some frozen puddles where care has to be taken when riding over them/ Black ice is very slippery. On the whole I quite enjoyed the ride, I had to use my light for the last half hour or so, the sun is already noticeably longer in the skies and of course the snow does help to see where you are going. I missed the moon this evening , she must be full or waning gibbous.
I bought another titanium cycling frame yesterday. I cannot divulge more details about it , I will have to wait until it arrives. Suffice it to say for now that it is a Moots Psychlo-X frame and I intend to build it up as a cyclocross bike. More news to follow in the next couple of weeks.
 
Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 26K and 305 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h29mins

994/9165

08-02-2012, 19:21 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Started out in an outside temperature of -3 degrees and I went for a ride into the snowy forest. I had devised a lap in my head that consisted of ride north to south in parallel lanes which meant taking in a couple of climbs but also some singletracks. The forest trails were still snowed under but here and there you could see the forest floor coming through. The moon was nearing the ides of february and shone through the trees, illuminating the trails in a eery yellow light. The sun disappeared beyond the horizon in a blaze of red. It looked to be slippery here and there but as far as I could feel it wasn't. The only trouble in the fading light was the ruts and trying not to get caught into one. Letting the bike ride over them, keeping the weight to the rear and the momentum up is the big trick. I had the feeling I was close to having a wheel blocked a couple of times but letting go of the brakes did the trick. The ride was a good one and when I rode out of the forest near the end I could feel the cold falling on me from the starred sky. When I arrived home I noticed the temperature had indeed dropped to -9 degrees C.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 22K and 285 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h21mins

968/8860

06-02-2012, 19:53 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw a temperature that was a little warmer than yesterday. With only -6 degrees C on average the cold already stung a lot less during my ride. I decided for another snow ride in Mollendaal and Meerdael Forest. The trails were great and the snow was as dry as sand. I ventured into the plains of Mille and Valduc and the sun was feeling warm on the sparse skin that was exposed. I did a lot of twisting and turning and after an hour or two I decided to call it a day and head home.

There were a lot of mountainbikers in the forest - judging by the tracks and also crossing them along the way . Since I rode alone I tried some smaller tracks, most were OK and I only had to watch it in the downhills, with the frozen ruts being the major danger. I mainly stayed in Mollendaalbos today, only venturing over the Naamsesteenweg for a brief loop taking me past the Warande Pond and then up towards La Trace and back down to cross the Naamsesteenweg again at the Naamse Delle. 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 36K and 555 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h13mins

945/8575

05-02-2012, 14:31 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Minus 15 degrees C this morning. Brr. I waited until noon to ride out. I had Johan H. coming over and join me on a ride in Meerdael Forest. Yesterday in the afternoon it had snowed lightly for a couple of hours which did 2 things : send the traffic in Belgium in a major traffic jam and provide us with a beautiful dry snowy landscape. About 5-6 centimeters of the white stuff was waiting for us this morning.
Well dressed and in an average temperature of -9 degrees C we completed a ride that would lead us through the forest and into the fields of Hamme Mille and Valduc. The snow was of the dry kind, it did not stick at all and was very easy to ride through. Care had to be taken of course because of the frozen ruts beneath it. When we arrived in the fields there was an icy cold fog hanging over them. Fog that froze and added to the cristalline snow already on the trees. Beautiful.

04-02-2012, 17:06 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Temperature dropped to -8 degrees C tonight and this morning saw a blistering cold easterly wind add to the ambient temperature. It made sense to ride in the forest to avoid the wind as much as possible. I waited until 10AM before riding out for a twisting ride. I had my new Flite saddle on the Obed and it immediately felt better than the old one which was worn to the point of sagging.
It was -6 on average during my ride and from times to times I could feel the cold wind making it feel even colder. The bits with the wind in my back and the sun on my face felt glorious though.

01-02-2012, 13:20 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw - at last - the start of something that looked like Winter. It was around 0 degrees C and it had been snowing lightly all day. I rode out into the forest but I knew it was not nearly cold enough to dry out the trails. I kept to the bigger lanes and even there the sounds coming from the contact of my wheels with the forest floor were mushy instead of wheezy. The light snow kept me company throughout the ride and with an air temperature of -1 degree C it was not too cold. Hopefully the temperatures will drop during the next couple of days so that the trails will freez-dry. For now I contented myself with a relaxed ride in the darkening forest. When I got home I cleaned my bike but noticed it was frozen over. Still I managed to get the chain clean. The cranks are developing a little play, it is time to look for new bearings.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 27K and 255 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h21mins30secs

859/7400

30-01-2012, 19:18 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw the entry of the Winter King. The wind was blowing from the northwest and it was icy. Temperature was down to 0 degrees C when I left around noon for another issue of my little lap. Same lap as yesterday but this time I had the Marathon Supreme tyres under my Hilset. They gave me less resistance but I did not ride faster than yesterday. This might have a lot of reasons, I had the feeling I was riding as fast as yesterday but the clock doesn't lie obviously. Not that it matters, I also was a little more tired than yesterday.
Belgium had its first women on the podium of a Cyclocross World Championship this morning, congratulations to Sanne Cant !

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 25K and 220 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h06mins

831/7145

29-01-2012, 14:03 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The Hilset Big Bad Wolf is back. Filip put on a new 32tooth XTR M960 chainring and changed the shifting cables as well. I left the big Big Jim tyres on and with a 12/34 XTR cassette I was well geared for the hills. I decided to do the exact same ride than yesterday. Just past Bierbeek my chain fell off, looked like the KMC lock had come off. I put on an old SRAM lock and rode onwards. The weather was great, a little bit of sun, less wind and an average temperature of 6 degrees C made this an enjoyable ride. The pace was a bit quicker than yesterday.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 25K and 210 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h02mins

806/6925

28-01-2012, 13:58 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

With the Hilset being at Filip Sport for the necessary repairs I still had to take the Obed for a road ride. Today saw the return of the sun after a couple of grey dull drizzle days. I settled for a quick lap starting over Bierbeek and Opvelp and making my way through Beauvechain, Tourinnes-la-Grosse and Nodebais before closing through Hamme Mille and along the Naamsesteenweg back into Blanden. The legs felt good and the ride was refreshing and suitably short.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 25K and 205 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h07mins

781/6715

27-01-2012, 17:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw brighter skies with the sun peeping through the clouds and no rain since last night. The wind was also a bit subdued but still noticeable. I had a day off from work so decided on a longer ride. Starting out over Bierbeek, Meldert and then onwards to Hoegaarden. Down the cobbles and then making my way onto the Ravel for a couple of kilometers before taking a sharp right turn towards Saint Remy Geest. Nice power interval training on the steep climb up to the church and the cobbles didn't make it any easier. More cobbles still on my way to Melin. The sun was shining now and the bright colors made the wind feel less annoying. On the plateau it was blowing in my face but before long I could hide into the valley of the Pietrebais. Had a little stop for a snack next to the Eglise Saint Laurent and took some pictures while I was there.

Onwards to Cocrou and Grez and then crossing over into Archennes and Florival. Avoiding the steep climb out of Pecrot I took a left towards Sint Agatha Rode instead. From here I rode to Neerijse and then followed the N253 all the way to Egenhoven. Turning right into the Gaston Geens laan and then past Arenberg for a right turn again that would take me into Oud-Heverlee. The Zoete Waters were next and before long I was into Vaalbeek and Blanden, completing a good solid LSD ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 75.5K and 610 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h28mins

756/6510

23-01-2012, 15:08 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Yesterday it was wet and windy and I decided to do a long walk instead of taking a bike out. I did a fine and muddy loop in Meerdael Forest. I came upon a relatively new sculpture by the hands of Ad Wouters. This is a collection of 2 sets of giant mushrooms situated on top of the Hercules Salon, not far from Nethen and the Kluis.

I had a fine workout with 12.6km in 2h10 and was curious how my legs would feel today.

This morning saw me taking the Obed, with the road wheels of the Hilset, for an easy ride . Or at least, that was the plan. There was quite a bit of wind blowing from the west and this would bother me during the first half of the ride. I rode to Egenhoven and then followed the Sint Jansberg Steenweg all the way to Overijse . Even a little bit further as I climbed up towards Maleizen, taking a left and descending along the Bergstraat into Tombeek. Now the wind was blowing in my favor and it felt good to be pushed gently forward. From Tombeek to Terlanen and then up to Ottenburg. From Ottenburg it was mainly downhill again into Sint Agatha Rode and Sint Joris Weert. From Weert to the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek and I was nearly home. The average temperature was 6 degrees C during this ride but it felt colder due to the wind and the occasional raindrops .

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 52.5K and 435 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h26mins

680/5900

22-01-2012, 13:01 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Time for a proper mountainbike ride. Took half a day off from work and around 11.30AM I started on the trails of the Meerdael Bloso routes. I started with the Red until it met the Blue. Continuing on the Blue I could notice a strong cold wind blowing from the south. With an average temperature of 2 degrees C the chill factor was close to freezing, even in the relative shelter of the forest. When I arrived near Nethen I decided to warm up by doing some extra climbing. I noticed a lot of fallen trees on some of my favorite tracks there. Lets hope the forestry clears them soon because some cannot be contoured and have to be tackled with the bike in hand. The trails were mostly hard and frozen but here and there it was more muddy and when I was climbing int the fields coming out of Bierbeek it was slippery so care had to be taken not to topple over. The strong wind was now blowing full in my face which made this the toughest bit of the ride. I was glad the forest closed around me and I was more or less sheltered from the wind, once again. I was just 5 minutes in when it started to rain lightly. Talking of  timing, that must be excellent timing.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 41.5K and 610 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h30mins

628/5465

18-01-2012, 15:05 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another cold night followed by a clear and sunny, but cold, day. In the evening I rode out with the Obed for a little stroll into Meerdael Forest. I did not want to take the singletrails because I suspected them to be a mix of harder frozen tracks - which is good - and muddy patches where the sun could reach the forest floor. I was correct because even though most of the trails had stiffened up substantially these last couple of days, there where places, even on the bigger trails, where the puddles were not frozen and there was some mud. I took the Red Bloso in the opposite direction and after reaching the point where it touches the Blue, I followed that Blue Bloso in the direction of Vaalbeek. I had decided to make it a relatively short ride so I turned home after some 20K to make it a nice short relaxing ride. With an average temperature of 0 degrees C it was not too cold either, at least not with the right thermal protection.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 22K and 215 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h14mins

586/4855

17-01-2012, 19:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

First freezing temperatures this year and the first time the land was white with frost. I rode out with the Obed for an easy ride. I started out along the Red Road Bloso taking me over Vaalbeek, Sint Joris Weert, Sint Agatha Rode and Ottenburg into Terlanen. Here I decided to veer away from the Red and ride towards Maleizen, taking the climb along the Terlanen church into the plains. There was no wind to speak of and the sun was welcome to provide some warmth on my face. I rode all the way to Maleizen and then took a sharp right down towards Overijse. Following the N253 until I arrived in Huldenberg where I rode up the Smeysberg crest, took a left and zoomed down the Smeysberg again. Another climb took me back on the crest which I followed towards Loonbeek. From here I took the N253 again until Egenhoven, where I took a right along the Gaston Geens laan into the Arenberg Wetenschapspark . Right again nto Heverlee and then along the Naamsesteenweg back towards Blanden. The average temperature during this ride was 1 degree C and the little wind that was blowing came from the East.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 56K and 530 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h41mins

564/4640

15-01-2012, 14:15 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Close to freezing this morning so I had to wear an extra layer of clothing to feel comfortable. The weather was dry and clear, with only a slight breeze blowing from the northwest. I took the Obed out for a ride that I have been done many times before. Riding into Bierbeek and picking up on the Ludo Dierckxsens trail. The markings are barely visible but I have memorized the track. From Bierbeek it leads me to Opvelp, turning right and through Beauvechain and La Bruyere I reach the outskirts of Pietrebais. Here I take a double left for a little loop before crossing the Chaussee de Namur and riding into Roux-Miroir. From Roux the road takes me to Sart-Risbart and ultimately to Chaumont-Gistoux and Gistoux. Some steep climbing here and there and riding out of Bonlez another long climb awaits me.

Crossing the Chaussee de Huy I drop into Dion Le Mont. Before long I cross the N243 again on my way to Dion-Le-Val and Doiceau. The Chaussee de Wavre is my next crossing and I am now close to Archennes. From here I quickly reach Florival and take a left towards Ottenburg. Into Sint Agatha Rode and here I decide to leave the LD trail and add another loop. Riding towards Neerijse and there taking the Sint Jansbergsteenweg through Korbeek Dyle towards Egenhoven. From Egenhoven I take a right into Arenberg and then make my way through Oud-Heverlee towards the Zoete Waters. By now my legs are beginning the kilometers but I'm nearly home. A good ride, in clement weather and at an easy pace. With an average temperature of 4 degrees C this is the first ride in sub-5 degrees temperatures. Maybe we will some winter at last?

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 81K and 660 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h43mins

508/4110

14-01-2012, 15:27 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another night-ride on the Obed since the Hilset is still waiting for its replacement 32-tooth XTR M960 chainring. That got ordered today chez Filip Sport, so should arrive somewhere in the beginning of next week.
The weather was clement with an average temperature of 9 degrees C and almost no wind. A little wind but not something nearly as bad as last week. I decided to do the haasrode tour, connecting Bierbeek-Willebringen-Kumtich-Hoksem-Oorbeek-L'Ecluse-La Bruyere and leaving at Beauvechain to make my way towards Opvelp and Bierbeek. I could feel yesterdays' ride in my legs so I took it easy, with a low average heartrate of 112bpm throughout the ride. 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 55.5K and 440 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h38mins

427/3450

11-01-2012, 20:54 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf