Did not feel like doing a long ride today so I started out towards Egenhoven and the Sint Jansberg steenweg towards Overijse. The Gordel was happening and I had to slalom between slower bikers approaching Overijse and also on the way up towards Maleizen. Took the Reutenbeek towards Rosieres and then down into the valley of the Ijse. Long climb up in Genval and then down again into the vally of the Dyle to cross Wavre and follow the Chaussee de Huy for a while. Little detour along the Rue de les Louvranges and some quiet backroads to reach Gistoux. Following the Chaussee de Huy again all the way to Perwez where I took a left on the Ravel. This was turning out to be a longer ride than I anticipated but I felt reasonably good and at the moment the wind was gently pushing me to the east to reach the Ravel 2 . On towards Jodoigne and continuing along the Ravel until I reached Hoegaarden. From here the wind was becoming an enemy instead of a friend. It came from the west and was playing with me whilst I made my way towards Oorbeek, Kumtich, Willebringen and Neervelp. On the long climb towards the Bierbeek Wereldbol I was lucky to have the slope between me and the wind. But when I reached the crest of the hill it was back. Luckily it was all downhill into Bierbeek now and I continued towards Haasrode and ultimately Blanden. A solid ride, the second 100K ride of this weekend and I was tired but pleased when I reached my home. It turned out to be quite a hilly ride - especially the first part  - and the weather was Ok. Overcast when I left but the skies broke now and then which upped the temperature from a frisky 16 degrees C at the start towards an average of 21 degrees C on average throughout the ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 101.5K and 775 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h42mins

8616/74755

02-09-2012, 15:21 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Two days off the bike  - did an 11.3K forest walk yesterday - and today I was fresh for a long ride. Starting out over Bierbeek and Meldert to reach Hoegaarden and inject myself on the Ravel. Through Jodoigne and reaching Perwez in a record time - according to Strava. I did not have the impression I was riding that fast but a little bit of wind in my back might have made it look a bit easier. In Eghezee I rode on to Longchamps and then turned towards Mehaigne and Aishe-en-Refail . A little bit later I was in Perwez. Riding onwards to Maleves-Sainte Marie-Wastinnes where there seemed to be a cycling event of some sort taking place - lots of slow bikers on the roads - and then taking a right again in Opprebais to reach the N91. Following that for a little while and then turning towards Dongelberg. The chateau was looking pretty hiding behind the trees in the sun. The weather was sunny but rather cool. The high summer temperatures are behind us and there is a certain smell of autumn already in the air. past Dongelberg and then taking a left turn towards Lathuy and further on, crossing the N240, towards Melin. Here I took a left again to reach the N240 again. Following it for a short time and then taking a right turn to reach La Bruyere. Onwards to Meldert where I rode back whence I had come a couple of hours earlier. Opvelp and Bierbeek and then towards the Haasrode Industrie terrain where I did a couple of laps before following the Epressweg towards Blanden. A good solid LSD ride in fine conditions.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 102K and 605 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h37mins

8515/73980

01-09-2012, 14:55 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Coming home from work I checked my rear tyre. This time it held. I had to change the outer because the Continental Force did not want to seat properly. I put on my old Vredestein Fortezza outer and this seated just fine.
I set out towards the Haasrode Industry terrain for an hour and a half of local laps. That way I can get a good feel of the new rear tyre and in case anything happens I'm not too far from home. All went well. My legs hurt - especially my calves - and I think it is time for a resting day. I also need to get me some magnesium caps because I felt cramps coming up during the effort. 19 laps later I was back on my way home along the Expressweg. A good condensed and intense effort. Pity the southern wind was blowing full in my face on the climb, preventing me from taking it with the big ring in front. I could have , but that would have cost me too much effort and an uphill sprint every lap.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 53K and 310 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h42mins

8412/73375

29-08-2012, 20:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Didn't feel like riding too far out. Had to change my inner tyre before leaving since my spare from yesterday was flat. Hurried job because I could feel a bump in the wheel while riding, I need to reset the inner tyre later. I rode to the Haasrode Industry Terrain and did some fast laps there. The wind was making some trouble, just in my face whilst on the climb. But I managed a good speed and a good average despite the wobble in my rear tyre.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 39.5K and 230 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h16mins

8359/73065

28-08-2012, 20:25 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Home late from work but I still wanted to do an 80K ride so I set out with a good pace on the Vortex around 5.30pm. From Bierbeek over Meldert to Hoegaarden I injected myself on the Ravel 2. The wind was blowing from the south but luckily the Ravels shrubberies sheltered me most of the time. Only on a couple of exposed stretches in the fields did I have to push a little harde. Through Jodoigne and arriving at Eghezee I took a sharp turn to the right and followed the N91 for a long and fast stretch until I reached Pietrebais. The wind was blowing in my favour now and I maintained a good speed. Crossing the N240 I rode along and passed the 60K mark in exactly 2 hours. Taking a fast turn on some bad mac-adam I had a nasty shock in my real wheel and indeed, snakebite! The first flat in 2 years on this bike and I had to change the inner tyre and pump it up with my Blackburn framefit pump. This proved to be a great pump because in no time and without any effort my tyre was inflated to 7 bars and I could continue. What a blessing to have this pump. It looks weird on the bike but at times like these you are glad to have it. In less than 8 minutes I was back on the road. Through La Bruyere and then passed Beauvechain where I beat my strava record on the climb out of Beauvechain towards Opvelp. In Opvelp I turned left and into the sun for teh stretch towards Bierbeek. From Bierbeek I made for the haasrode Industrie and finished my ride along the Expressweg into Blanden. I was not surprised to see my 31kph average. I really felt good today and even with the wind against me I could maintain a good speed. With a 129bpm average heartrate this turned out to be a very good workout and a great ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 81K and 425 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h36mins

8320/72835

27-08-2012, 21:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw a lot of showers and a fierce wind blowing. Around 4pm things dried out and around 6pm I decided to ride out for a couple of hours. Things went fast with the wind more or less in my advantage as I rode from Bierbeek over Opvelp to Beauvechain, onwards to La Bruyere and then through L'Ecluse and Hoegaarden. I decided to ride to Tienen and return straight to Leuven along the N3. Here the wind was more to my disadvantage but I managed to keep my speed. Arriving in Leuven I went for a lap around it. had to climb the Keizersberg since the bikepath along the Ludenscheidsingel was closed. Back on the Singel I made my way to the Naamsepoort. From there I rode along the Kardinaal Mercierlaan to Heverlee and the Zoete Waters to finish off through Vaalbeek and into Blanden. The weather was rather cool with only 22 degrees but at least it stayed dry and the wind seemed to settle down near the end of the ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 64K and 390 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h09mins

8239/72410

26-08-2012, 21:17 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

From the weather forecast it looked like this weekend would be one determined by rain showers and gusty wind. Not wanting to sit home and watch the time glide by I decided to give it a shot and rode out . Starting over Heverlee and Egenhoven I was soon forced to stop and hide, put on my Assos raincoat and wait until the shower passed. On wet roads I rode on to Korbeek Dyle and the Zoete Waters. The wind was misbehaving from the southwest but I decided to risk it and set towards Sint Joris Weert and Nethen. Lo and behold, the roads were dry here. Onwards to Hamme Mille and then upwards to the fields above Pietrebais. Turning to the 1st Wing Airbase the wind was in my favor now and cruising along against 40kph I passed through La Bruyere and set to Meldert. Here I chose the way back home since another little shower was falling and the streets were damp again. Passing through Opvelp and Bierbeek I rode to the Haasrode Industrie for a couple of laps. The wind was fierce now and the last stretch along the Expressweg was not an easy one with the wind blowing full in my face.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 57K and 360 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h59mins

8175/72020

25-08-2012, 14:48 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Warm and sunny when I left but already dark clouds seemed to be gathering at the horizon. The forecast called for showers in the evening and night, the first this month. So I settled for a fast short lap. Speeding through Bierbeek, Opvelp and Beauvechain and braving the breeze while making my way through Tourinnes, Hamme Mille and Nethen to Sint Joris Weert. There was a lot of car traffic and care had to be taken from both sides. Finishing the ride along the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek putting just the right amount of stress on my muscles to call it a fun ride. Near the end the clouds were dark and threatening and just after I arrived home some light rain started to fall. A blessing for nature.

Endomondo track


 Ride Stats : 31.5K and 190 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h03mins

8118/71660

24-08-2012, 19:24 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another dry and sunny day so I started out again around 5pm. On the same route as yesterday, Bierbeek to Opvelp, then Beauvechain and at La Bruyere take a left towards L'Ecluse. Passing high above Meldert and taking a right turn to Hoegaarden. In Hoegaarden climbing out to the Goudberg Geosite and then towards Oorbeek and Kumtich. My speed was a lot faster than yesterday. Legs felt better and there seemed to be less wind also. Contributing to a higher average . From Kumtich I took the wind in stride to climb to the E40. Passing that I came into Willebringen and then took the small tarmac road to Neervelp. From Neervelp I reached Bremt and then made my way parallel to the E40 towards Bierbeek and Haasrode Industrie. The last stretch along the Expressweg was a blast for my legs. They felt strong and enduring.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 51K and 355 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h43mins

8087/71470

23-08-2012, 19:52 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

A days' rest yesterday so today I was fresh for a new ride. The weather had turned a bit; still sunny but with a cool breeze from the southwest it felt less hot to ride out. My legs were a bit full but I still managed a good average speed at a low average heartrate. I set out over Bierbeek, Opvelp, Beauvechain and La Bruyere and the took a left towards L'Ecluse. From Ecluse I rode to Hoegaarden where I set for the Goudberg Geosite and then turned into the wind on my way to Oorbeek and Kumtich. Willebringen , Neervelp and Bremt were next and I finished my ride  over the Haasrode Industrie and along the Expressweg into Blanden.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 51K and 365 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h50mins

8036/71115

22-08-2012, 20:07 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After the ontense heat of the last two days, today was a little bit less warm, and when I rode out at 5pm the sun was shaded and there was a little bit of wind blowing from the north. Cooler wind which was a joy for once. I started out along Haasrode Industrie and then set for Neervelp and Willebringen. Up and down to Kumtich and Oorbeek and then up to the Goudberg geosite. Down to Hoegaarden and on to the Ravel 2 which brought me to Jodoigne. Takin a double right here through the little city and I was on the N240 climbing out of the valley of the Grande Gette . Past Melin and then right past the 1st Wing and through La Bruyere. I added a loop over L'Ecluse and Meldert before setting sail for Beauvechain and Opvelp. With the wind in my face but for once I did not mind because it had a nice cooling effect. Through Bierbeek and Haasrode and I was yet again speeding down into Blanden. Had a good ride with an average heartrate of only 114bpm even though my average speed was above 29kph. Must have been recovering well.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 68.5K and 415 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h20mins

7985/70750

20-08-2012, 20:35 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today even hotter weather was forecast so I rode out at 7am when temps were already above 20 degrees C with the sun just over the horizon. The passages under the trees bordering the route to Meldert were cool and the climb next to Meldert bos was a relief. Into Hoegaarden and onto the Ravel 2 for a stretch of 35K on a small tarmac road bordered at times by shrubberies, offering coolness but also a variety of flies. Downhill towards Namur I stopped when I reached Vedrin. 2 hours out and I turned around for the climb back to the crest and then the long downhill to Eghezee. From Eghezee the Ravel 2 climbs up to the ancient battlefield overlooking the Hottomont tomb. From then onwards the trail goes downhill again towards Jodoigne. It was just past 10am when I passed Jodoigne for the second time today and all that was left was riding to Hoegaarden and then climb out of that town to the road towards Meldert. The sun was burning now and I did not waste any time getting back home, just before 11am. Had a good long ride and I was back home before it really got hot out there.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 110.5K and 545 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h51mins

7917/70335

19-08-2012, 12:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Hot weather forecast for today, so I started at 8AM in an effort to beat the heat. Starting with a temperature already around 20 degrees C and the wind which was slowly picking up from the southeast. I rode towards Hoegaarden where I picked in on the Ravel 2. Following that past Eghezee to reach Longchamps. The wind was nicely sheltered by the shrubberies around the Ravel track. I was taking it easy on the long steady uphill from Jodoigne to Eghezee. Arriving in Longchamps I took a right turn and rode towards Perwez, passing first through Mehaigne and Aische-en-Refail along the way. The wind was in my back now and the sun also. From Perwez I took the Ravel coming from Gembloux back to where it merges with the Ravel 2 . Arriving at Hoegaarden again I decided to ride past the Goudberg geosite and then onwards to Oorbeek and Kumtich. Pausing for a while at the geosite I took a couple of pictures before moving on.

18-08-2012, 13:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

A quick dash around my parcours involving Bierbeek, Opvelp, Beauvechain, La Bruyere,l'Ecluse, Meldert, Beauvechain, Opvelp, Bierbeek and Haasrode. I felt surprisingly good after yesterdays' long ride in the blazing sun. My legs were strong and I could keep a hight average speed throughout the entire ride. The wind was blowing from the south-southwest and bothered me some when I rode from Meldert back to Beauvechain. It was not as hot as yesterday, only around 26 degrees in the late afternoon when I rode out.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 41.5K and 245 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h22mins

7705/69265

16-08-2012, 20:17 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

A day off from work and the weather looked to be hot and dry. Set out over Bierbeek and Opvelp towards Beauvechain and La Bruyere. Past the 1st Wing Airbase I picked up on the trail of the Circuit des Carrieres. Along the N240 for a short while and then turning left towards Melin and Gobertange. Some cobbles when arriving into Saint-Marie-Geest. Crossing the N29 and I was in the fields past Saint Jean Geest. The sun was out in full force and there was a dry wind blowing from the south-east. I felt a little tired from the past couple of days and the constant succession of little hills and descents, along with the wind, were taking their toll on my legs. Arriving in Pietrain I could relax a bit when following the N222 towards the northeast past Pietremeau. Turning right towards Noduwez and further on to Orp Le Grand put me in the wind again. The open landscapes offered no shadow and no remorse from the blowing wind. In Orp I stopped to take a picture of the chateau.

I remember coming here with my dad to follow the Trophee 875, a motocross racing event, in the late 90ies. Past Orp I took a left towards Petit Hallet and then right over the crest to Merdorp. I was very close to Hannut and a long way from home. The track was turning slowly towards the west now and the wind was starting to work more and more to my advantage. Past Merdorp I reached Wasseiges where the track turned around and then took a western direction to Branchon and Taviers. I was riding on the N624 and enjoying a very smooth tarmac. Past Taviers the trail took to the north and before long I was in Ramillies and under way to Bomal. The sun was starting to get to me and my bottle of drink was getting empty. I was glad to see the chateau of Dongelberg which meant I was getting closer to Incourt and indeed, after passing near the Carrieres of Dongelberg and crossing the N91, I was on my way to Longueville and Grez-Doiceau. Here the Circuit comes to its end. I rode towards Pietrebais and enjoyed the several life-size dolls on display in its streets. The theme seems to be "mariage". Next time I must stop and take some pictures. Today I was pressed to ride on because the heat was starting to get to me. My feet hurt and my bottle was nearly empty. Crossing the Chaussee de Namur and taking a small tarmac road though the fields to reach the N240, I was at the end of the Circuit. So I rode back to La Bruyere and Beauvechain, the exact opposite of earlier this morning. I was glad to arrive home where I could enjoy a nice cold drink and start my recovery from what turned out to be quite a nice ride, made tougher by the warmth and the wind in the first half. I had an average temperature of 31 degrees C, real summer heat.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 117K and 785 heightmeters (Garmin) in 4h13mins

7664/69020

15-08-2012, 15:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another quiet and warm afternoon so I set out for exact the same ride as I did yesterday. I just added a little loop from exiting L'Ecluse to Meldert to make it around 40K. The legs felt fine and the lack of wind made it easy to maintain a good speed throughout the entire ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 41K and 250 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h24mins

7547/68235

14-08-2012, 19:24 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Fun ride this late afternoon. Setting out over Bierbeek and Opvelp towards Beauvechain and straight through to La Bruyere. Left and then right into L'Ecluse. Out of L'Ecluse and then left again towards Beauvechain where I had to tackle the second long steady climb today. Fast legs and the shorter distance meant I did not have to hold back and just let the bike go. Riding back to Opvelp, left into Bierbeek and then speeding home along Haasrode and Blanden the average speed was well in the 30kph region. The weather was great with 28 degrees C on average and just the lightest breeze out of the north-northeast.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 37.5K and 215 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h15mins

7506/67985

13-08-2012, 18:29 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After watching Jaroslav Kuhlavy take the Olympic Gold in the XC mountainbike race in Hadleigh Park, I rode out for a medium-length ride myself. I wanted to check out the church of Neerheylissem so I again took the road through  Meldert and Hoegaarden, Outgaerden and Goetsenhoven - where I had to wait for a local cycling event to pass - and then to Meer where I took a right to reach the Brabant Walloon region and the Helecine village. Arriving in Neerheylissem I stopped near the church for a couple of pictures of this 12th century monumental building..

On towards Opheylissem where I had another appointment, this time with the old abbey which was turned into a Provincial protected building. Only a couple of buildings remain from the original abbey but they have been beautifully restored. The place is now very popular with tourists.

From Helecine I set towards Jodoigne on the N222 which took me with good speed through Pietrain and into Jodoigne. On towards Dongelberg and crossing the N91 into Incourt and on to Longueville. The sun was out in full splendour and even though I left at 4PM it was still strong and warm. Down to Grez where I took the direction to Hamme Mille along the N25. From Hamme Mille I finished my right with my usual loop through Beauvechain, Opvelp, Bierbeek and Haasrode. The wind was not as strong as yesterday and it looked to have shifted towards the southwest. With an average temperature of 28 degrees this was a very pleasant ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 78.5K and 535 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h46mins

7469/67770

12-08-2012, 21:05 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After watching French chica Julie Bresset take the Olympic Gold in the Womens' XC Mountainbike race in London, I strode with my Vortex on the roads. Following a track I found on the WWW I set out towards Meldert and Hoegaarden. Passing Outgaerden and Goetsenhoven I turned towards Helecine past Meer. Neerheylissem and Opheylissem passed - have to stop one time and take a picture of the marvelous old church in Neerheylissem - and I rode onwards to reach Linsmeau - the easternmost point of my ride. The wind had been blowing in my face up to here - a strong breeze from the southeast - but now I turned towards the southwest and things went more smoothly. Reaching the N240 just before Enines and turning right towards Jodoigne. Not for long since the track mad a loop towards Pietrain before taking the direction of Jodoigne again, this time following the N222. In Jodoigne I left the track for a detour towards Dongelberg to check if the castle was accessible. Nope, no luck. Onwards to reach the N91 which I followed towards Pietrebais. Here I turned to the right to pick up on the trail again crossing the N240 and riding into La Bruyere. On well-known roads here as I passed Beauvechain, Tourinnes, Nethen and Sint Joris Weert. The last loop took me to the Sint Jansberg steenweg in Neerijse, following that until I reached Korbeek Dyle. Here the track took a right turn again and set for the Zoete Waters. Passing though Vaalbeek I reached Blanden with a good distance behind me. The weather was splendid with temperatures around 26 degrees C and bright sunshine. The steady breeze from the southeast kept it from becoming too warm.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 91.5K and 620 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h16mins

7390/67235

11-08-2012, 19:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was fine this evening so I took out for a ride. Starting out towards Korbeek Dyle where I took the Sint Jansbergsteenweg through Neerijse and Huldenberg towards Overijse. Here I took a right towards Hoeilaart. I stopped chez Filip Sport to have him take a look at my rear derailleur. The chain is making a lot of noise on the cassette in the lower gears. Filip fiddled a little but the sound did not go away. I rode on and climbed up to Maleizen and then set sail towards Terlanen. Right to Wavre and then to Ottenburg whence I descended into Florival. Through Pecrot and then up the Rue de Pecrot on the 15% slope to reach Nethen. Sint Joris Weert and the Zoete Waters and then onwards to Oud-Heverlee. I decided to add another loop so set towards Heverlee and then up to the Industriepark. Following the Expressweg brought me to Blanden with a nice average for what turned out to be a hilly ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 69K and 505 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h24mins

7299/66615

10-08-2012, 21:24 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf