The YBB is back. Filip fixed my rear wheel, put in new nipples and respoked the lot. Yesterday I went over to collect the wheel, and today I was curious to try the bike out. Rode exactly the same trails I rode last monday. But the Moots got me over them a lot faster. The added rear suspension - even though it is only an inch - makes the ride more comfortable and allows to remain seated - and pedal ! - where I would otherwise have to lift my behind from the saddle. The trails were still perfect, the only thing missing was a little sunshine to light up the trails. Now it was already darkening in the forest, making it more difficult to read the trail in heavy undergrowth situations. I did NOT want to break my wheel again. But fortunately all went well and I could maintain a very high speed throughout the ride. The legs feel good.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 28K and 210 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h07mins

9347/80220

21-09-2012, 19:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw the return of my old and trusty Litespeed Obed. After a long while of trying to spec the correct size of bottom bracket,  Filip Sport finally found one and I got the bike back today. I decided to check it out on the trails of the Meerdael Bloso's. Doing the same ride as last tuesday, but in the opposite direction, would also be a good way to find out if a front suspension bike is faster than a non-suspended bike on those trails. While it is difficult to compare bikes in exact the same conditions from the first meters the Obed feels more comfortable. The front suspension and the slightly fatter tyres are credit to that. The tyres were inflated to 3 bars and the bike was fast. Too fast because I hit a queer stone that protruded from the soil. I hit it hard and even though at first I thought I got away with it, after a couple of 100 metres I felt the air leak out of my rear tyre. Damn, snakebite. Stopped and started replacing the inner tyre, pumping it up and got under way in a little under 10 minutes. Of course, my rhythm was broken and I needed to find the good pace again during the first couple of kilometers.

But then I got rolling again, stopping one more time to add a little more pressure to the tyre at the Mollendaal cabin. The trails were fast and even the wind in my face on the Valduc fields did not bother me. The big ring only came off during the 3 long climbs in Nethen, at the Kluis and in Sint Joris Weert. Before long I was back at the new parallel road  to the Weertse Dreef, straight through the Military compound . With 15 degrees C and a little bit of sun from time to time the conditions were excellent. My average heartrate was higher than last tuesday but so was my average. The bike gets the thumbs up, and so does Filip for delivering a well-prepared bike. I need to have the rear wheel straightened though because the hit caused a little deflection.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 33.5K and 370 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h25mins

9319/80010

20-09-2012, 19:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This late afternoon saw me doing the remainder of the Meerdael Bloso routes. Picking in where I left them yesterday I set out on the Blue, followed by the red and finishing with the remainder of the blue. The pace was again fast. The non-suspended Hilset BBW helped me to maintain a good pace, and most of the shorter climbs where taken on the big ring. The long climbs near the Kluis and along the Nethen Savenel wall were taken on the middle ring, but at a high pace. My legs felt strong and the temperature of 16 degrees C was ideally suited for a long-sleeved intense ride. I have to pass chez Filip Sport one of these days to pick up the Litespeed Obed and the rear wheel of the Moots YBB. Some suspension will be a welcome relief from the harsh rides the BBW offers. The steering won't be as chirurgical and there will be some softness in the suspended front end during the turns but once I get used to that I should be able to move fast with both bikes.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 33K and 355 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h27mins

9286/79640

18-09-2012, 19:25 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I rode out with the Hilset BBW for a fast and short intense ride offroad. Riding to the Green Bloso and then trying to stay on the big ring. Not so difficult for most of the track but on one place I had to shift to the middle ring - the connoisseurs will know where. I felt good and the speed remained relatively high. The tracks were dry and fast. With an average temperature of around 18 degree C and a shy sun peeping through the clouds my long sleeves made me sweat near the end of the ride. But I succeeded in putting down a fast ride . The Litespeed Obed is at last ready to roll so I might use that later this week on the same track to see what difference a bike with front suspension makes.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 28K and 205 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h10mins

9253/79285

17-09-2012, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Sunny day and I rode out with the Vortex for what I figured would be around 60-70K. Starting out on my usual loop through Bierbeek and then in Opvelp taking a left turn towards Beauvechain and La Bruyere. On the climb out of Opvelp I overtook 2 bikers. Asking if they would ride together with me for a while I spotted that one of them was riding a beautiful Litespeed Archon. So we got chatting and talking about the bike it turned out to be a 2011 model he got as a replacement for a broken Vortex. I had heard of the late Vortex being a little too light in the headset area and indeed that was also the spot where his had developed a crack. But the Archon - the heir of the Vortex - has been inforced around this area. Not the most beautiful headset tube ever with its fat welds but they seem to be doing the trick of keeping the frame together. The heritage is obvious, the many faceted upper tube and the swaying seatstays are typical of the high-end Litespeed frames. He was accompanied by an Italian who was training for a triathlon. They were good companions until I took a left towards Jodoigne and they veered to the right towards Pietrebais on the N240. Passing Jodoigne I picked up on the Ravel 2 towards Eghezee. Entering Eghezee I took a right towards Mehaigne and Aische-en-Refail . The western wind was blowing hard on the plains and I was glad to turn towards the north and  reach Perwez. Riding on towards Thorembais and Maleves-Sainte-Marie-Wastines I reached Opprebais. Little venture to the west again before turning right and entering Incourt. Crossing the N91 I came to Dongelberg where I took a left towards Lathuy . Straight on towards Melin and the back into the wind to reach the N240 again. I decided to add a loop over La Bruyere, Meldert and Hoksem. From Hoksem the successive climbs towards Kumtich and then from Kumtich to Willebringen took a lot out of me. The wind was adding an extra difficulty but I pressed on and reached Neervelp and then tackled to long climb towards the Bierbeek Watertower. The last kilometers were ridden on automatic pilot. Haasrode and ultimately Blanden passed under my wheels. A solid ride as it turned out. The weather was great, sunny, not too warm but I could have done with a little less wind.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 105K and 665 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h38mins30secs

9225/79080

16-09-2012, 15:07 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw me back on the Litespeed Vortex for a ride on the road. It was rather cold and there was a fresh wind blowing from the west. I rode out over Bierbeek, Opvelp and Beauvechain towards La Bruyere. There I turned left to reach L'Ecluse and Meldert. Straight on to Hoegaarden where I had to be careful in the downhill along the narrow tarmac road. There were plenty of wet patches and with the skinny race tyres every little bit of mud becomes a slippery trap.
Made it though and I turned back to start the ascent towards the Marollenkapel. Down again and then into Oorbeek. From Oorbeek I rode to Hoksem and then up Hoksemberg towards Kumtich. From Kumtich I turned into the wind towards Willebringen and onwards to Honsem. Taking a right turn here I rode into Opvelp and then took another right towards Neervelp. From here I took a left taking me into Bremt. Onwards along the E40 to reach the Haasrode Industrie terrain where I did a couple of laps before following the Expressweg into Blanden.

15-09-2012, 13:53 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw some light drizzle and a lot of wind. So I either took the mountainbike or I stayed home. I chose the former. The forest was still pretty dry and it seemed like I recovered well from the past 2 days of exploring the offroad. I set out in Heverlee Forest for a fluid ride along the bigger trails, interspersed by short venues into smaller singletrails. The BBW gave me hell , no suspension meant I had to take the most of the multiple small and big bumps, the wheels and frame filtering out only so much. Especially the alu/carbon combination of the Extralite handlebar and stem, coupled to a stiff pace carbon fork gave me hell. I should really change these for titanium. I have a Morati M-bar sitting idle for years and there are lots of titanium forks on Ebay. I might look into that once my Moots Psychlo-X is build up.
From Heverlee forest I set course for the Zoete Waters, into the Kouter forest and onwards into Meerdael forest. Still looking for different trails I zigzagged through to reach Nethen. Here the heightmeters accumulated quickly and before long I decided to move along in the direction of Valduc for a stretch along the Red Bloso towards Mollendaal forest. From here I turned west and made my way back into Blanden.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 40K and 475 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h56mins30secs

9055/77940

14-09-2012, 19:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another mountainbike ride since I decided to join the KBC MTB Club on their weekly ride. It has been a while and with the summer season nearly open the rides become shorter due to lack of sunlight. Starting at 6.30PM in Haasrode we set out for Korbeek Lo and Linden. Here we had a bit of fun in the forest with its steep climbs and descents. Darkness fell and I had to urge them to start heading back for Haasrode. Crossing the N2 I decided to let them find their own way back. We split up into 3 groups. Most of them didn't bring lights. I had my Lupine Tesla with me and I set a course for home through Korbeek Lo and then towards Haasrode Industrie and the Expressweg. I had a good ride, I would only advise them to either leave an hour sooner or bring lights so we can make it a nightride. The forests are tricky in the fading light and accidents tend to happen sooner to the unsafe or overly bold.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 45k and 460 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h10mins

9015/77465

13-09-2012, 21:34 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

With the weather taking a turn for the worse, with temperature dropping below 15 degrees C, with a cold wind blowing, and because it had been quite a while since my last venture on a mountainbike, I decided to risk riding in the forest. During my walk yesterday I did not spot any horseflies so I am quite confident their season is at an end. Nevertheless I dressed up well, covering all in long sleeves and long pants. Taking the only mountainbike that was in running order - not counting the Merlin which would be serious overkill in Meerdael Forest - the Hilset BBW was my steed today. The change in position from the 4 months on the road bike was stunning. I pumped up my Hutchinson Python Airs and still they felt too soft during the first couple of K. Later on I would perceive them as being too hard because my hands began to hurt from holding on to the stiff front end. I chose fast and wide forest trails, not wanting to drop the speed to horsefly pace. Making a big loop in the fields of Valduc and Hamme Mille before returning to the forest for a good hour of solid biking. After the initial shock my body became used to the mountainbike quirks again. I still have some road mileage in me though so I am hoping the weather will change again to a more balmy 20 degrees C during the next weeks.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 25K and 210 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h03mins30secs

8970/77005

12-09-2012, 19:41 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another beautiful sunny day and I rode out quarter to 10 again. After yesterdays' intense ride I decided to take it easy today. Focussing on relaxed riding without putting too much strain on my muscles. That also meant being overtaken a couple of times and even though I could, I did not attempt to follow the overtakee . I started out over Egenhoven and downtown Bertem and then made my way to the Tervuursesteenweg in the direction of Tervuren. Following that for a while until I took a left turn to enter Vossem. From there I rode up to Duisburg and continued to Eizer and Overijse. Dropping down to the Frans Verbeeklaan I decided to tackle the Hagaard, a steep short climb which brought me up to the N263 which I crossed and then I followed the Reutenbeek and made my way to the Geitenhoek and Terhulst. Entering Brabant Walloon now for a short while into Rosieres and then back into the Flemish province of Brabant when I entered Tombeek. Up to Ottenburg and then onwards along the Vetsaart through Sint Agatha Rode. Taking a left towards the Wolfshagen which I followed to Neerijse. Here I joined the Sint Jansberg Steenweg which took me back to Egenhoven. Crossing into Heverlee and then back home along the Naamsesteenweg. Even though I accumulated quite a bit of heightmeters I experienced this as a relaxed recovery ride. Near the end I could up the speed a little bit with the gentle southern wind pushing me along. The sun and light breeze provided excellent conditions for a cycle outing. 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 70K and 530 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h32mins30secs

8945/76795

09-09-2012, 13:55 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Beautiful sunny weather this morning. When I rode out around a quarter to 10 it was still cold but it warmed up fast. The wind seemed to be blowing from the south and there was not a cloud in the sky. I rode to Hoegaarden where I took the Ravel 2 in the direction of Namur. Pretty soon I was joined by another cyclist who asked if he could stay behind me. I did not mind and set a good pace. When I overtook 2 other cyclists they also stayed behind me so the four of us rode on towards Eghezee. Two of them took other directions but the first one stayed with me until I commenced the long downhill into Namur. He left some space. I was making good time because when I came to the end of the Ravel I had less than 2 hours of riding time. Which is a first for me. Turning around and starting the 7K climb out of Namur I had the wind - and the sun - in my back. I could enjoy a great view of the plains surrounding the Ravel when I rode towards Longchamps. Past Eghezee and another climb up to the fields past Hottomont. From there it was slowly downhill until I reached Jodoigne. I was still going fast because I passed the 3 hours with 88km on my GPS. From Jodoigne to Hoegaarden where I had to take the long climb up to Sint Katharine Hauthem. From there a last stretch on tarmac thought Meldert and Opvelp into Bierbeek. From Bierbeek I set towards the Haasrode Industrie for what seems to have become my standard last loop these days. Along the Expressweg towards Blanden closing a long and fast ride. With an average heartrate of 140 bpm I have put in a very solid training . 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 117.5K and 600 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h59mins

8875/76265

08-09-2012, 14:54 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

We are experiencing some fine weather for the beginning of september. When I rode out around 5.30pm the temperature was still over 25 degrees C. Heading for the Zoete Waters over Vaalbeek I continued towards Sint Joris Weert, Nethen and Hamme Mille. Came upon some "Grinta" arrows that I followed through Tourinnes until I reached Beauvechain. The arrows pointed left, but I took a right turn towards La Bruyere. Here I headed for L'Ecluse and Meldert, returning to Beauvechain afterwards. Straight on to Opvelp and then left towards Bierbeek. With the setting sun in my face I rode to the Haasrode Industrie where I did an extra lap before returning to Blanden along the Expressweg. The legs felt fine and I could maintain a good speed throughout this ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 55.5K and 310 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h48mins30secs

8757/75665

07-09-2012, 20:54 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Went out for a little lap this evening. The weather was less brilliant than yesterday with cloudy skies but still 22 degrees C. The wind was blowing from the north, adding to the feeling of freshness. Long sleeves. Rode out over Bierbeek and Opvelp. The long climb out of Opvelp went fine, I had a gut on a mountainbike in my sight. He was really fast and I only caught him at the top of the hill. In Beauvechain we split and I wa son my own riding fast through Tourinnes and Hamme Mille. The mac-adam roads were not the best for smooth riding. Crossing the N25 and I was on tarmac speeding towards Nethen and on to Sint Joris Weert. There was quite a bit of car traffic here and with my speed I had to take care not to get squeezed or blocked. But all went well and at the Zoete Waters I was again on mac-adam for a couple of kilometers until I reached Vaalbeek and its seperate bikepath. Into Blanden and in just over an hour I was back home. Nice and quick fun ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 32K and 195 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h02mins30secs

8702/75355

05-09-2012, 19:27 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I had a good days' rest yesterday so when I got home from work today I felt like trying out my legs. Started on my 50K loop over Bierbeek, Opvelp, Beauvechain and La Bruyere. Into L'Ecluse and then down and up in and out Meldert. Straight on towards Hoegaarden, long climb out past the Marollenkapel and then into Oorbeek and further on to Kumtich. From Kumtich I closed the loop over Willebringen, Bremt, Bierbeek and into the Haasrode Industrie terrain. Along the Expressway back into Blanden and I noticed the legs were just fine. The weather was clement with 26 degrees C and what looked to be a northern breeze.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 54.5K and 405 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h52mins

8670/75160

04-09-2012, 20:35 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

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