Things were continuing to look good. It remained dry and the wind blew in our favor when we left Bourg en Bresse on our way to the gate to the Alps, Grenoble. The temperature was still in the low 10s but that did not bother me much. A light windbreaker took care of that.
The first 70K, up to and over the river Ain, announced themselves to be rather flat and easy going, the occasional hill notwithstanding.. Our first rest stop was in Loyettes, just before crossing the river Ain Isere and entering the Rhone-Alpes region. I had a local gentleman taking a picture of me with the church as a backdrop.

23-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw the start of a new era in our adventure. It was dry at the start and the wind was no longer blowing in our faces. This would allow us to recover during the following days from the hardship - wind, rain and the long distances - we suffered the last 3 days.
Leaving Dijon we crisscrossed the Bourgogne wine-fields. Some small tracks which were covered with fine grit and puddles from the previous' days rain. One of our group had a flat tyre and she was assisted by two strong riders while the rest of the group continued along the tour of the wineries. Grand Crus to our right and left. The shy sun brought a smile to our faces while the road gently descended towards Nuits-Saint-Georges, where we crossed the A31 autoroute.
We were now entering the Cote-d'Or region and before long we crossed a filled-to-the-brim river Saone. Gently ondulating roads brought us to a first rest stop at Villegaudiin, next to the Chateau de la Marche.

22-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The fourth day of our journey announced itself as a long and tough ride. With almost 170km and over 1500 heightmeters it was going to be a handful, or should I say footful, being cyclists? . After 2 days of almost continuous rain we were glad to be greeted by overcast but dry conditions when we zigzagged out of Troyes. The track had to be changed overnight because the valley of the Seine was inundated and we had to stay higher up. A big word of thanks to Jan, who spend half the night retracking, saving and resaving the GPS trail. 
For the first hour the skies remained dry. Then the rain started to fall for the next couple of hours while we made our way through the valleys. We smiled when we passed through Coulmier le Sec (le Sec !) before reaching the pittoresque village of Villaines-sur-Desmois, where our reststop was planned. I had a look around in this village and took some pictures while eating and drinking to keep the strength for the rest of our ride.

21-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another day that announced itself long , wet and cold. The second set of rain trousers had to come out, the first one being insufficiently dry. None of us was equipped for this kind of prolonged wet weather. Who could have imagined that at the end of may we would have to experience days with temperatures barely reaching the low 10s and with days without seeing the sun?  Leaving the Champenois area we followed a route with beautiful views on the champagne fields and houses. Gradually we climbed until we reached Le Mesnil sur Ogier. The rain was light but incessant and the wind was not in our favor either (did I already mention that? I'm sorry ) . The only thoughts we had was to continue, not to flatten, and to get dry at the end of the ride. Pity because the area we were riding through was very beautiful and after some 45K into the ride we were descending into the Seine valley. Again, the risk of inondation was big and we were glad we could still pass on roads that had not been closed. The risk for that happening was getting bigger each day. I managed to get another flat tyre somewhere.  During the ride we were so happy that we could stop at the rest stops provided. Here we were being pampered by Fons, Nicole, Babette and Melinda, who made sure we got enough to eat and drink, and even provided us with hot soup. Also they kept our spirits high. Thanks guys, you were like guardian angels to us.
 After 6 hours of cycling we arrived in Troyes and had to risk our lives riding through most of the city in the rain. In the evening we had a nice dinner in a local restaurant.

20-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The second day of our great adventure started out dry, leaving the Ibis hotel in Charleville-Mezieres , but soon it would start to rain, a little drizzle at first but that soon changed to light rain. The first part of the ride consisted of two gradual climbs and then we would descend into the valley of the Aisne. It had been raining quite considerably in the north of France the last couple of days and this could be seen by looking at the amount of water standing in the fields and the rivers. Gradually we made our way south, with the rain and a strong headwind as our companions . I got a flat rear tyre and changed it.
It is funny how quickly I adapted to the rain. Of course, I HAD to, but still it took some time to flick the switch in my head and just go ahead and ride. Never mind the rain, if it wants to fall, let it fall. There are much worse things in life. One only has to think about the cause for which we are riding. Cancer. Why be bothered by a little wetness from the sky? That is peanuts compared to what cancer does to people.
Entering the Champenois area would have been a much more exciting experience had the rain stopped. As it was, we climbed the Montagne de Reims in a subdued way, riding through the magnificent forest on top of it before descending into Mutigny. This was the first steep and long hill of the adventure, and it took the legs some getting used to, to get into the rhythm. The fresh  young wine ranks were greeting us as we made it to the top of a steep hill, where we could overlook the Moet and Chandon winefields.

19-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Early start in Leuven. Around 7.30 we gathered at the Novotel for a cup of coffee, meeting up with our fellow cyclists and a photoshoot. Starting a bit later the first bit was very familiar to me since it took us along the Ravel 2 towards Namur. In Namur we passed along the rivers Sambre and Meuse and before long we were at the first rest stop in Jambes. Here the Avis camionette awaited us with some food and refreshments. The skies had been threatening but so far they remained dry and we could continue with our bellies full along the river Meuse towards Givet and the entry into France. The sun was out now and even though the ride looked long with 175K we made good progress.

Endomondo

Ride Stats : 177K and 1490 heightmeters (Garmin) in 07h36mins

18-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I had agreed to ride for the KBC b.strong team during one of the days of the 4-day 1000km Against Cancer event. As the event drew nearer I began to worry if I would be up to the task of riding 250km in a single day. Stress developed, my stomach got in a twist and last wednesday the pressure caused my back to start hurting. I made an appointment with an osteopath and he put everything in place again in my back and neck, giving me a lecture on proper nutrition as well. I will try to take more care of what , how much, and when I eat.
Resting for the rest of the week allowed my body to recover from the manupilations and with some extra encouragement of a friend I was ready to face to challenge.
Up bright and early at 5.30am , riding the car to Mechelen where the start was to be given at 7.45 for my group. I decided to ride in the 27kph average group, the 24 being too slow and the 30 too fast for my liking.

The weather was cloudy but even though it was fresh - around 8 degrees - and there was a lot of wind, I settled for a 3 layer solution, the Assos BlitzFeder being the final insulation layer. I also put a thin rainjacket in my backpack because some showers were forecast. The bike was in tiptop shape and from the start the big peloton settled in a nice average. The big group makes for easy riding, but also calls for concentration . We reached the first rest stop in Zelem - around 60K into the ride - and I was still feeling fresh and full of energy. Eating and drinking being very important . When we left the stop we had our first rain shower. The peloton took a pause to allow everyone to don their raincoats or other protection. The raincoat would be worn for the rest of the ride.
The wind was blowing in our backs and some 4.5 hours into the ride we reached the halfway point, 125km into the ride, Bilzen. When we arrived in the city hundreds of people were lining the streets, making a lot of noise, cheering us on. Amazing, we felt special. In Bilzen we would stop for a warm meal . I checked for the members of the other KBC b.strong teams and found some company for the meal. Pasta and hot soup, delicious.

Around an hour later, we started again for the second leg, the ride back to Mechelen. I had some fears for the wind but once again, being in a big group helps , and we made good speed on our way in . Two more rest stops were planned, one after around 40K in Beringen, in the neighborhood of the old mining site. Again , I stocked up on plenty to eat and drink. The organisation was almost perfect. A big fleet of Police and Way Captains on motorcycles stopped all traffic and blocked all crossroads so that our peloton could pass. The only time we had to stop was when we came to a railroad crossing and we had to wait for a train to pass. Also, the rest stops were well stocked and manned by the most friendly people. All for the good cause. A big applause for them.

40K later we were already at the last rest stop, situated in Westerlo. Again eating and drinking for the last stretch. We already passed the 200K mark and I was beginning to feel confident I would make it. When passing in Duffel and riding on a big road towards Mechelen distaster struck. The group had to brake for some potholes in the road, I had to turn into the sideberm briefly and when we started rolling faster again I could feel my rear tyre losing pressure. Up goes my hand. The truck with the technical assistance team stopped besides me, my wheel was taken out and I was given a replacement wheel. It was a Shimano cassette but the shifting went fine and before long I was back at the peloton, which had dropped its speed. Riding behind the truck coming back was easy. After the ride I would pick up my wheel, with a new inner tyre and inflated. Great job guys !
Arriving in Mechelen was another great experience, the Grote Markt and the streets leading towards it were packed to the brim with enthusiastic supporter, making a lot of noise and cheering us on. What an expirience. I was very glad to be able to participate and the ride was completed without any physical trouble. Ok, my neck , triceps and hands started to hurt near the end of the ride and I could also feel some pain in my hips, but my back didn't budge. Good job of the osteopath!

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 257K and 685 heightmeters (Garmin) in 09h34mins

5236/18415

12-05-2013, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Great sunny weather today so I took the Litespeed Vortex out for a longer ride. Starting over Bierbeek, Willebringen and Hoksem to reach Hoegaarden, where I followed the Ravel 2 . Past Jodoigne I followed the Ravel 2  to where it intersects with the L147 ,which connects Landen with Perwez, and goes further to Gembloux. I took a left turn and followed this small tarmac road through Jauche and Orp to where it ends, just before Landen. A great stretch of road that is calm and deserted. With the wind in my back I could maintain a good speed here, concentrating on recuperation from yesterdays' ride. Turning left once more and now riding back towards Hoegaarden through Overwinden, Ezemaal , Goetsenhoven and Outgaarden. Flirting with the language border. Back in Hoegaarden I had to tackle the climb out of it with the cobbles near the end giving me a good shaked. Meldert and another climb followed. The wind was bothering me a bit , and of course I was also starting to feel the kilometers - yesterdays' and todays' - accumulating in my legs. In Opvelp I turned towards Beauvechain for a loop that would bring me through Tourinnes and Hamme Mille on to the N25 . Back into Blanden I had enjoyed a solid ride .

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 91K and 560 heightmeters (Garmin) in 03h19mins

4980/17730

05-05-2013, 15:06 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning saw clear and sunny weather. The temperature was just above 10 degrees C but that did not bother me much. On the contrary, I prefer temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees, they are perfect for cycling and certainly for mountainbiking. I set out through Meerdael Forest and Sint Joris Weert towards Sint Agatha Rode where I joined the Black Yse and Voer Bloso trail. My plan was to combine all three routes today. There was some kind of happening because around these new trails because I passed a lot of bikers on the black trail looping towards Terlanen and Huldenberg. Here I switched on the Blue which took me way up north to Duisburg and even Vossem and Moorsel, before turning towards the east and later to the southeast to join Leefdaal. Here I hopped on the Green to complete the last of the trails before joining the Black Bloso again riding down to the Wolfshagen and into Sint Agatha Rode. The trails are well marked, but at some points there are road works and of course no arrow was to be seen. So I took the precaution of downloading them into my Garmin. Better be safe than sorry.
What can be said about these trails? Well, they are varied, a lot of field tracks, a couple of passages through little forests - Sint Agatha Rode Bos and Moorselbos among them - some of the trails run parallel with the Overijse Bloso routes and the Tervuren Bloso routes. They skid along the edge of the Sonian Forest, so if you feel up to it, you can combine them, just make sure you take enough to eat and drink ! A couple of passages through villages demand your attention, be advised that you do NOT have any right of way just because you are a biker following arrows. I was fortunate to do these trails after a long dry period. Some passages can be quite muddy . I was surprised at the amount of climbing, but there are quite a few long and even steep climbs. The climb out of Huldenberg along the Dreefstraat, the dreaded Moskesstraat in Terlanen, the Kleine Hollestraat out of Leefdaal, and the climb into the Kleine Keistraat towards the Grote Keistraat are some that I remember quite well. There are also a couple of zooming downhills , all easy now that its dry but some might prove quite a handful when the floor is wet.

When I arrived in Sint Agatha Rode I decided to add a couple of extra kilometers to my ride. I first rode through the river Dyle estuary to reach Pecrot. Here I worked my way up the Malaise crest and then dropped down into Nethen. Along the Savenel wall I joined the Blue Meerdael Bloso and followed that, and later the Red, accumulating trail after trail, kilometer after kilometer, and sight after sight. Nature is becoming alive at last, trees are turning green with foliage and there are flowers - white, yellow, blue, red -  everywhere. When I arrived at the Margrietendreef I decided to call it a day and ride into Blanden for a last loop.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 73K and 915 heightmeters (Garmin) in 03h32mins

4889/17170

04-05-2013, 15:03 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This evening it was the weekly KBC MTB ride. I was the guide and I suggested we took towards the Black Yse & Voer BLOSO and try to ride that before returning to Meerdael  Forest and Heverlee Bos. We started out with 6 men and 2 women and rode through Heverlee Bos and the Doode Beemde towards the Wolfshagen. Into Sint Agatha Rode where I started following the Black Bloso route. One of the women had told me she was tired from a long ride on the roadbike yesterday, so I kept the speed moderate but obviously when we reached Sint Agatha Rode Bos the track started to go up and down and I noticed the girl had some trouble keeping up with the pace. Up the Moskesberg - another killer - and then into Huldenberg to reach the river Yse. Here we decided  - well the girls did - to follow the river Yse. So I missed out on a long climb out of Huldenberg. We joined the Black route again a little further downstream where we took a right turn up into the Margijsbos. Down again towards the Wolfshagen and back into Sint Joris Weert where I climbed into Meerdael Forest along the Borrestraat. From here on the trail stayed more or less on the higher ground as I rode towards Vaalbeek where we crossed into the Heverleebos again. A last stint along the singletrails and macadam roads of the military compound of Heverlee and we were back at our starting point. Considering the moderate speed we did manage to do a nice little distance before darkness fell.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 54K and 460 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h37mins

4816/16255

02-05-2013, 21:53 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

First ride on the Litespeed Vortex. To recover from yesterdays' mountainbike ride I chose to do some laps at the Haasrode Industry Park. The wind was blowing quite fiercely from the northeast and I was glad at least during the uphill part I had it blowing in my back. Did 12 laps before I really got fed up of the continuing tugging from the invisible hands. Riding back home along the Expressweg.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 37K and 230 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h20mins

4762/15795

01-05-2013, 15:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

When I came home from work and the temperature was still around 15 degrees C I rode out with the Moots YBB. I started out with no particular plan but followed the Langendaal along the edge of Meerdael forest towards Sint Joris Weert. Rode through the Doode Beemde, passing on the bridge where I fell last october. Everything is bone dry now so there was no risk of slippage. Towards the Wolfshagen and up the Smeysberg where I stumbled upon Green Bloso arrows. Since I had no other plans I decided to follow them. Into the Yse valley and then out of it towards Leefdaal where I came upon the starting point of this route. Turned out to be part of some new BLOSO trails which passed through Bertem and Huldenberg. I continued along the Green and gradually came back up the ridge where a nasty wind from the north greeted me. Luckily the trail turned towards the southeast and down into Neerijse.

From Neerijse it went back over the Smeysberg to drop onto the Wolfshagen again. I left the route and rode back through Sint Joris Weert into Meerdael Forest. Here I followed my front wheel along some nifty climbs and descents, following the Meerdael Bloso for a while. Doing a perimeter ride which brought me to Mollendaalbos and then back into Blanden along the Godensalon and the Margrietendreef. A solid 50K of riding which had me dig deep from time to time but I was able to maintain a good speed throughout the ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 52K and 620 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h29mins

4725/15565

30-04-2013, 21:15 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw me out with the Moots YBB. Fridays' rain was long forgotten and when I entered the forest I could not see anything but bonehard dry trails. I decided to start with my twisty mollendaal trails loop and whilst weaving through the forest from north to south and back again I enjoyed the crisp but clean air. Temperature was around 10 degrees C. No more, no less. When I finished the trail section I rode back to the Weertsedreef for another succession of trails, leading me towards the Warande Pond. From here I followed some more trails bringing me to one of the nicer looking valleys in Meerdael. I took 3 pics and kinda stitched them together with Paint. This is the result. Try not to see the obvious color differences, like I said , no posh stitching program, just cut and paste.

Venturing further along smaller trails , checking out some tracks I did not do for a long while, I wound up at the Hertebron near La Hetraie and decided to take a picture of the bike.

Riding onwards I took the new biketrail parallel to the Weertse Dreef and then took a right turn on the Herculesdreef and another right turn to get back into the military compound and from there I followed the Green Bloso into Vaalbeek. A little venture into Heverlee bos closed my ride for today. Entering Blanden I followed some footpaths and then took a last loop to arrive into Blanden again following the Margrietendreef. Had a long and solid ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 53.5K and 700 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h42mins

4673/14945

28-04-2013, 15:18 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Haven't been feeling super well these last couple of days so I decided against riding out today, instead allowing me a recovery ride on the Tacx Satori. The weather badly deteriorated, dropping 18 degrees C in a day and bringing some - much needed by the dry nature - rain yesterday. Today the sun was out again but temperatures of 8 degrees C were not really begging me to ride out. Allowing the fallen water to settle on the trails for one more day I am aiming for an offroad ride tomorrow.
Todays' ride went well, relaxing at a low resistance and started reading yet another one of F.Paul Wilsons's majestic dark scribblings ;  Sibs , on my Kindle.

Ride Stats : 48.5K in 01h06mins

4620/14245

27-04-2013, 12:12 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The last couple of days saw the return of warm and beautiful weather. It has been dry for several weeks now but the temperatures have been letting us down. Not so today, with temperatures well into the 20ies, reaching 26 degrees C at one point, a lot of sun and a breeze from the south, nature has awoken at last after the winter that seemed to last forever. Every flower is pushing to reach full bloom and the trees are becoming greener with fresh foliage.
So I decided to get the Moots YBB out and join my fellow KBC'ers for their weekly outing into Meerdael Forest and Heverlee bos. Quite a large group, with 10 men and 2 women. The first part consisted of twisting and turning singletrails in Heverlee Bos. Until someone broke his X0 derailler right off and he had to turn his bike into a singlespeed. Luckily his X0 survived and the replaceable derailler hanger saved his frame. But 2 people remaimed behind to make sure he got home allright. This included the guide so I had to take the honors from then on. We were with fast and slower riders so I decided not to make it too difficult. Passing at the Zoete Waters and then some little trails around Sint Joris Weert before riding towards the Herculesdreef. A little venture from the Kouterbos into Meerdael Forest with some more difficult  trails around the Kluis and the the long climb on the BLOSO route. That was about the most strenuous part and I guided them back into the valley of the Tomme, passing over the Tomme and then along the Prosperdreef back into Heverleebos and towards the starting point at the Heverlee kazerne. I hope all did enjoy the fine weather and the super ride.  

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 45K and 420 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h15mins

4571/14245

25-04-2013, 21:33 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Did not feel recovered enough from yesterdays' ride to venture out with the KBC MTB team. So I decided to stay indoors and have a recovery ride on the Tacx Satori. Worked my way up to resistance level 2 for 15 minutes but I left it at that.

Ride Stats : 45km in 01h01mins

4526/13825

18-04-2013, 20:08 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

17-04-2013, 20:20 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

A well-deserved day of rest yesterday and today I wanted to do an easy recovery ride so I settled for the Tacx Satori. An hour of high-rpm and low-resistance pedalling . Just enough to get the juices flowing in my legs and hopefully speed up the recovery.

Ride Stats : 43.5K in 01h01mins

4438/13505

16-04-2013, 19:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This morning still showed overcast skies but the temperature was a balmy 11 degrees C when I rode out on the Moots Psychlo-X. I decided to ride through Bierbeek, Meldert and then descend into Hoegaarden. Very cobbly descend but the 28mm tyres on the Moots add to the comfort so I could just let the bike go. Up to Zetrud-Lumay on the Ravel 2. Past Jodoigne and just before Eghezee the Ravel was closed. The wind had been blowing in my face up till then so I was pleased I could take a right turn towards Noville-sur-Mehaigne to reach the N91. Following that towards Incourt I had the wind blowing from my left.  From Incourt I took a right turn towards Dongelberg to have a look at the Chateau. Straight on to Jodoigne where I took a left towards Pietrebais on the N240. The wind was blowing from the side again which made this a tough section. Once I was back on the N91 and looping around the Beauvechain Airport the wind was at last in my favor and I zoomed along into Hamme Mille. Attacking the climb out of Hamme Mille along the Naamsesteenweg and then I was nearly home, just a little loop into Blanden. This turned out to be my longest ride of the year so far. If the weather keeps getting better I will soon switch to the Litespeed Vortex, but first I need to continue breaking in the Brooks saddle on the Psychlo-X for as long as possible . I have nearly 500K on it now and I'm guesstimating I need another 250-500K on it for it to start mellowing out and forming itself to my buttocks.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 74K and 480 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h48mins

4395/13505

14-04-2013, 13:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Weather forecast for today called for clouds and rain in the PM, so I set out for a moderate distance. I decided on doing the second - less intense part - of the Brabantse Pijl. Starting along Vaalbeek and the Zoete Waters towards Sint Joris Weert and Nethen where I picked in on the BP. The trail was easy and with the strong western wind mostly in my back things progressed quite well. Hamme Mille, Beauvechain, Hoksem and then up towards Kumtich. When I turned a double left in Kumtich to ride towards Willebringen I stopped laughing. The wind struck me with a blow and kept me working hard to join Opvelp. The loop to Bierbeek and then down towards Bremt brough some relief. Onwards to the Haasrode Industrie Park where I left the BP trail and finished off my ride by riding through Heverlee Park and then into Blanden along the Naamsesteenweg. I felt some droplets of rain every now and then but no major weather perks except the wind.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 59.5K and 435 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h18mins

Arriving home I settled on the Tacx Satori for another 40 minutes of cooldown.

Ride Stats : 28.5K in 00h41mins

4321/13025

13-04-2013, 13:45 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf