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| Tales from the Woods |
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| 30-05-2014 |
 Kom Op tegen Kanker |
This morning saw the second day of the yearly 'Kom Op tegen Kanker' challenge, where the aim is that teams bring in 5000EUR for the battle against cancer. This buys a 4 day stint of 250km a day, to be ridden by maximum 8 persons.
Today was my day. I was to ride the second leg in this years' challenge, a 250K trip between Mechelen and Geel, and back to Mechelen again. I was a bit weary because the last couple of months were full of lower back problems and I was not sure how my lower back would cope with a 250K ride. The weather forecast was calling for dry weather, some clouds in the morning and the sun coming through after noon. I decided on wearing a couple of extra layers in the form of my Assos windbreaker and a light Moots shell. Leaving at 7.40AM it was still rather fresh but by the time we reached the first rest stop, some 2 hours into the ride, the first layer was finding its way into my back pack. At noon, when we arrived in Geel for our lunch stop, the Assos would also be packed and tucked into my shirt. I decided to keep the armlings because I didn't have any suntan with me and the sun was burning . Did not want to risk a sunburn.
The arrival in Geel was a memorable one. Long queues of people along the roads, all making a lot of noise with bells and screaming their lungs out in support. Wall of sound. Impressive !
During lunch I was able to hook up with other riders of the various KBC-b.strong teams. Some were riding the 1000K solo, which is quite an amazing feat. Me , I was part of a 4-person team, each taking 1 days and 250K in his or her stride.
My lower back in the meantime was coping very well. I had taken some paracetomol to make sure any pain would be dulled but I could not feeling anything untoward. I had to get used to riding in a big peloton again, where you need to stay in the front half, lest you want to sprint after each and every corner to join the pack again. The pace is more even, the closer you are to the front of the bunch. Lessons quickly learned. The bunch was moving at an average pace of 28kph. Police and motorcyclist were closing of every crossroads so the bunch could move without having to stop or even slow down. Like a real peloton in a race. It was a great experience to ride like this. talking to other cyclists along the way, each with his own reason to join a ride in the battle against cancer.
         
The lunch was a moment to join the other b.strong teams and share our experiences. Some of them would ride the complete 1000K over the 4 days, me I was more than happy to do only one leg of 250K. In the afternoon, we got back on our bikes for the ride back to Mechelen. The shoulder and neck muscles began to tyre and my legs weren't as fresh as half a day ago, but in all I was feeling OK. The lower back did not give any signals of distress. The sun was out now but there was also a bit of wind blowing from the north. We were looping towards the north and it was good to be in the peloton. The rest stop after 2 hours into the ride was a welcome relief. We were now moving towards the southwest and the wind was no longer a factor. The bunch was getting more restless but nothing the road captains couldn't handle. No flat tyres this year so I was happy about that. The arrival in Mechelen was a big party. Lots of people cheering us on and the market place was filled to the brim with enthousiastic people. Supporters and family.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 251.5K and 400 heightmeters (Garmin) in 09h03mins
3150/8510
30-05-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 25-05-2014 |
| Hottomont |
Today was election day and after doing our duty I was restless to ride out. The sun was shining and the forecast for the next couple of days wasn't very good. So after pushing the thought around for a bit I rode the Vortex out. First toward Bierbeek and Neervelp and onwards to Willebringen, Hauthem and Hoegaarden. Here I injected myself on the Ravel 2. I felt quite good despite yesterdays' ride so I could maintain a good average as I followed the Ravel slowly upwards through Jodoigne and then onwards in the direction of Eghezee. I cut to ride in Hottomont and stopped for a couple of pictures before riding onwards to the N91.
On the N91 I could make good speed, with the wind - the little there was today - half in my back. In Hamme Mille I was bothered by a Vito driver who began pushing me to the side of the road with his car, yelling and calling me names . Shouting that I should ride on the bike path instead of on the road. I joined the bikepath as soon as I could but he kept harassing me verbally until halfway up the hill . I wished him dead, kept my mouth shut and continued my way.
Just a short stretch to go now. On top of the hill I rode back on the road - the bikepath is a mess up there - but I did not see my friend anymore.
Undisturbed by other car drivers who probably understood why I was riding on the road instead of on the dump they call a bikepath here, I joined the super bikepath on the Naamsesteenweg leading all the way into Blanden. Had a good ride except for the moment with the idiot, which upped my testosteron quite a bit. But I decided to let it go, he does not deserve my attention or thoughts. This was my longest ride this year so far.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 71.5K and 460 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h26mins
2898/8110
25-05-2014, 14:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 22-05-2014 |
| Ramillies |
I took a day off from work today - my first this year - and when the sun came out I decided to try the Vortex on a longer ride. First riding along Meldert and Hoegaarden towards the Ravel2 , I started following that past Jodoigne up to the point where it forks towards Perwez. I stopped to take a little picture of my bike through the window of a bus stop shelter in Hedenge .
Following the fork towards Perwez I arrived in Ramillies. Up to now, the wind had been blowing against me. I was sheltered from it most of the time when on the Ravel but I was nevertheless very glad when I turned towards the northwest on the N91 and I noticed the strong push in my back. Good for the legs, good for the average speed.
I flew through Dongelberg and past Pietrebais and before long I was already in Hamme Mille. The legs felt good and also my lower back seemed to be at peace with this ride.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 62K and 385 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h10mins
2765/7265
22-05-2014, 12:51 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 18-05-2014 |
| Haasrode Industrie Laps |
Today I felt well rested in my legs but I had some pain between my shoulders blades. I decided to ride out for a recovery ride and to check out a F:izik Arione test saddle I had on loan from Filip Sport. I was looking for alternatives to the Brooks, which turns out to be a very comfortable saddle but I feel it spreads my lower hips a little too far apart.
I rode towards the haasrode industrie terrain for 4 big laps reaching all the way to the Lindenboom, followed by 4 normal laps on the Industrie terrain itself. The sun was out in full blaze and there was a stiff breeze from the northeast. But I felt good and kept my pace, holding back on the power to avoid putting too much pressure on legs and lower back.
  
After more than an hour I rode back whence I came, along the Expressweg into Blanden.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 42.5K and 255 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h30mins
2653/6585
18-05-2014, 12:43 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 17-05-2014 |
| Accro Bike revisited |
This morning I went to the Novotel in Leuven to wave out the KBC b.strong delegation which was undertaking a 7-day cycling trip to the Vosges and back. Normally I would have done this as well but the continuing problems with my lower back made me decide to throw the towel on this adventure. It hurt seeing them ride off into the sunshine.
When I got home I decided to go on a ride myself. Taking the Merlin Works 4.0 out I had a plan to ride a big chunk of the 42K Accro Bike. Making my way though Meerdael Forest and Bossut towards Grez Doiceau I started out on those familiar and well-loved trails. The first big climb into Biez was no longer rewarded by a splendid view over the valley of the Train towards the west. Some developers have been building house near the to of the slope, spoiling the view for years to come.
I rode on and dropped down towards the Rue de Royenne in Morsain. My legs were still feeling fresh even though I did do some Core Stab/Pilates workout yesterday evening. The succession of climbs and descents, which make the Accro Bike such a tough ride began to work its way through my reserves. I cut off a technically difficult and wet part in the Bois de Glabais, instead riding directly into the Bois de Bonlez and the Michelsberg site.
Into Bonlez and here I cut off another section, too wet and too tricky for my liking instead opting for an easier route into Dion Le Val. The long climb and descent into Wavre made me do an extra section to avoid a supersteep climb. Undercrossing the N25 I made my way into Dion Le Val again, and after that only two big climbs were left. My back began to manifest itself and I was glad to be back into Grez Doiceau again. Riding back over Bossut and then into Les Claines and following the N25 from Hamme Mille into Blanden where I was happy to see my home.
A super ride and the first time I went over 3 hours this year. Also nearly 900 heightmeters, and not the easy kind.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 58.5K and 860 heightmeters (Garmin) in 03h07mins
2610/6330
17-05-2014, 15:26 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 04-05-2014 |
| Meerdael Bloso routes |
After yesterdays' road ride I wanted to do another ride today but for this on I chose the Merlin Works 4.0 and decided to do the Meerdael Bloso routes. Starting around 10am with the sun shining but temperatures only around 10 degrees C and no wind to speak of. Ideally suited for a ride.
I started out on a good pace. I would maintain this pace throughout the ride. Putting some stress on my muscles and lower back so see how they would hold out. There is no other way to find out.
Starting on the green and working my way through the relatively flat sections in Heverleebos and towards Korbeek Dyle. The climb next to the railroad in Oud-Heverlee was a brutal switch from the big chainring towards the small one. I had 2 bikers behind me so I did not slouch. I lost them on the steep bit near the end. Short downhill followed by a cobble climb. Next onto the Blue Bloso at the Zoete Waters. This is the more hilly of the tree and some strain began to build up in my body whilst the steep sections were followed by - too - short downhill sections. On the climb behind the Kluis I had another biker in my sights but despite my efforts I could not close the gap. Down towards Nethen and then settling down for the long climb next to the Savenel wall. My aim was still riding in front of me, giving me a goa. Pity he followed the Blue Bloso to the left on the split with the Red. I continued along and still was able to hold a good speed. Out of Bierbeek the long climb into Mollendaalbos was the next big challenge. The sun was shining and I felt rather good on the bike. Taking care to keep my core muscles tight during the climb to relieve some of the stress off of my lower back. Back on the big chainring after passing the highest point in Meerdael Forest. The trails were super. It had rained a bit last week which has caused the dust to settle but there was no mud. The singletrack next to the Naamsesteenweg was a joy to ride. I stopped for a little photo break at the Dikke Beuk.
From then onwards the Red offers only a couple of challenges before crossing over to the Green. Back in Heverleebos and a couple of short climbs later I was where I had inserted myself on the routes a couple of hours ago. During the ride back along the Prosperdreef I was trying to initiate a cooldown but in practise I kept maintaining a good pace until the end.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 54K and 560 heightmeters (Garmin) in 2h33mins
2296/5010
04-05-2014, 14:25 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 03-05-2014 |
| Vortex again |
It has been a while but today I finally got the Litespeed Vortex out for a ride. Since last year I changed the cassette and 50/34 chainrings and mounted a YBN SL-210 full titanium chain. Very expensive but I have had it laying around for a couple of years now so I figured I might as well use it.
I was weary getting back on a road bike because of the added speed, racy position and lack of comfort with tyres pumped up to 100psi/7 bars. But the titanium of the Vortex does dampen the shocks quite well. Obviously I was curious as to how my lower back would react to this bike. My knees have been giving me trouble as well. Since I couldn't resist running a week and a half ago, my inner medial band is hurting. Went to the doctor and she said I have developed a slight O-leg stance so this put extra strain on that inner medial band. If I am serious about running, I should consider putting inner soles in my shoes to put my legs in a neutral position.
That being said, rediscovering this bike was a blast. It is fast, light and nimble and it demands a whole different level of awareness whilst riding in traffic and on these thin tyres. I put on a 21mm tyre in front but I changed that to a 23mm version as soon as I got home. I also put in a Joe's No Flat inner tube. Filled with Joe's No Flat racing fluid this inner tube weighs 50g more than a regular inner tube. I hope it lives up to its name. I have another one in stock in might put in my rear tyre one of these days.
The ride went well, it was fresh outside with temps just over 10 degrees C but it was sunny. A stiff breeze blowing from the north bothered me in the beginning and at the end of the ride. Doing just a quick lap to become used to the bike and after 31K I was home again.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 31K and 200 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h04mins30secs
2242/4450
03-05-2014, 12:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 01-05-2014 |
| 2 Valley Bloso trails |
Time for a longer ride. The weather forecast called for pleasant and dry weather in the AM but in the afternoon the possibility of showers would increase. So I rode out around 10AM and made my way through Meerdael Forest and Sint Joris Weert towards Sint Agatha Rode where I picked in on the Overijse Bloso trails. The trails were super, dry except for the mudtrap near Overijse and fast. The Merlin felt right at home and I was happy to be able to ride these familiar trails again. I nearly went OTB when my front wheel got caught in a deep rut filled with water near the Overijse ponds. But I managed to prevent myself from tipping over and rode on unscathed. Through Overijse where I almost collided with a car that stopped right in the middle of the bicycle lane at a red right. Good thing my Hope disc brakes are strong and my reactions fast. I was glad I was out of Overijse and climbing along the Reutenbeek for a super section working mt way towards Tombeek. I was by this time almost 2 hours into the ride, my longest ride to date this year, and I was a long way from home. Down the Schaatboekstraat and then onwards towards the Bilande farm. Stopping for a picture break on the bridge over the Lane.
The red section was next and this is a tough one. Steep climbs and trickey descents and I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Back in Sint Agatha I made my way towards the Meerdael Forest again for a last section on forest trails. Managed to get a flat rear tyre, upon inspection a thin metallic object had perforated my tyre. I cut my finger whilst looking for it. Good thing I always carry a first aid kit because my cut finger started bleeding. Changing my inner tyre, putting some pressure in it and 5 minutes later I was home. Half an hour later a shower hit Blanden but by then I was well and truely enjoying a hot bath.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 53K and 660 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h39mins
2211/4250
01-05-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 29-04-2014 |
| Wolventrail |
I felt rather good today, apart from the upside of the shin/inside of the knees area which still is painful. I took the Moots YBB out for a ride that would comprise a fair bit of climbing in a compact area . I tried to take in a couple of fine trails with descents and climbs and while I could do a super loop, I had to dismount here and there because of forest works which left large trees scattered over the trails.
Nevertheless I did enjoy myself during the 9K and almost 250 heightmeters Wolventrail. If you can do this 10 times in succession you are a mountainbike hero. In my current condition even doing it twice would have been too much. My knees give me pain when I'm standing up , directing the bike between my legs in the downhills. I think I should take it easy for a couple of days to allow the painful areas to recuperate and heal.
After the intense trails, I returned to easier tracks over the Kluis and the parallel to the Weertse Dreef. Some kind of cooling down. I noticed the grazers were back in the open ex-military areas whilst I was doing another loop towards the Keiberg and Vaalbeek , to enter Heverleebos for a brief stretch before returning into Meerdael following the Prosperdreef.
The weather was great. It had rained a bit during the early hours of the day which left the trails dust-free but still relatively dry. When I rode out it was still 20 degrees C.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 23.5K and 350 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h19mins
2158/3590
29-04-2014, 19:26 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 27-04-2014 |
| Grez |
Although I felt some fatigue this morning, I decided to ride out to check how my body would react whilst riding 2 days in succession outside. I decided to ride towards the Brabant Walloon region, a region I know very well and have come to love over the last 10 years. It has been a while since I rode a mountainbike out of Meerdael Forest and into the plains of La Malaise. Into Florival and then along a small track towards Gastuche. The hills are all a bit longer here, and sometimes old tracks that lead somewhere have now been blocked. I had to turn back twice. Once because of a private forest blocked the road, another time while trying to circumvene some military installation near Grez. The road seems to have been blocked, almost comouflaged, at the top of a very steep and deeply-rutted climb. I had to dismount several times, riding up and coming down. I took plan B to make it into Grez and then dropped into the village where some kind of bric-a-brac forced me to ride back towards Archennes where I took the steep Rue de la Hocaille out of the Train valley. Along Bossut and then back into Meerdael Forest via Les Claines. The sun was shining but when some clouds obscured her, it became noticeably colder. It was fresh in the forest as well but I enjoyed some technical bits over the Warande pond before returning towards the Naamsesteenweg along some nice singletrails and bigger trails alike.
Crossing the N25 I rode home along the Margrietendreef, having enjoyed a great ride.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 30.5K and 365 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h36mins
2135/3240
27-04-2014, 13:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 26-04-2014 |
| O2 Bikers Roadbook pt2 |
Having more or less recovered from the hurting shin/knee, I decided to take the Merlin out today for a spin along the second part of the O2 Bikers Bierbeek roadbook. Picking up where I left it last monday , the section dropping down and riding out of the Nethen valley proved to be a very physical one. Steep climbs followed by tricky descents, just the way I like it. The bike performed well and before long I was at the Hertebron drinking some fresh water.
Onwards in and out of Sint Joris Weert and another drop that took me at at bottom of a long climb out of the Borrestraat. The trail now made its way towards the Zoete Waters where I stopped at the Minnebron for another sip of cool water.
Up the Keiberg and then onwards to reach the Kluis, where another couple of fine trails were awaiting me. The steep climb on the Blue Bloso and then a left along the ridge and another left towards the Denteneerspad . I was now back in the region of the DOVO military compound and finished off the ride over the bridge across the Naamsesteenweg and the following some single track towards the Margrietendreef. Back home with a good feeling and a fine ride behind me.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 23.5K and 355 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h21mins
2105/2880
26-04-2014, 13:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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