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Tales from the Woods |
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17-07-2014 |
Wahenge and Meldert |
It was very warm today and since I did not feel fully recovered in the morning that meant waiting until early evening before riding out. I decided on a ride with the Moots YBB and set forth towards Bierbeek, Beauvechain and L'Ecluse. Riding throug the fields with a lot of cobble sections and dry dusty trails. I passed next to Wahenge farm where I stopped for a couple of pictures before venturing into the forest that lays behind it.
Dropping into L'Ecluse my next goal was Meldertbos where I wanted to have another ride into the forest surrounding the Sint-Janscollege. I had marked the coordinates of the mysterious yellow plane that is visible in Google Earth, on my GPS. At the spot I was searching for a path, but I failed to find anything - least of all any airplanes, yellow or otherwise - for that matter. When I checked my GPS track at home I must have passed within a 100 metre radius of the plane. But the forest is a real wilderness there and it will be hard to find it. On my way back I passed along another very beautiful sequoia tree, which I could not resist taking a picture of.
Back into the fields for the ride back towards Meerdael Forest where I passed the last couple of kilometres of my ride.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 42K and 300 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h02mins
3586/11780
17-07-2014, 22:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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12-07-2014 |
Wolf trails |
It was still excellent weather for me to ride in the forest. No sun, light drizzle and overcast. I dressed up and took the Moots YBB out for a ride along the Wolf trail. An intense section of climbs and descents near the Herculessalon. The trails were wet and on the very steep ascents it was difficult to maintain traction. On one of the trails I had to walk because the soil was still too soggy. But the steep climbs went well and with caution the downhills were very ride-able as well. Finished with the intense workout I rode some sort of cooling down section next, riding towards the Kouterbos where I stopped for a drink at the Minnebron before entering Heverlee forest for a last section of easy trails.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 25K and 390 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h31mins
3433/10595
12-07-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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06-07-2014 |
Meldert |
Everything was feeling OK this morning so when the sun remained out I decided to ride again. There was a strong southern wind blowing. I started out in Meerdael Forest, fully covered with long-sleeved Assos trousers and a Gore-tex raincoat. When I got to the south of the forest and into the fields, the warm wind made me decide to take off the raincoat and ride on with bare arms. Less chance for horseflies - they don't like the strong winds - but I still felt uncomfortable in the hollow roads . I rode towards Meldert because I was curious for the Sint Jans College gardens, which were open to the public. When I arrived I was impressed by the chateau-like main building but not matter how I searched, I could not find any path leading into the gardens or adjoining forest. Oh well, I will come back for those later.
Back on the trails soon after leaving Meldert for the north. Lots of cobbles in the field roads and even though I was on a fullsuspension bike I got a good beating. On the long cobble road into Bierbeek I could make good speed with the strong southern wind in my back and flew over the cobbles. Back into Meerdael Forest for a last stretch along the Weertse Dreef out of Mollendeel and then taking the Margrietendreef into Blanden.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 37.5K and 270 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h48mins
3295/9510
06-07-2014, 13:09 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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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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