This morning saw bright skies and sunshine, even though the temperature was below 15 degrees C. But that did not bother me, on the contrary, it is better for me since I'm dressed in long sleeved pants and jersey. Taking the Moots YBB out for a couple of laps. I did one each of the long, medium and standard lap and then finished off with 2 of the small laps around the old Meerdael military compound. The trails were fine, almost dry with only a couple of mushy sections left in the uphill from the Zoete Waters. Uphill I did 1 and a half times so I'm not complaining. Met up with some of the KBC crew who were doing the BLOSO blue in reverse - or something like that - and in general I had a very good workout with my legs performing well. I did not push things , settling for a good pace instead.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 37.5K and 255 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h42mins

4010/14165

24-08-2014, 12:35 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I was eager to ride out in the late afternoon. It had been raining during the last hour or so but when I rode out it was drying out. Nevertheless the trails were wet, but not overly so . I started out along the Naamsesteenweg and the Weertsedreef and then injected myself on my trail segment around the old military grounds. I had to take care with the Psychlo-X on the stony descent along the Meerdaelweg because the 32mm tyres are prone to snakebites. But I was careful and did not hurt my tyres or rims. After 4 laps of the normal lap I did 2 more little laps, only 3.5K each and finished my ride back along the Weertsedreef and the Naamsesteenweg.
I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. The bike felt fine and except for the splash of mud here and there the trails were perfect. The legs felt fine too.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 35K and 210 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h24mins

3972/13910

22-08-2014, 20:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another day, another Moots. I wanted to do a ride on the Psychlo-X for a while now and even though the skies where threatening with rain I decided to ride out with the CX bike on my mountanbike trail. The first lap went well, it stayed dry and the bike was fast. The pressure in the tyres was not enough to stop me feeling roots and stones through them but apart from that all was well. On my second lap it started to rain lightly and the trails were getting wetter where they were exposed to the air. Under the trees things were still OK even though at some points the droplets were slowly reaching the ground. I had to take care because the CX bike is not as stable as a mountain bike and even more importantly , CX brakes don't stop the bike, they just slow it down. It makes me look at the professional riders like Sven Nys with awe.
My third lap was well and truely a wet lap. It rained even harder now and I decided to ride towards home keeping myself as much in the forest as possible, after I complete the lap. In all the ride was a pleasant one even though it was shorter than I intended.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 20.5K and 140 heightmeters (Garmin) in 00h52mins

3938/13700

20-08-2014, 18:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was great for me this late afternoon. 17 degrees and mostly overcast but dry. I rode out on the Moots YBB for another series of laps in Meerdael Forest. The ride went well, I could maintain my speed and I even managed to get my heartrate up to 129bpm. With an average heartrate of 112 I had the feeling I was getting somewhere. The ride went fine, I was never out of breath and my legs felt fine even if somewhat tired on the climbing sections.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 24.5K and 185 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h07mins30secs

3917/13560

18-08-2014, 19:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

My legs were aching from a 9.2K forest walk I did yesterday but after noon I decided to ride out and do a couple of laps in Meerdael Forest. I started the same as last wednesday but added an extra loop down to the Keiberg Chapel and then back up the long climb from the Zoete Waters to the top of the Keiberg again. I did 3 of those laps and made sure my heartrate stayed reasonable. The trails were drying up after yesterdays and last nights' rainy spells and were quite agreable. Looping back over Vaalbeek I rode back home, with a good feeling about this ride and the way my legs behaved. 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 26.5K and 235 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h16mins

3893/13375

16-08-2014, 14:29 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I had to wear a Holter - a Heartrate recording device - for 24 hours. When I arrived home from work I needed to ride my bike to see how my heartrate would behave and to see if there were any irregularities. I took the YBB for a spin in the neighborhood. Warming up gently on a lap that took me parallel with the Weertse Dreef to the edge of the forest, then taking a right towards the north and another right towards the Keiberg. Down and up towards the Langedaal again to complete the lap. I did 3 of those and then made my way back along Vaalbeek and the Prosperdreef towards Blanden. I did not feel anything irreguler but of course the Holter will have recorded everything for the cardiologist to scrutinize.

Ride Stats : 21.5K and 140 heightmeters (Garmin) in 00h58mins

3866/13140

13-08-2014, 19:49 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another try-out ride this evening. It had rained consoderably but I wanted to see how my heart would behave on an outdoor ride. So I took the Moots YBB and rode out into Meerdael Forest. Taking care not to ride too fast but still pressing on enough to make it a workout. I felt eerie from time to time, in anticipation of an irregular heartbeat or a pain in the chest but it didn't happen. I took the bike into the fields beyond Meerdael, riding towards Bierbeek and into Mollendaal before returning over Haasrode and Blanden.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 15K and 130 heightmeters (Garmin) in 00h45mins

3845/13000

11-08-2014, 20:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

I has been a while since my last ride. Due to irregular heartbeats I had to go to the cardiologist and was diagnosed with supra-ventrical tachycardy . My heart had to be reset - a conversion they call it - because the main syne node was no longer pulsing. Instead my heart was controlled by nerves in the left ventrical. Because of that, the resting heartrate was up to 120 and it had to be brought down by taking beta-blockers and flecanaide. I also had to take pradaxan to counter trombose.
Quite a change and the first week after the conversion I wasn't too keen on doing anything. Scared I guess, but who can blame me for that.
Today, over 2 weeks after my last ride and still taking the meds listed above (although my heart is pumping normal again) I decided on a short ride on the Tacx Satori.
Just half an hour and it went well. Feeling out of shape, but not too much, probably due to the meds as well. I could maintain a good speed, unconsciously always checking my heart to make sure it didn't race. But it didn't and after the ride I was back to my usual 50bpm.

Ride Stats : 18.5K in 00h31mins

3830/12870

09-08-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Another sunny day and I rode out for a ride with the Vortex. Setting out over Bierbeek and Opvelp and then taking a right towards Beauvechain. On the climb to Beauvechain I began to experience irregular heartbeats. Going up to 182 and then dropping to 120 again. I rode on but tried to keep the pace down. When I arrived at home my resting heartrate remained high, around 130 where I normally have around 50. I made an appointment to see the doctor to find out what is wrong.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 32K and 200 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h11mins

3811/12870

24-07-2014, 10:46 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The sun was out this morning but it was still relatively cool when I rode out with the Moots YBB for a course following a 30K parcours I did last week. There was a breeze blowing from the north as I set out along Hoog Blanden and Haasrode, following the cobbles towards beauvechain and then veering to the right towards Tourinnes La Grosse. Riding along Guertechin after crossing the N91, and into Bossut after crossing the N25.
A nice 2-lane tarmac road took me from Bossut along Le Paradis into Nethen. Here I rode towards la Hetraie and then into Sint Joris Weert. Up the Polderstraat and then to the left , crossing the Weertse Dreef and making my way towards the Kouterbos before arriving on the Langendaal that took me back into Meerdael Forest for a little stretch to Blanden. The ride went well , although I could feel this was my fourth ride in a row. Need to get some rest now.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 29K and 225 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h18mins

3780/12670

23-07-2014, 12:09 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was still overcast but dry and it looked like the sun might be breaking through later in the day. I rode out with the Vortex for a ride along the "Rondom Blanden" parcours. This took me over Bierbeek and Neervelp towards Opvelp, La Bruyere and then through the fields to the Hameau farm. Further on to Longueville and then down toward Grez-Doiceau. I noticed my tyres needed a little pressure but I decided to ride on and check the pressure at home. All went well but on deeper grooves and cobbles I could feel the tyres almost being compressed to the rims. From Grez I rode on towards Archennes and Pecrot, and the steep climb there took me towards Nethen. Here I decided to part from the "Rondom Blanden" trail and move towards Hamme Mille and then back into Blanden along the Naamsesteenweg. Had a good ride and this also was the first ride with my new Kask Vertigo helmet.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 55.5K and 405 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h02mins

3750/12445

22-07-2014, 12:09 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather was dry and overcast , with a cool wind blowing from the north. Looked like an ideal forecast for a mixed ride. Taking the YBB out following a course on the Garmin 705 looked like a good idea.
I followed the track and the little partner on the track, which I was believing to be "Manneken 20" , 20 because of the average speed he was maintaining. As the kilometers moved on, little manneken was slipping away from me and I had to ride hard to catch him. The ride was undulating up and down with some good climbs in the Neerijse and Korbeek Dyle area. Looping back over Sint Joris Weert, Nethen and Hamme Mille. When I reached Hamme Mille I catched him at last. The last couple of K's were tough but I managed to keep him just behind me. I was surprised when I saw the manneken had been following an average speed of 23.1 kph. That's why this ride felt so tough. Good workout though !

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 34K and 260 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h26mins

3695/12040

21-07-2014, 12:57 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw a strange weather. It had rained considerably last night, along with lightning and thunder. This morning saw the return of the sun but it was quickly obscured by clouds. More thunderstorms were predicted and with 25 degrees C it was still very warm. Some more air though.
Yet, I decided against riding out, opting for a stint on the Tacx Satori instead. I finished reading F.Paul Wilsons' Aftershock and now set upon reading one of his novels - Midnight Mass - on my Kindle.
My legs were Ok but I sweat a lot in the damp cellar. Still I managed to put in an hours' worth of training. My legs felt loose and recovered after the ride, but I needed a drink of water, lots of it to replenish my fluid losses.

Ride Stats : 39.5K in 01h01mins

3661/11780

20-07-2014, 12:12 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Feeling tired from 3 consecutive days of biking, and seeing that temperatures outside were already reaching 30 degrees C by Noon, I decided to stay indoors and have a session on the Tacx Satori. Resistance set on number 2 - don't want to make it too easy - I did an hour of easy recovery-type training. Putting in a good pace and making the legs spin. Continuing my read of F.Paul Wilsons "Aftershock - 16 oddities" and listening to my favorites through Spotify on the Samsung S5.
I ended up with a large puddle of sweat under the handlebars and a good feeling in the legs.

Ride Stats : 35.5K in 01h00mins

3621/11780

18-07-2014, 12:32 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

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.

17-07-2014, 22:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Since the weather is getting better, it looks like I will be spending more time on the road bike. Took the Vortex out for the first time since my prostate troubles. With a new saddle fitted - an Arione VSX - I was curious to how my bum would react to it. I had been riding a test Arione saddle so I knew what to expect. The VSX seems to be fulfilling its promise. It has a pressure relief channel, whilst still maintaining good stiffness and comfort.
I rode a small loop, over Bierbeek and Beauvechain towards Meldert and then back over Opvelp and the Expressweg into Blanden. I was careful since I experienced a flicker of lower back pain late in yesterdays' ride but I did not experience any of that on todays' ride.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 35K and 210 heightmeters (Garmin) in 01h15mins

3544/11480

16-07-2014, 13:08 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today there was a rest day in the Tour de France so I started my ride in the early afternoon. It was still overcast and around 20 degrees C, so still OK to ride in the forest. I started along the Langedaal towards Sint Joris Weert and set forth along the Margijsbos , dropping into Neerijse. A steep climb up the Vranksberg and I was near the Ganzedelle . Straight on into Duisburg and the twin water towers. The Sonian forest was looming up before me and before long I was riding the Dronkemansdreef through the Kapucinenbos. Into Jezus Eik where I immediately took a right turn back towards Tervuren. Following one of the Bloso routes I rode into Duisburg. Down the Kouterweg and then a beautiful offroad climb along the edge of a forest towards the Dorreweg. Onwards towards the north to reach the Langestraat. Following this towards Neerijse and then into the Doode Beemde for a stretch that took me towards Korbeek-Dyle. The trails were already pretty dry and hard and when I reached Heverlee  I began to feel them in my lower back.

Through Heverleebos towards Vaalbeek and then on into Meerdael forest for a short stretch leading me home.

ENDO

Ride Stats : 46K and 435 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h12mins

3509/11270

15-07-2014, 16:24 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw a succession of sunny and cloudy intermezzo's but except for a couple of short periods of rain it remained dry. Around 6.30pm I rode out with the Moots YBB. The plan was to stay away from the forest and make a big loop around Meerdael Forest. I felt good and the position on the bike also felt good. I let a bit of air out of the tyres for a more comfortable ride. Lots of cobbles whilst I made my way past Bierbeek and towards Beauvechain. The trails were dry in the beginning but became wetter when I neared Hamme Mille. Riding towards Bossut I noticed some big black clouds gathering over Meerdael Forest. I upped the tempo, fearing that I might get wet.

When I came to La Hetraie I looped in the camping area but couldn't find the road leading into Sint Joris Weert. Some big puddles here and I had to enter the forest broefly before following the Kleinstraat towards Weert. Up to the forest again and then alongside it to reach the Kouterbos. The clouds were nearly over my head now when I zoomed towards the Langedaal into Blanden. But it stayed dry.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 30K and 240 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h28mins

3463/10835

13-07-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

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

Today saw the return of dryer weather. Although it was still very moist and there was a fine drizzle falling down when I left with the Works 4.0 for a mixed ride. Actually, these are ideal circumstances for me. I can dress up with long-sleeved trousers and a raincoat and that way I am protected from any horsefly that might see me as a prey. The temperature was around 20 degrees, which was fine for me as well. I left through Meerdael Forest and rode to Sint Agatha Rode where I sampled the fake 27% of the Nieuweland. It is steep, but not much more than 17-18%. Moving on towards Neerijse over backroads over mixed trails and roads. Some more steep climbs allowed me to test my legs . I returned over Heverlee and Arenberg castle into Heverlee Forest and further on towards Blanden

11-07-2014, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf