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| Tales from the Woods |
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| 22-07-2008 |
 F104 |
It had been a while since I did some road riding so today I took my Hilset out for a ride along the Ludo Dierckxsens circuit. Noticed they displayed a F104 Starfighter near the side entrance of the Beauvechain 1st Wing Airforce base. Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture. I remember when I was 14 or 15 years old I used to climb in the tallest tree in our garden to watch flocks of F104's flying over. Obviously, since then the amount of jet flying done by our Airforce has strongly diminished plus the F16's have moved away from Beauvechain to Kleine Brogel. Still, this bird brings back a lot of memories. Nice. 
22-07-2008, 21:55 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 20-07-2008 |
| Ad's Owl |
I wanted to ride my complete Secret Meerdael Loop today, so I started out early because I know what a tough ride this is. It's secret so I can't say very much about it, except that the first part consists of mainly small trails and twisting singletracks and yields around 260 heightmeters in about 20K. I took an hour and 22 minutes for that part, so it's by no means easy going.
The second part is the really tough one, consisting of a relentless string of small steep hills that takes all the strenght out of your legs. This part is around 45K long and has a whopping 800 heightmeters in it. Not bad for Meerdael forest isn't it? I added a few extra bits and took out some others where the trails were blocked by fallen trees. The tracks were dry-ish in the beginning but during the ride it rained for 3 short periods, making the last bit also very slippery. I was a bit upset because until that last 5K or so, my bike was as good as clean. The last K's made it muddy though because of the top soil being wet . As usual I was swearing and cursing and basically dooming all horses to hell. Horseback riding is very popular these days and the hooves do a lot of damage to the trails. Of course they have their own trails but like most bikers they love to ride their steed also where it is NOT allowed, turning beautiful singletrails into pothole-ridden nightmares. Good thing I was with the Moots but still I could feel all the bumps in my upper torso and arms. Oh well, it's supposed to be a tough ride isn't it.
 
20-07-2008, 15:46 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 18-07-2008 |
| Exploration |
After a days' rest I was eager to get om my bike again. The weather was overcast but it looked like it would remain dry. Didn't feel like riding on the road, instead I took the Moots out for a bit of exploration in and around the Dyleland area. I had read about Ad Wouters sculptures in the Heverleebos and Meerdaelwoud so I wanted to check some of those out - again. I started out into the Heverleebos and rode up to the Arboretum where I saw the first of his sculptures. From there I made my way over to Oud-Heverlee and the Dyleland area. In Korbeek-Dyle I entered the Doode Beemde . This is a wet area surrounding the river Dyle. It was quite manageable despite the rain of the last days. But that rain was often just a few drops of light rain, as it would turn out not enough to really create deep mud. After crossing the Doode Beemde I rode over to Neerijse where I did a nice loop into the Margijsbos. Until now the ride had been quite flat but now the heightmeters were beginning to add themselves on my Polar and in my legs. Discovered some nice singletracks and then rode over the Smeysberg and into the St Agatha Rode bos. From there I dropped into Eerken and rode up the long hollow road into the Bois de Laurensart. Quick downhill into the field that lies in the middle of this forest and then I took the climb following the Overijse route. Some more exploring towards Gastuche and then straight through the Bois de Laurensart back down towards Florival. Here I climbed the slope towards La Malaise before dropping into Pecrot and back out of it along the railroad and then up into the Bois de Beaumont. From here it wasn't very far to the Meerdaelwoud where I first stopped for a drink at the Hertebron before climbing up towards the Kluis area. I crossed the Naamsesteenweg to have a look at some other Ad Wouters sculptures in the Walendreef. A fine ride and I passed some areas I hadn't been in for a while. The pace was relaxed and I only fell a few raindrops throughout the entire ride.Ride Stats : 62K and 730 heightmeters in 3h34mins5778,5/55655
18-07-2008, 17:08 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 16-07-2008 |
| For a few heightmeters more. Part II : Accro Bike |
This morning I had an appointment with my friend Roger to ride the Accro Bike - or parts of it. Unfortunately when Roger arrived at my place it had started raining. I'm not too fond of starting out in the rain plus I still felt tired from yesterdays' ride. So Roger had to ride on his own, since he could not ride in the evening - the weather forecast called for drizzle in the morning and the early afternoon with dryer weather coming in later in the day. After the Tour de France finish I checked Meteox for the current rain forecast and all looked clear.
Around 5pm I rode out, very careful to warm up my sore legs. When I arrived in Grez-Doiceau I set on the Accro Bike track in the reverse direction. The rain didn't leave to many puddles, except for some place in the forest. The weather was still overcast so visibility was not high under the leaves either making some parts very dangerous ro ride.
 
Ride Stats : 65K and 935 heightmeters in 3h42mins5716/54925
16-07-2008, 22:56 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 15-07-2008 |
| Nandrin White and Red and some extra |
Today I was set to go to Nandrin. A little village a few klicks south-east of Huy where I know this beautiful loop local bikers conceived more than 10 years ago. No-one ever does these loops anymore because the signage is as good as gone and the trail maps cannot be had anymore. Still, I HAVE the trail maps AND the white and red loops are engraved in my memory. The trails are a mixture of forest and field roads, sometimes very rocky, sometimes rooty and always tricky and treacherous. The combination of the two loops yields around 48K and some 800 heightmeters. During my last visits I had noticed some newer signage, Red and Yellow ADEPS signs which might prove interesting to know where they went to. So when I crossed some Green Adeps arrows today I decided to try and follow them to see where they went.Tavier Intermezzo:I was lucky because after only a few kilometers I was at the starting point of this green route. It turned out to be the little village of Tavier. Together with neighbouring Anthisnes they have set up quite a few walking and cycling routes. The Green turned out to be the most interesting ones - getting 3 on a scale of 3 - and with 17K it looked do-able. So I tried to memorize the first couple of crossroads and set out on that route. I took some pictures of the trail map for future reference. Sadly enough the markings were not very good.At the first crossroads there was already nothing, except an empty pole where the signage used to hang. Damn ! Deciding it wasn't any use continuing I decided to study the route map at home, and come back when this map had been marked on an IGN map. That way I would have more chances of actually making the whole loop. So the Tavier loop is to be continued on another day.Back to the Nandrin routes:So I had to backtrack the Green route from Tavier to the point where it left the White Nandrin loop and continue on that one. The trails were remarkably dry - the occasional mudhole notwithstanding - and I was taking it easy enjoying the trails and the sunshine. The wind was blowing quite hard on the open spaces and I was glad to be in the forest from time to time. After the interconnection with the Red Nandrin route, just past Soheit-Tinlot, things get really serious. The route drops into Outrelouxhe and then disappears into some kind of crevasse formed by a little river. Here awaits the longest climb of the day. I have discovered that there are actually two tracks going up to the plateau so I usually do both climbs- yes I am a masochist. They put up a new trail map of this area - see the picture DCS00262 - and based on that I might even have another option to do a long steep climb. Another trail that waits to be explored. I take the first climb all the way to the top - it's very steep and very washed out but I make it. I then turn back and ride all the way down again , turning onto tarmac for the approach to the second climb. When I turn left into the forest and arrive at the bridge I normally take towards the other side of the river and the beginning of the long climb I get a big surprise. The bridge is gone, simply washed away during the heavy rainfall a few weeks ago. I have to take another approach and whilst doing the second climb I have all the trouble in the world to make it. There has been a lot of water here, all the sand has washed away between the stones and the rocks and the climb is very steep and now riddled with loose stones and rubble. You cannot make a mistake or you come to a standstill . I have to admit, I had to walk a short section on my second climb. On top I take a little break at the foot of a high voltage pylon before making the singletrack downhill towards the rocky outcrop overlooking Les Rochettes. I take a few pictures there as well.After that , an overgrown track - and I mean REALLY overgrown , I had to push the bike before me through the nettles and brambles - drops me back into Les Rochettes. From there on the trail only offers 3 more climbs. But they are nasty ones, 2 uphills between barbed-wired fields with overgrown gullies where scattered rocks want to make your bike tilt over and drop you into one of the wires. A lot of grinta, technique and power , is needed here. I am at Scry now and there is only one difficult climb left. Another washed away track makes me dig in deep into my power reservoir but I manage to make it, partly due to the excellent handling of the Moots and the Nokian NBX tyres. The remaining couple of kilometers I hurry back towards Nandrin where I arrive after 61K and just short of 4 hours of biking.
More pictures from earlier rides in Nandrin : CLICK
Ride Stats : 61k and 1090 heightmeters in 3h57mins5651/53990
15-07-2008, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 13-07-2008 |
| For a few heightmeters more |
Wow, bright and sunny skies this morning. The KBC MTB club sent me a message yesterday if I wanted to come along for a recon of the far loop of our annual organised ride. Since it had been raining a lot and I prefer getting muddy close to home I decided to go with them, see how far we got and add some extra training effort afterwards. The 52K loop was the one we set out for. This year we will do our loop in the reverse direction, which makes for quite a change. Fast downhills become tough uphills and some of the trickier uphills now become tricky downhill sections. We were with quite a bunch and the pace was reasonably high. Yves, the track builder, showed us some interesting alternatives around Longueville and after about 2h45 they decided to call it a day and head for the Sports Complex in Haasrode. The trails had been wet but always manageable. Some parts a bit muddier than other but never too bad.          I still had a bit left so I when we reached Hamme Mille I decided to do some extra loops in and around the Meerdaelwoud. So I said my goodbyes and continued on my own. When dropping into Bierbeek via a hollow road I managed to flatten my front tyre whilst crossing a muddy section. Thats my first offroad flat this year. Put in another inner tyre, got my turbopump out and I was away in 10 minutes. My goal was initially to ride 60K but then I decided to make it an even 1000 heightmeters which meant I had to do a good part of my Meerdael Loop. Had to stop at the Hertebron to refill my drinking bottle. The cool water was very refreshing. By now, there were some clouds gathering and I wouldn't be surprised if it rained later this afternoon.
The Moots' crank was making creaky noises again - Filip Sport is looking for a replacement XTR bracket- but for the rest the bike performed as usual, flawlessly. The extra braking power - as opposed to the V-brakes on my Litespeed - is a blessing when you are getting more tired. Also, the Fox fork is a LOT stiffer than the SID on the Litespeed, which makes for very precise cornering and no twisting when taking tight turns on singletrails. Tomorrow is my birthday - and I'm going to treat myself to a rest day - and I would like to go to Nandrin this week. The weather forecast calls for rain from wednesday evening on, so I have either thursday or wednesday to do Nandrin. After that I would love to go to Theux - either with the Moots when it remains wet, or with the Merlin which I'm aching to try out for further rides before the big rides in August arrive.
6.30pm : After a good rinsing, cleaning and general checkout the YBB is ready for its next ride. I cannot stress the importance of regularly cleaning your bike. Not after every ride, obviously , but most certainly after a muddy and/or heavy ride. Cleaning the bike helps to discover eventual problems. Also, a clean bike is much more fun to ride with - for as long as it stays clean of course. I also fixed the flat tyre, and put the spare one back in my backpack.
13-07-2008, 18:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 12-07-2008 |
| Chapel Lane |
Another day where scattered showers ruined it for the bikers. I had to wait until after the Tour de France was in before the skies seemed to relax into just menacing clouds. My plan was to do a long offroad ride today but that didn't go through. Instead I opted for a road loop. I followed the Red Bloso road route which takes me over Sint Joris Weert, Sint Agatha Rode and Ottenburg to Terlanen. There I had to leave the loop because there was a road race taking place. So I veered to the left towards Tombeek and Overijse. In Huldenberg I re-connected with the remainder of the loop which brought me over Neerijse and Heverlee back to Blanden. Along the way I spotted a few chapels and decided to take some pictures. Not out of religious viewpoint but just because they are what kept Catholic Flanders together in the times before internet. The loop I did is pretty hilly and some of the hills are of the short and steep kind. Nevertheless I managed to keep my heartrate well down with a max of 130 and an average of 105bpm. Not bad considering the average speed which was 23kph.Ride Stats : 62K and 520 heightmeters in 2h41mins5507/51870
12-07-2008, 21:28 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 10-07-2008 |
| Multidirectional wind |
Wow, it's july and yesterday it didn't stop raining. Some geezer in the newspaper said that this is quite normal for july. yeah, let's put HIM on a bike for a couple of hours and we'll see how normal he will think it is after that.Damn, I should be doing 3-4 hour rides in the Ardennes now, not peering to the sky for a ray of sunshine to make a quick dash on the road.Oh well, this morning it looked quite good, so I set out for a small loop, accompanied by some scattered drops of rain and a menacing sky. As I reached Bertem I added another loop over Leefdaal and Neerijse, and upon reaching Sint Agatha Rode I felt confident enough to add another loop over Hamme Mille, Beauvechain, Opvelp and Bierbeek. So I got a nice little ride in at a good pace. Saw a nice little baby donkey in Bertem and of course I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. Hope you enjoy them.
The wind seemed to be blowing out of 3 directions today, and it was quite fierce as well. This meant that only one fourth of the ride gave me the impression to have it blowing in my back. But what a nice feeling that was.Ride Stats : 60K and 395 heightmeters in 2h27mins5383/50735
10-07-2008, 15:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 08-07-2008 |
| Brabant Walloon |
I had to wait intil 6pm before the atmosphere seemed to stabilize itself. It had been raining for short periods during the whole day and the wind was fierce at times. I took the Litespeed because I wanted to explore into Brabant Walloon via offroad tracks. I set out and contoured Meerdaelwoud over its Northern edge until I entered it just past the Blanden graveyard. The trails were moist but not muddy. My skinny 1.8 Nobby Nics found all the traction they needed. I set out towards the little chapel in Nodebais , crossing Valduc , Hamme Mille and Tourinnes-la-Grosse. From the Chapelle Gosin I rode in the fields towards the Bois de Linsmeau, taking the technical climb from Gottechain upwards and then dropping down towards Cocrou. From here I took the long sandy climb up La Tienne towards Heze. In Heze I took the direction towards the Chapelle du Cheneau where I had a little snack.
As you might surmise I was looking for some climbing action all the way so from the Chapelle I rode towards the Glabais forest where I did a nice little loop before heading towards Heze again. I wanted to do some more climbing so I set out for Biez and Morsain, making my way up to the ridge where the Bois du Bercuit is situated. I encountered a few loose dogs - always tricky but they behaved and so did I - and when I saw that the sun was slowly setting I decided to head back home. Yet I was not finished with my climbing because upon entering Archennes I made my way up the tricky and sandy climb along the Bois de la Hocaille towards Bossut. From there on I added just enough loops to save me from total darkness because the forest was turning black when I finally arrived home, pretty pleased with a good ride.
Ride Stats : 63.5K and 785 heightmeters in 3h35mins
5323/50340
08-07-2008, 23:03 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 06-07-2008 |
| 16th Meerdael Classic |
Left home at 7.10am to ride the short distance to the start of the Meerdael Classic, 16th edition. This traditionally takes place at the Football terrain of the 'Zwarte Duivels' in Oud-Heverlee. I was pre-inscribed for the 100K - the golden distance - so I was prepared for 5 hours of fun and enjoyment on my bike.The Ride:
At 7.30am I was ready to roll. The track was in the opposite direction from previous years and they also promised some new sections. It started out easy going down towards the Zoete Waters and then ondulating into the Kouterbos towards Sint Joris Weert. Here a nice singletrack section was waiting for us before we made our way towards the Kluis area for a first climb where the chain had to go on the lowest gear. As usual I started out easy to get a good warmup and feel how the legs were. After the climb followed a tricky downhill - on the Blue BLOSO route towards Nethen. We crossed the road and made our way towards the Bois de Beaumont, again via a narrow track, this one between two fields and very demanding because it was slightly offcamber and sported some ruts. Following the railroad track towards Pecrot we were in for a nice treat here. First uphill towards the Chapelle Robert, zoom down into Pecrot and then the famous railroad singletrack was ours to experience. At the end of this track we had to climb all the way up to the plateau again, only to turn twice to the right and come down again, this time via a nice bermed trail the local freeriders use. After this we crossed the railroad down at Florival to make our way towards Ottenburg. Here they surprised me a first time by offering a track roughly following the river Dyle back to Pécrot. It was a little wet here but not muddy. All was very well manageable, surprisingly good even after yesterdays rain. Then we rode in the direction of Sint Agatha Rode for an easier part of the loop taking us all the way to Neerijse. Making our way towards Huldenberg we were offered some nice tracks - some very steep ones as well - taking us up on the Smeysberg. I was just beginning to wonder whether I missed the first rest stop when I spotted a sign telling us it was only 1K away. Great, but after 31K that is a bit on the long side.
From the first reststop we dropped down a sandy road - with danger sign - to make our way into the Sint Agatha Rode bos. First via a nice singletrack between the meadows and later up on another track I didn't do before. Steep, narrow, wet and slippery and with barbed wire at both sides the preferred direction here is uphill. Which we did. We then made our way up to the little Chapel where we turned right - crossed the road towards Ottenburg and made our way down another fast singletrack only to climb steadily back up towards the Kouter. This part was on the Overijse BLOSO routes , but in the reverse direction. After Kouter, the 100K turned right towards the Vetsaart and further on into the Sint Agatha Rode bos again, where a steep downhill crowned a very nice passage through this protected area. Then it was time to make our way towards Ottenburg. A great and very difficult climb - I made it the last time but this time it was too slippery - over stones scattered freely and offering hardly any grip. Steep as well of course. I don't think a lot of people made this. After that we made our way towards the Noir Epine where we turned left again for some field roads taking us back towards Ottenburg where we were treated to a great descent along the BLOSO route - again in the reverse direction - and further along the edge of the field towards the second rest stop.
After this the long climb up towards the Tomme made us quickly digest our food. Great downhill towards Gastuche and back towards Archennes via de Chateau de la Motte. In Archennes the technical climb up the Hézidelle tested us on riding technique uphill. The sand was wet though so it was possible to make the climb without too much trouble. We know made our way towards Bossut for what would turn out to be an easier part of the ride. Less climbing, more field tracks but with still some nice challenges along the way. Amongst others a tricky downhill north of Grez Doiceau and a technical climb over roots leading into the Bois de Linsmeau. Then we looped back towards Bossut to find a thrilling descent over cobbles taking us to the 3rd rest stop just south of Nethen . This one was very crowded - possibly because all distances passed here. I had upped my speed with the passing of the kilometres and was now actively trying to follow faster riders that passed me. This took my average speed up suite nicely. We were now taken back towards the Meerdaelwoud for a passage along the Warande Ponds and after that the crossing of the Naamse Steenweg and a climb up towards Valduc. Here the 100K riders would split off from the lesser distances for a loop taking us more or less around Beauvechain. This also proved to be a loop offering not too many heightmeters, which obviously was good for the average and also clement on the legs for those who were starting to feel the fatigue. At the little Chapel in Nodebais a 4th and last rest stop was offered. Manned by women, this was obviously my favourite. I asked and received some oil for my chain and took a last offering of banana, cookies and sports drink. With a full stomach I set on for the last 16K. The drop into Meerdaelwoud offered another patch which might be called muddy but then we rode back in over the Mollendaaldreef and the Weertsedreef. So no more challenges except for the part in Vaalbeek and an ultimate little loop along some narrower tracks before rejoining the starting area. An Alpro drink was gladly received and I went into the Canteen to collect my T-shirt. The Moots had to wait in the garded bike park for a few minutes.
The Lowdown:
What I liked:
+ Great trails, with attention to lesser visited tracks
+ the region and the use they made of what is offered
+ emergency numbers provided
+ dangerous downhills and road crossings well marked
+ distance splits well marked
+ arrowing impeccable
+ 4 well-stocked rest zones - lots of choices
+ very friendly people at the rest stops
+ free T-shirt when entering the 100K with pre-inscription
+ all this for only 9€ (10€ if you don't have a licence)
What I did not like:
- the section around Beauvechain not providing any challenges
- spreading of the 1st rest stop was a bit off.. at 31K this was too late into the ride
Synopsis:
A
very good ride, the first half certainly being more demanding than the
latter part. Although this was demanding too, depending on the speed
you made. Some very interesting new tracks I learned today. They could
have made it tougher if they had descended south of Grez instead of
opting for the loop around Beauvechain. But perhaps this would take
them too far from the Meerdael area and this IS the Meerdael Classic
after all. Arrowing was flawless all along the 100K, splits were very
well marked - before AND after the actual split.
The weather was great as well - 18 degrees average temperature, sunny
and just a bit of wind on the plateaus coupled with the amazingly rich
biking regions we crossed today provided the right ambiance for a great
couple of hours on your bike.The Bare Facts:
Profile of the Ride
Map of the Ride
Organisers Website
Ride Stats :
Meerdael Classic: 100K and 1155 heightmeters
total distance today :
110K and 1245 heightmeters in 5h22minsHill Factor of the Meerdael Classic: 11.555260/49555
06-07-2008, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 03-07-2008 |
| I'm tellin' ya dude, its gonna rain! |
Yesterday saw some thunderstorms and it rained a bit last night as well. So when we rode out with the KBC MTB club to recon the farthest loop of our annual Organised ride, I was curious about the state of the terrain. It turned out to be surprisingly dry. We rode towards Biez and there set out on the loop. Yves, the guy who plots the loop each year, made me discover an interesting alternative downhill in Biez. That will save me from the stairs of doom, but the alternative is also not without danger, it is rather steep and has a few corners with moss-covered concrete which makes it slippery when wet. But the rest is a nice little track. When we rode along towards Heze I discovered some menacing clouds on our right, over Bonlez . I pointed it out and saw the veils under the clouds - this meant rain. If course we were close to the fathest point on the loop, so no use turning back. 
03-07-2008, 21:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 01-07-2008 |
| Warm |
30 degrees C today, and a lot less wind. So I waited until 6pm to ride out but it was still very warm. I turned immediately into the Meerdael forest which was nice and cool. Lots of bugs flying around so I was general with the Deet spray. Made my way towards Nethen to check out the jungle hollow road. Well, it was dry but very washed out. Deep gullies made it impossible at times to keep on riding. I had to dismount a few time and lift my bike out of a rut or over some sandy boulders. Other parts were fine but demanded a lot of determination, trail insight and just plain luck to keep things rolling. Upon emerging from the hollow I rode towards Bossut and then made my way down along another hollow road, this one very sandy and I needed to keep the momentum high just to keep rolling. Up again towards the football field where I checked my Moots because the cranks were making a ticking noise. Everything seemed fine from the outside so it must be the 2003 XTR crankshaft nearing its end of days. Mmm, it will not be easy to find a replacement. After Archennes I climbed back up to la Malaise , down into Pecrot and up again towards Nethen. Down into Nethen and then along the railway towards the Beaumont forest. Down into Fontenelle and then up towards the Herculessalon in the Meerdaelwoud again. A little pause next to the Ponds near the Kluis and after that another climb up to the Nethense Baan. From there I was gently riding home. At home I put some oil on the crankshaft in the hope that it will stop the creaking, but I suppose I better contact Filip Sport for a new one.Ride Stats : 31K and 395 heightmeters in 1h45mins5057/47550
01-07-2008, 21:08 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 29-06-2008 |
| Haasrode recovery |
Just an easy ride along the Haasrode Tour today. Weather was the same as yesterday minus the rain but with the wind blowing strong from the west and the sun hiding from time to time . In Beauvechain I cut the Tour short to make it an even 50K - or almost. With an average heartrate of 97 this was indeed a very good recovery ride for me. Took a few pics of ondulating fields near Hoegaarden.
Ride Stats : 51K and 415 heightmeters in 2h18mins5026/47155
29-06-2008, 14:04 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 28-06-2008 |
| Braine l'Alleud Green Route |
Light drizzle this morning so I decided to wait a while before heading out. When I finally rode out around noon it was still raining very lightly but the forecast called for sun so I decided to risk it. First I had to ride towards Halle and the 7 Fontaines area - where the Green Route passes. It took me around 1h45 to cover the 39K, riding over Duisburg, Jezus-Eik and then up to the Middenhut and Sint Genesius Rode . Around 30 minutes into the ride the drizzle stopped and it would remain dry for the rest of the day. Great! Just before the Kapucijnendreef in the Sonian Forest I was stopped by a Chinese (?) girl in the forest who asked for directions to the Tervuren museum.. Took quite a bit of explaining - I hope she eventually found it.At the 7 Fontaines I had to find the point where the Green Route passes but that didn't prove too hard to find. I had been here before, first with Minna and later on my own, so I remembered most of the route, or at least that was what I thought. I had a map with me that I got from Minna and that would prove of great value along the ride. After the first climb on some of the worse cobbles I ever saw - and yes, I rode Paris-Roubaix twice - the route remains on the plateau for a while on tarmac. Then it turns left and the fun begins. A nice little downhill into the Bois de Hamme followed by a climb up to the Chapelle Bon-Dieu de Gembloux. This little chapel is a point where the route passes 2 times. The track then bends to the right for a downhill into Sart Moulin. A great little section in the forest follows - I don't think Minna did this, the arrow is hardly visible - down and again up along a singletrail. Then a section where you have to go through a hollow road uphill to emerge on tarmac. Down it goes to the big road which is crossed. A section into an industrial area - mind the arrows - and then it goes into the Bois de Foriest and the Bois d'Ophain. Some of the arrows are very well hidden and at places they have put new arrows up . The Green, Blue and Yellow route have a common section here and its a really nice one. One known mudhole has been completely gone - they have simply filled the holes so there is no more puddles nor mud. A nice track leads you down to the Ry du Vervois. Just before that there is a sharp turn left with a passage through a little river and a nice uphill section in what appears to be a private forest. You emerge in a rural area where great care has to be taken not to loose the track. Its to the right and some 20 metres on the street you have to turn left into what appears to be a footpath. The arrows are all there but sometimes you have to REALLY REALLY look for them. Some are partially covered, others are hidden behind parked cars etc.. The trail then descends into Braine l'Alleud itself, with some twisty passages through the city. Take care, there are cars here and the track really twists and turns. You pass the church where the routes start- leave the church to your right and turn left or you will lose the trail. Then you descend towards the river Hain, cross it and commence a nice little climb out of the city on a small trail. You then more or less make your way back to the big road, which you have to cross again. Some climbing to be done now, some on tarmac, later on hardpack . You slowly make your way back to the aforementioned chapel. I stopped for a little snack. After the chapel, there is another really narrow trail turning right from the gravel road. Its overgrown with grass and there is a gully so be careful. You then make your way into the Bois de Clauseweide, provided you don't miss the arrow that is covered behind the foliage. Forest road with a golf track on your right and you are heading for a really nice downhill-uphill passage along a narrow trail. Great fun, remember to shift on time or you will be walking here. Before long you arrive back at the 7 Fontaines area. This is a very nice trail, with some interesting challenges, great tracks and you notice some effort has gone into finding good trails instead of taking the easy way out and incorporate another piece of tarmac. Not here. They have done a good job. The arrows are there but at some points you can use the map, so bring it . It's 100% ride-able, no mudtraps although at some points there are cobbles I would be very careful on when it has rained. The trail is some 26K long and incorporates 440 heightmeters. So you need a certain level of fitness , its not a beginners trail. When I was back at the ponds of 7 Fontaines I wondered if I should ride the trail again. The first time I had to look a bit for the arrows, so I couldn't ride it at a good speed. But seeing that I stil had to do 40K to get home I dismissed the idea. Perhaps I will do it again soon with Guna - who I had to disappoint today because she couldn't start as late as I wanted to - at least then I would not have to look for the arrows anymore.The ride back was nice because the sun was out in full force now AND the wind was blowing in my back. The joys of biking. I had to suppress the urge to close my eyes and dream away. Ride Stats : 106K and 935 heightmeters in 5h01mins4976/46740
28-06-2008, 23:33 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 26-06-2008 |
| Overijse again |
After having spent the best part of the morning and early afternoon in the UZ Gasthuisberg in Leuven for some allergy tests, I wanted to ride out again. I had quite a bit of fun on the Red loop in Overijse yesterday so today I wanted to do all 3 of them . Riding thought the Meerdael forest towards Sint Joris Weert and Sint Agatha Rode, I picked up on the usual spot with my little extra loop in the Sint Agatha Rode Forest. The weather was great, partially cloudy, not too warm but sunny and dry.The kilometers went by at a good pace - here and there I injected a little extra climb to spice things up - and I was back in Sint Agatha Rode in little more than 1h40. Not bad for 34K and just shy of 500 heightmeters. On the way back I stopped at the Hertebron to drink its cool water before heading back over the Kluis and the Langendaalstraat towards Blanden.Ride Stats : 53k and 690 heightmeters in 2h47mins4870/45805
26-06-2008, 19:16 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 25-06-2008 |
| Mixed Bloso |
Started out on the Blue Meerdael Bloso route. In Sint Joris Weert I followed the arrows connecting the Meerdael to the Overijse Bloso's and in Sint Agatha Rode I got on the Red Overijse route. An extra descent and an extra climb in the Sint Agatha Rode Bos and then the usual trickery of this fine route. At the little chapel next to the Sint Agatha Rode bos I had a little snack before making my way back towards the Meerdael Forest.Arriving in Sint Joris Weert again I continued on the Blue route, switching over to the Red one after the climb alongside the Savenel wall in Nethen. I passed two bikers here who were catching their breath after the Savenel climb. Making a little detour towards the Warande ponds I added another little climb before crossing the Naamsesteenweg and climbing up into Hamme Mille. I had another snack and saw the two bikers on the climb just before I started riding again. The wind was blowing in my back when I speeded through the fields towards Bierbeek. Obviously, when I climbed through the fields back towards the Meerdael Forest, it was blowing from right in front of me. At the beginning and at the end of this section I stopped to take a picture. After that the remainder of the Red route only brought one surprise, a nice mudtrap I didn't spot on time and which brought me to a full stop. The little track parallel to the Naamsesteenweg was still pretty wet and you had to cross from one side to the other to stay dry. It provided some fun. Back on the Blue I only had to do a few more kilometers. The weather was not as gloriously sunny as yesterday but still pretty warm and with a noticeable wind blowing from westerly directions.Ride Stats : 62.5K and 710 heightmeters in 3h06mins4817/45115
25-06-2008, 18:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 24-06-2008 |
| Lost in Chastre |
Took an extra day off work today and it turned out to be a mighty fine day. The sun was out so I couldn't resist getting on my bike for a Long Slow Distance ride. I set out following the Maleizen Tour from Archennes over Chaumont Gistoux and up to Corbais. There I saw some other arrowing pointing towards Walhain Saint Paul, so I followed that. After a while the arrowing was gone so I had to play it by ear. I dropped into Chastre and was looking at the sun's position to judge which way I had to go. Of course, roads are not in a straight direction and before long, I had the feeling I was riding too much south of the line Gembloux-Wavre. I seemed to be turning around between Cortil-Noirmont, Gentinnes and Chastre, with no idea how to make it to either get to Court-Saint-Etienne or Mont-Saint-Guibert, from which I know my way home.  
24-06-2008, 16:41 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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| 22-06-2008 |
| Rando des Coquelicots |
With thunderstorms forecast early in the afternoon - and also with yesterdays' ride in my legs - my original plan to ride in Lustin was set aside. I had noticed that this weekend also offered the Rando des Coquelicots in Chaumont Gistoux. A nice little ride in an area of Brabant Walloon I know very well and like very much. 6am saw me rise and ride the Moots towards the start. A nice 20K ride which should warm me up quite nicely for the Rando des Coquelicots. Temps already are around 17 degrees C so it's going to be a hot day.The Ride:
At a little before 8am I take the start in the Centre Sportif A. Docquier in Chaumont Gistoux. The organisors are still the same from a few years back when I last did this ride. The distances offered are 15, 30 and 45K . Naturally I go for the longest distance and pay 4€ entry. I am the first biker on the track and enjoy the quiet and lonely tracks. We pass along some pastures where the wheels in the wet grass spray my frame , making dust and grass stick to it. I remember the track more or less from past attendencies so I am not too bothered with the sparse arrowing. At one point there is no arrow at all. I take to the right and at the next crossing I see the marker again. I can imagine a lot of people turning around in circles here. A succession of nice little tracks - but some fieldroads, cobbles and tarmac as well - brings me in Vieuxsart and on towards Dion le Mont and Dion le Val. The 30K splits off from the 45K and a little further, some 17K into the ride, a first rest stop awaits me. The people there - an elderly couple - are surprised to see me so soon and there is a real banquet waiting for me. Bananas, oranges, cake, chocolate wafers, water and Acquarius. The lady who mans the reststop wants me to taste it all. Her husband was briefly away adding an extra arrow to the crossroads just before the rest stop, at my request. I also mention to him the missing arrow near Vieuxsart. With my tummy a lot fuller than before I say my byebyes and get along with the ride.
It is getting hotter by the minute, but the sun is hiding most of the time behind shifting clouds. No sign of thunderstorms yet although in the west the skies look darker. The ride now turns towards Grez Doiceau with some nice little passages and a long sandy climb out of Cocrou up towards Longueville. But we are not there yet as the ride turns left into the fields for a long loop before entering Longueville. A well known passage along a singletrail between two fields grabs my attention. Fortunately it is dry here, the only bother is the high grass that clutters my gearing. A steep climb exiting a forest passage and I get ejected back into the fields before entering Longueville and passing the Chapelle du Cheneau. A wellknown passage in and around Bonlez follows with a tricky wet downhill on cobbles taken full speed. I am passed by a greying biker who makes a lot of speed in the downhills. I try to follow him but can only get a little closer during the uphills. He is the first biker I see and we arrive at the second reststop, some 40K into the ride. The 30 and 15K distances have joined us as well. Me and Mr Fast leave together and decide to ride the last 8K together. We ride into the Bois de Glabais and instead of taking to the left - as they did last time - they go straight up into a track that makes we think we are in the Ardennes. We ride through a riverbed with rocks and a lots of water. It goes uphill as well and it takes a lot of work to keep the bike rolling. This passage really is amazing and on its own makes this ride worth the while. We now ride towards Chaumont along another field passage and then have the choice of entering by road or taking the hollow road leading down towards the start. Obviously we opt for the offroad alternative and get presented deep gullies - and I mean DEEP - where we have to dismount for a few meters because of the slippery conditions. After a while things get dryer and meandering from left to right, in and out of gullies or trying to stay on top of them, we make our way down towards the start. I cannot comment on the bikewash facilities and/or showers since I did not use them. I talk a little more and it turns out he is a member of the Pietrebais organisation. I might have guessed he knew these trails by the way he attacked the downhills.
I ride back home along the first part of the 15K trail and making my way through the Bois de L'Etoile towards Heze and Grez-Doiceau. No thunderstorm in sight.
The Lowdown:
What I liked:
+ a great riverbed uphill passage in the Bois de Glabais
+ the rest of the region, also very beautiful
+ well-stocked rest zones - lots of choices
+ very friendly people at the rest stops
+ only 4 € for this feast
What I did not like:
- no emergency numbers provided
- arrowing was sparse and inconsistent, at times simply lacking
- no danger signs at road crossings
Synopsis:
Trails were dry and speed was fast most of the time. Not too difficult but with some nice passages along singletrails between fields and especially the long climb into the riverbed in the Bois de Glabais. This was a first-class section where I assume a lot of lesser bikers would be on foot. They offer a good ride, not taking in everything the area has to offer but still providing a good sampling of the area.The Bare Facts:
Profile of the Ride
Some pictures (taken by Schijfrem)
Ride Stats :
Rando des Coquelicots: 48K and 550 heightmeters
total distance today :
90K and 980 heightmeters in 4h30minsHill Factor of the Rando des Coquelicots: 11.54665/43700
22-06-2008, 18:01 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf
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