Looking to do another easy recovery ride today I set out towards Heverlee and Egenhoven. From there I  took the valley towards Vossem and onwards to the Parc of Tervuren. It was hazy and cold but there was no wind. There were a lot of people wandering through the Parc of Tervuren; some walking, some on a bike, rollerskates and even on horseback. Avoiding all these obstacles I paused briefly to take a picture of a painting depicting the Parc behind it. Nice effect, I wish I had more time to to something more with that setup. Will have to wait until the next time I'm passing at that spot.

From Tervuren I rode on towards Duisburg and Eizer. Taking the 18% climb there to get on the crest overlooking Huldenberg. From Huldenberg another long climb and descent taking me towards Sint Agatha Rode.  From there I rode towards Sint Joris Weert and chose the Weertse Dreef to return home.

Ride Stats : 47.5K and 320/380 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h17mins

771/8250

07-02-2010, 14:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Hi there girls and boys, the wolf is back after a week recovering from some nasty beastie that settled in his stomach last friday. Over the weekend it was snowing and I couldn't do much more than looking outside and try not to think about food. After that I just wanted to give my body time to strengthen itself. The weather was either snow or rain so I didn't miss much action anyway.
But this morning saw dry and clement weather, with a hesitant sun trying to warm me up when I rode out. I decided on an easy road ride. The offroad was still very muddy and strenght-sapping. So I rode along a big loop incorporating Bierbeek, Opvelp, Meldert and then riding towards Hauthem and Hoegaarden.

Overlooking Hoegaarden I felt the warm sun on my face before dropping down towards the river Grande Gette (or Grote Gete) I followed the Ravel alongside it towards Sainte Marie Geest. To my right and passing through Saint Remy Geest and Melin I reached the N240 which I followed towards the N91 and then took that road towards Hamme Mille . From here I continued home along the N25. I still didn't feel very strong but I managed to ride a flat rhythm and keep my heartrate low. Hopefully next week will see the offroad dry out a bit so that I can tackle some more challenging rides there.

Ride Stats : 45.5K and 310/360 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h12mins

723/7870

06-02-2010, 13:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Took a day off from work today hoping to get a long ride in. The forecast called for temperatures around freezing point and some winter showers. When I rode out through Meerdael forest towards Grez Doiceau it was 2 degrees C and the skies were menacing but it was dry. My plan was to do the O2 Bikers roadbook that starts next to the church in Grez Doiceau. In Meerdael forest the trails were almost dry and there was some powdery snow lying here and there. So far so good.
When I was climbing up towards Bossut it started to rain however. I quickly noticed that it simply wasn't cold enough for the roads to be frozen. So the top soil was a slippery kind of muddy soap. I was wondering at this point if I should go through with my planned ride. The bike was already covered in mud and it wouldn't get any better.
But when I arrived in Grez I started on the roadbook , I would see how things went , if in need I could always abort the ride and head home. I left out a very muddy bit coming out of Grez opting for tarmac instead. When I disappeared into the forest it had stopped raining. I stopped to whipe my glasses clear of the disturbing little droplets. I needed to see where I was going. The trails were treacherous. Here and there it was muddy, at other places the ground was still frozen and solid. Tracks conditions were constantly changing. As long as i was climbing or descending it wasn't so bad. But on level ground the water would remain standing on the frozen underground, making for a very slippery and loose clay that would cover me and the bike even going at very low speeds. But I continued along the trail. Near Dion I left out another difficult section taking a long climb on a road instead. A dobermann was taxing me as I rode by. It was walking loose - laws seem to be different on the other side of the language border - and I was trying to think what I would do if it decided to have a go at me. But the dog lost interest pretty soon and I paddled along. Down towards Bonlez where I left out a little section along the river Train. This is muddy even in summer so I wasn't really interested to find out how it would be today.

Another precipitation, this time hail or light snow. The roads got a bit whiter, but remained soft and slippery. At some points I had to be careful because some of the puddles were iced and sometimes the ice was thick enough not to break making my wheels slip. Also the sections on cobbles were interesting. Good for the technique and I rode along. When I neared Heze I came to another patch of field roads that were very - VERY - muddy. I already decided to skip a section descending into a muddy valley where I had passed a couple of times before last year, and had to walk because of the deep ruts and tracks made by forestry machinery. I followed a parallel road that would lead me nicely towards Pietrebais. But the road was very bad, and it took a while before I was in Pietrebais. Then the next section announced itself. A little track along the river Pietrebais and then a nice climb up towards the fields again. Down towards Cocrou and then further along towards Gottechain. I added an extra climb and tricky descent before making my way towards Grez again, closing the loop. It had started to rain again, and the last 12K riding from Grez back home, I tried to stay on tarmac as much as possible. When I got home I gave the bike a good rincing. In all I had a good ride. I was pleased that I had persisted and rode the loop instead of cutting short and riding home. It was a pity it wasn't 3 or 4 degrees colder, the trails were very muddy today making the ride tougher than I wanted it to be. Still, with an average heartrate of 127bpm I didn't strain myself unnecessary, making this a good solid long slow distance ride. Just the kind of ride I needed.

Ride Stats : 58K and 730/830 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h52mins

678/7510

Today the temperature was dropping again, a new cold period is announced with maybe some snow in the second part of the week. When I rode out there was a bit of mist rolling in and it wasn't very warm either. Dusk was upon me and the temperature was 0 degrees C . I was glad there was not a lot of wind. I decided on a forest ride, having to check out one more spot where I might have lost my rear light.

The forest was still a bit moist from yesterdays drizzle but all together it was fun to ride. I rode very relaxed, taking a little break from time to time just to enjoy the silence and the distant noises of birds and other animals getting ready for the night. I included a couple of little tracks passing next to a dense section of pine trees. Whilst riding very slowly I had a look around . Still looking for Gilbert Peels, who didn't return from a forest walk 2 weeks ago. But those patches are so dense one would have to walk up and down to cover and check all the dark recesses and hideaways under the trees.

Crossing the Naamsesteenweg at the Warande I passed this little lake and then rode towards the Nethen edge of the forest and further towards Sint Joris Weert and the Kluis.
I then returned riding through the Heverlee bos for a little stretch, still riding a very cool tempo, enjoying the ride to the fullest.
When I got home and looked more closely to the rear light holder, I noticed that I didn't just lose the little rear light , it just broke off. So it might have happened just about everywhere. It breaking off is more than probably due to one or more big bumps sustained during a downhill or something like that. Anyway, I cannot use it anymore even if I should ever find it. So I will get me another Knog light and put that on the back of my Giro helmet (having already one of those little marvels on my Specialized helmet).


Ride Stats : 31K and 350/410 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h9mins. O degrees C average temp.

620/6680 

25-01-2010, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It was still dry and not too cold this morning. Great, so I could try to ride in the forest. I wanted to re-ride my january 6th ride in the idle hope of stumbling on the red tail light I lost in the snow during that ride. With the Edge 705 its very easy to re-ride any of the rides in its history so i was quickly out and about. The forest was moist but not overly wet, a single patch of mud and some water on a track notwithstanding. Traction was good but I nearly went on the ground when at one point my front wheel skidded away on a piece of wood I didn't see. Granted, I was riding next to the official track at that time, and on top of a hollow road to boot. I nearly fell into the hollow road but luckily I managed to control myself and the bike just in time. From that moment on I was a bit more concentrated.

Still no sign of the missing person , Gilbert Peels, but I did look around as much as possible. I was also looking for concentrations of birds, a sure giveaway when a dead body is lying somewhere. A bit grim to say something like that, I know, but it is hardly realistic that someone who went missing on january 5th and fell in the forest in minus 5-10 degrees temperatures, might still be alive today. Obviously there is also the possibility that he has simply disappeared and is still alive somewhere. Either way, I hope for his family and friends that some sign of him is picked up soon. It must be a hard ordeal to go through. The not knowing must be awful.

The ride went fine, the forest was clear and bright even though the light was not great. Managed to take some pictures and also looked around at several places for my little light. But, as Gilbert, it was nowhere to be found. There is still one spot where it could be, a secret spot not far from the Dikke Eik. I went there on january 6th but didn't go there today. When I type this it has started to rain very lightly. Lets hope it clears out so that I can do another ride tomorrow.

Ride Stats : 22.5K and 260/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h39min

589/6270

Dusk set in and I rode out for a ride that would turn out a little different than I had first anticipated. I always have an idea where I want to ride to, before I ride out. But sometimes I change directions during the ride itself. This evening was one of those moments. The weather was great, no wind, a temperature around 2 degrees C and a clear sky with a small crescent moon on the rise. The weekend weather forecast looked a bit uncertain so I agreed to do a longer ride instead of the quick 30K I had originally in mind.
Setting out towards the Zoete Waters I rode to Sint Joris Weert and from then turned to Nethen and Pecrot. From Pecrot I rode to Archennes and onwards over Grez Doiceau to Cocrou. Riding on the road to Pietrebais was like riding into a pitch black tunnel. All was quiet except for a dog that jumped at me from one of the houses I passed. I howled at it and it let go, turning back into its safe haven. Now and then a car passed me or crossed me. From Pietrebais I rode towards the 1St Wing entrance in La Bruyere. I felt good and decided to add another loop taking me to Meldert and from there over Opvelp to Bierbeek. I passed a biker who had no front light and he struggled to keep up with me, taking advantage of my bright Lumicycle Led 3 system. In Bierbeek we took different turns and I set out on my own again along the E40 to reach Haasrode and then over the Slagbaan to Blanden. I really felt good and did a fine 2h30 of riding. If the weather turns out good tomorrow I'll see about doing another ride. If not I already have a good one under my belt today. My pace was brisk possibly due to the low amount of heightmeters and the fact that I opted for the long climbs instead of the short steep ones .

Ride Stats : 54K and 400/450 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h27mins

566/5980

22-01-2010, 23:03 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This evening I wanted to check out the shortest way to Duisburg, so I set out with the Hilset riding through the Weertse Dreef, into Sint Joris Weert and then up the smeysberg ridge. Dropping into and riding out of Huldenberg, passing the Ganspoel and then up another ridge to make it to Duisburg. From there I rode towards Eizer where I took the direction of Overijse. Taking to the left on a small earthen road I rode around a bit aimlessly until I found a connection to Overijse. From here I rode in the direction of Wavre, down into Tombeek and the up again and towards Terlanen. Here I took a right for the long climb towards Ottenburg. From Ottenburg it went towards Archennes and Pecrot where I added another couple of climbs to my daily konto. From Pecrot towards Nethen and then towards Sint Joris Weert and the Zoete Waters I managed to include a couple more climbs. So I wasn't really surprised when I noticed I totalled more than 600 heightmeters. The weather was calm and dry and with an average temperature of 3 degrees C quite enjoyable.

Ride Stats : 57K and 615/660 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h46mins

513/5530

20-01-2010, 19:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

No big tour today, I settled for a medium distance ride on the road, just relaxing a bit and recuperating from the weekend rides. My tour took me along Haasrode, Bierbeek, Opvelp, Beauvechain and then through Tourinnes and Hamme Mille towards Nethen and Sint Joris Weert. Finishing the lap over the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek. The roads were dry, there was an easy breeze blowing from the west and the average temperature was 5 degrees C.

Ride Stats : 32.5K and 185/220 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h29mins

456/4870

18-01-2010, 14:51 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After last nights' rainfall the snow was mostly gone this morning. It was still raining though so I waited until 11am to ride out. The sun was coming through and the landscape looked like it was new. I compared it with the healthy blush a person has when having done a sauna. Almost reborn, the brown and green colors looking good after the days in white. I settled on a long road ride since I knew the offroad would be wet and muddy. With the top layer holding the water because deeper down the frost wouldn't let it through. We'll see how things develop next week. It can either go back to freezing or defrost further. I hope it dries out quickly, thats all.

My ride took me towards Nethen and Pecrot, and then to Archennes and Ottenburg. I didn't ride around the climbs, but went looking for them, attacking them with low gearing and high rpms, just trying to relax during the climbing. From Ottenburg I rode towards Wavre and then down into Tombeek. Back up on the other side making my way towards Overijse and Huldenberg. Here I couldn't resist tackling the Smeysberg - twice. Once on the long and steady climb along the road exiting Huldenberg, then back down the Smeysberg road - 65kph max here ! - before climbing back towards the crest along the much smaller Kleinwaverstraat. I then dropped down towards the road to Neerijse, followed that to Neerijse where I rode along the N253 in the direction of Leuven. Obviously I did another climb along the J.Vranckx straat towards the Langerode veld. I then rode back on the crest towards the Blokkenstraat which I followed back down to the N253 again. Then into Egenhoven and along the Arenberg campus towards Heverlee and further on to Blanden. A good ride, with a nice average temperature of 7 degrees C and notwithstanding a rather strong wind blowing from the west I did enjoy it very well. The push of the wind in my back on the final stretches from Leefdaal towards Egenhoven and Heverlee is one of those rare joys only bikers get to experience.

Ride Stats : 61K and 590/650 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h54mins

423/4650

17-01-2010, 17:46 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today saw dry weather and temperatures that stuck at 3 degrees C. So I went for a longer ride, following the arrowed Haasrode tour. The snow has been melting quite well these last couple of days but on the smaller roads there still was ice, melting snow and a lot of water to demand some care whilst riding through it. When I arrived at the Goudberg geosite near Hoegaerden and rode up towards the Marollen chapel I noticed a big wall of snow along the side of the small road. So I took a couple of pictures before riding on.

There was rain forecast for later in the afternoon so I didn't stroll too long and set forth towards Meldert and L'Ecluse. Here there was a even bigger wall of snow parallel to the road. Another picture of course and with a cold win in my face I set towards the last third of the ride, making my way towards La Bruyere and the high fields of Pietrebais. Again I couldn't ride on the bike path and had to ride on the busy road . Luckily there were not a lot of cars so I didn't have any trouble or scary moments. Arriving in Hamme Mille and riding along the Naamsesteenweg I completed the last bit of my ride. About an hour after I arrived home it started to rain. This might clean the streets a bit because they are literally inundated with salt. My bike looked very sweet when I arrived home. A nasty mixture of salt and mud. A good thing titanium frames don't corrode but still the other parts need watching.

Ride Stats :: 55k and 445/495 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h31mins

362/3995

King Winter has finally loosened his firm icy grip on our region and today for the first time in more than a week temperatures rose above zero again. The snow was melting fast, helped by a shy sun that came through the clouds in the afternoon. I was eager to do a longer ride than I had done the last couple of rides so I was as elated as if it was spring when I rode out with the Hilset on the roads. The ride went over Haasrode and Bierbeek and then towards Neervelp and Opvelp. On the smaller tracks there was still some snow but nothing to worry about. My tyres broke through the snow and touched the tarmac underneath. When I arrived in Beauvechain I decided to add an extra loop taking me to La Bruyere and then back over Pietrebais and next to the 1st Wing Airbase towards Hamme Mille.

When I followed the bigger N25 I noticed the bike path was blocked with knee-deep snow and I had to ride on the busy road for a short time. When the snow flurry was behind me I rode on the seperate bike-path again. Until a bit further there was another flurry. Not as high as the first one but still proved too much to bike through. I settled for the grass this time because riding on the road with the evening upon me was a bit too risky. In all I had a good ride and I enjoyed an average temperature from 3 degrees C. Coming from well below zero this felt almost warm. Almost.

Ride Stats : 36.5K and 245/300 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h37mins

307/3500

The winter keeps on holding us in its icy grip. Today saw another 2 to 3 cms of wet snow and when I got home it was still snowing lightly. I decided on a Meerdael Forest ride and set off around dusk. Night fell soon and I could make good use of my Lupine helmet-mounted Tesla light. The trails seemed a bit more icy than before and with the fresh snowcover it was also more difficult to see the tracks and ruts. I focussed on the uphills, taking it very easy in the downhills. During the last half hour the snow intensified and with my strong helmet light the snowflakes even seemed brighter and more numerous. It wasn't very cold with an average temperature of 0 degrees C but I was glad I wore my Goretex jacket over the thermal vest. This kept me dry and warm.

Ride Stats : 21.5K and 275/310 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h32mins

271/3200

13-01-2010, 19:51 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

At first I wanted to do a road ride today but when I neared home returning from work I noticed there was some fog building up . So I chose to do a ride in the forest instead. It was -1 degree C when I left and it was slightly raining or snowing. The fog was getting denser and it felt colder than it actually was. I settled on a perimeter ride starting out over Blanden cemetery and the Bremberg. I then looped towards Mollendaal and rode into the fields towards Valduc. The snow was heaped up high into sand dunes here and the fog made it very difficult to orientate myself. Fortunately I know this area like the palm of my hand and of course the GPS is also a very valuable asset in these conditions.

The roads were becoming very icy when I crossed the Naamsesteenweg and rode towards the Warande pond. It was also getting darker and darker and I decided to return towards home. A last stretch to the Kluis and onwards towards Vaalbeek. The downhills were dangerous and I could only brake in the loose snow. My helmet was iced but I got home without any troubles. I did notice my rear red light was missing. From the pictures I can see I still had it in the beginning of my january 6th ride, check this picture:

But when I look at the other pictures I took that evening it was already gone. I know of a couple of spots where I could have lost it, having to lift the bike over some logs and pushing it through some bushes. I might have a look around for it during the week. But it has snowed since the 6th so I don't think I will find it. If anyone should stumble accross it, feel free to let me know.

Ride Stats : 24k and 240/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h31mins. -1 degree average temp.

250/2890

We had another 5 to 7 cm of snow yesterday and I was keen to ride out again this morning to enjoy the special conditions. The icy wind that accompanied the snowfall had settled during the night and with a temperature of around -2 degrees C I rode out. Taking the Green BLOSO route for starters, the snow conditions were great. The white stuff was not too sticky and the only difficulty was the snow flurries which had covered the tracks and ruts quite efficiently at some places. Snow dunes in the exposed areas at the edge of the forest and along the fields. Most of the tracks were already ridden on by jeeps or other bikes, so I only had to follow those tracks to get a good contact. The small tarmac roads near Heverlee were icy but as long as I stayed on the new snow it was fine. Taking a break at the Heverlee War Cemetery long enough to take a picture and then I rode on towards Oud-Heverlee and Korbeek Dyle.

When I arrived near the Zoete Waters I switched to the Blue Bloso and I started to follow that for a while. I avoided the steep downhill behind the Kluis and took an alterative uphill and downhill to make up for it. Past the Savenel I came to the Red Bloso and I started to follow that. I decided to ride down towards the Warande pond and check out the ice on the water. It proved more than thick enough to carry me and my bike so I rode a couple of laps on it and took some more pictures. This is a first for me, riding on water.

After the Warande I followed the Red Bloso again but instead of heading into the fields of Valduc and Hamme Mille, where I had a lot of trouble the last time with the snow dunes and the wind, I stayed in the forest and did a loop towards the Mollendaal forest . Taking a couple of virgin singletracks I had to dig deep because there was almost 15cm of deep snow and it wasn't that easy when you are making the trail instead of following it. After almost 3 hours of biking I was a happy man when I arrived at home. Just in time for the Belgian Cyclocross Championships where an amazing Sven Nys took his 7th title with the Elites after a very difficult and icy race where he had to battle back from almost 25 seconds behind to take the lead group and ride away from them. Things are looking good for the World Champs in Tabor in a couple of weeks where the conditions might be very similar. Young Niels Albert was never in the race.

Ride Stats : 46k and 480/510 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h58mins. -1 degree C average temp.

226/2600

Since Monday afternoon, an inhabitant of Blanden, Gilbert Peels, is missing in Meerdael forest. There has been a big search yesterday, with helicopter and all but there seems to be no trace of him. Also check
http://www.polfed-fedpol.be/ops/ops_vermistdetail_nl.php?RecordID=624 for the latest news.
Today, I felt it only appropriate to do a ride in the forest and try my best to look around for him whilst doing so. I stayed on the east side of the Naamsesteenweg and took all the little singletracks I could. I could see from the multiple traces and imprints from men, dogs and jeeps, that there had indeed been a very thorough search even on the tiniest tracks. I also had a good look around in the sandpit near the naamse Delle.  I saw traces there as well but I checked behind some heaps of rubble as well.

All the while I was thinking what I would do if I found him. I think it is realistic to think that - after 2 nights of freezing temperatures - he would be dead if he was lying in the forest. Finding a body is not something one looks forward to. But I didn't find him, I can only hope that others will, or that his family gets a sign of life from him if he is still alive. I stopped my search - and ride - when it got to dark to see any further than a few meters in the snow-covered forest.

Ride Stats : 22K and 255/295 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h49mins. -3 degrees C average temp.

180/2090

I was home in time for a ride in the snow. Due to the bad condition of the roads I opted for the offroad. In this case the forest of Meerdael and the fields of Nethen. It was dusk and the sun was setting after a day that saw temperatures almost reaching 1 degrees. But when I rode in the fields the snow was breathing coldness. Like a fine most it spread, making the ambient temperature drop well below zero. The red sun was soon gone but I could still see where I was riding, due to the inherent luminescence of the snow. Arriving home 30 minutes after sunset I was glad to have done a fun ride. The snow is still of good quality and the forest roads are perfectly ride-able. I took some pictures facing the sun, an eerie moment to be shared with all my readers.

Ride Stats : 22k and 255/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h23mins. -2 degrees C average temp.

157/1795

03-01-2010, 19:37 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

02-01-2010, 17:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Yesterday it was thursday, today it is friday, yesterday it was cold, grey and windy, today it is even colder and still grey and windy. Yesterday it was 2009 and today it is 2010. Except for the number in the year nothing much changes. But still it is another year and another chance at doing things right - or not.
Set out over exactly the same roads as yesterday, except for when I came to Hamme Mille I decided to add another couple of K's looping over Nethen and Sint Joris Weert. Returning through the Weertse Dreef. It was snowing very lightky throughout my entire ride and the bridge over the Naamsesteenweg was slippery when I rode over it. The average temperature was -1 degree, one degree colder than yesterday evening. The forecast calls for more freezing temperatures so with a little luck the offroad trails will get a little dried out with the frost.

Ride Stats : 36.5K and 260/300 heightmeters in 1h39mins. -1 degrees C average temp.

36/300

01-01-2010, 16:59 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Chilling out at work today, doing things I don't normally find time for during the hectic year. When I got home I urged to get on my bike for one last time before the year 2009 ended. It had been raining yesterday evening and tuesday evening so I was eager. Did an easy ride , relaxing and getting used to zero degrees C again after a few days of positive temperatures.

The year has been good to me bike-wise. I didn't get my usual 10.000K - stranding at 9676K instead - but I got well over a 100.000 heightmeters. I might have gotten a lot more if I had gone to the Ardennes just a couple of times more often. Next year I hope to go abroad , perhaps do some marathon in France or Germany. I'm not getting any younger and when I have the opportunity I feel I should take it. A week in the Vosges is also on my wish list. I just need to kick myself into gear and just go.
To all my readers, I wish you and those you hold dear and love, a very happy , sunny and healthy 2010. May whatever gods you worship bring you all their blessings. Gor now, just keep it safe and hope to see you soon in 2010.

Ride Stats : 29K and 230/270 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h17mins

9676/100855

31-12-2009, 18:18 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf