After a couple of cold days with lots of snow on the roads last evening saw at last the arrival of a rain zone, and an upwards leap in the temperature which brought it to the positive side of zero. When I arrived home today I even saw it was 8 degrees C. High time to get on my bike and do a ride on the now frost- and icefree roads. Due to the higher temperatures the snow has melted which leaves the offroad wet and soggy. So I will have to wait a couple of days to let the water evaporate . Hopefully, because it might as well start to rain leaving things even wetter. Or it might just get colder again which will stiffen things up.
Anyway, today I chose the Hilset to ride on the roads , doing a medium loop around Bierbeek, Bremt, Neervelp, Opvelp and Beauvechain. On my way back I passed in Tourinnes, Hamme Mille, Nethen and Sint Joris Weert before arriving at the Zoete Waters for the last stretch over Vaalbeek back home. It felt good to be able to ride on dry roads, with just a little bit of wind and best of all, positive temperatures throughout the ride.

Ride Stats : 40K and 275/315 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h45mins

959/10435

18-02-2010, 19:46 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It was snowing lightly this morning. I rode out with the plan to pick up on the Zoenk organised ride which passed 300m from my home, and then do the 65K loop until it got back in Vaalbeek. That way I would have the most interesting bit of the loop and since I wasn't going past the start/finish I had no right to stop at the 2 rest stops. But that didn't bother me. I hardly drink during my winter rides and with the pace I was making I would be burning mostly fatty tissue.From the start, when I joined the tracks of many bikers on the Margrietendreef, I felt that the trails would be a lot more slippery then when I rode alone 2 days ago. Due to the many tyres that passed before me, the trail became icy and very treacherous. It would snow throughout the entire ride and this new snow added to the icy conditions. Best was to ride in new snow, but this was not always possible. When I reached the first serious downhill in Nethen it proved near to impossible to brake without locking up the wheels. And of course, when the downhill is steep, you simply HAVE to brake. I tried but I slided on my left side. From then I was a bit more cautious and chose to walk the steepest parts of the downhills. Even walking down was difficult. Some bikers tried to ride but many would abandon soon and choose to walk or ride with one foot grazing the ground. When you had a good view of where you were going, you could choose to let the bike go, not touching the brakes except the rear one. And then - with a lot of luck and perhaps a bit of skill - you would make the downhill with the rubber side down. Luckily, when the 55K and later the 65K trails split off from the lesser distances, there were less bikers which meant less trails and less icyness. Except for the tarmac roads, and the cobbles, where care had to be taken. The field roads near to Bossut were covered with deep snow .

Most of the tarmac trails were full of snow as well , there was no salt used here, and your best bet is to ride in the middle of the road, between the car trails, where the snow would be looser and thus offering more traction. Luckily the very steep tarmac roads were clear of snow, it would have been very dangerous otherwise. When I reached Gastuche and got set for the long climb towards Ottenburg, I knew the most difficult part of the 65K trail was coming now. The Zoenkers have conceived a very nice succession of climbs and downhills here. The track was the same as last years' - which I had done a couple of times with my GPS - so there were no surprises for me. I knew the trails intimately which helped a lot to anticipate where the slippery parts would be. Still, sometimes even on flat trails all of a sudden my front wheel would start to slide. Lightning fast reactions were needed. I saw some evidence of fallen bikers, some skid marks here and there and I also saw bikers crashing in front of me. I hope that all went well and the damage was limited to some bruises and hurt pride. The section in Nethen, after the second rest stop , was also a very nice one, with the Pecrot singletrack taking on a new dimension of difficult. Trying not to look down into the abyss on the left, trying not to let your wheels slip. Very demanding biking. The temperatures were mostly just below zero but sometimes the tracks were close to muddy. On these parts of course there was no danger of sliding. When I reached Nethen again the lesser distances were joining the longer ones again and the icyness of the trails increased. Upon reaching the Vaalbeek border I decided to ride in, leaving out the last bit of the ride which was mainly in Heverlee bos. Not a lot of challenges there. I was surprised at the amount of heightmeters my Garmin returned. Perhaps they did add some extras but mostly I believe the track was the same as last years.
When I got home I was very pleased with my ride. The cold didn't bother me, and even though I had some bruises on my left hip and shoulder I could not complain about my physical prowess. I felt tired , both mentally from the concentration and physically from the sheer difficulty of the ride. Thanks to the Zoenkers. Even though I had the track on GPS I was glad that the arrowing was immaculate and I'm sure that for those who payed the insciption fee, the rest stops proved to be well stocked.

Ride Stats : 57K and 840/915 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h59mins. -1 degrees C average temp.

919/10120

14-02-2010, 17:02 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I set out through Meerdael forest focussing on riding offroad through the fields towards Sart-Melin. The roads were still too icy to risk riding with the Hilset so I just took the Litespeed and its knobby Big Jim tyres and set out on the snow and icy trails. Had a wake-up call very early during the ride when my front wheel parted sideways. I succeeded in staying upright, don't ask me how. From then on I was more weary. I rode through Mollendaal on a cobbled road towards Opvelp and then further on towards Beauvechain. My GPS lead me along mostly field roads with the occasional small tarmac connection. The field roads were mostly fine to ride but sometimes the snow got deeper and my wheels washed away from side to side. But some careful steering and anticipation got me through all the difficulties. The worst was the black ice. It looks like an ordinary wet spot but it is very slippery and icy and its best not to touch the brakes when riding over it. Couple that with cobbles that are angled in all directions and you get the picture. This is a very good way to learn how to control a bike.
When I arrived near Sclimpré I noticed the church of Sart-Melin in the distance and plotted my route towards that point. In Melin the main roads were still snowed under. No salt here, just some sand and ashes which also prove very effective against the ice. I had no trouble riding over the roads. Soon I arrived near Morsaint and from there I rode through Pietrebais . It started to get darker now and I decided to make my way up towards the N25. I was the first on the bikepath leading next to it and I rode in the direction of Nodebais to stop at the little chapel.

Took some pictures there and then set forth towards Nodebais centre and onwards towards Tourinnes. Still on smaller roads but then I made my way up towards valduc and decided to follow the N25 through Meerdael forest because it was really getting dark now and my hands started to get numb from the cold. Still I had a great ride, all kinds of snow and ice with some magnificent views and a great red sunset to boot.

Ride Stats : 37.5K and 285/315 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h8mins. -4 degrees C average temp.

862/9205

12-02-2010, 20:55 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

This winter really is turning out to be exceptional. This morning it started to snow again, yielding nearly a 1000K of traffic jams and 5cm of new fresh whiteness in our forests and fields. Obviously I could not resist riding out. The temperature was perfect, -3 degrees C , so the snow stayed and even more so, when I rode out, it was snowing heavily . The trails were great, some of them were even virgin with my tracks the first through them. Where there had been tractors or jeeps it was very slippery but I felt very stable today. Whether this had something to do with the Power Balance bracelet I was wearing I don't know. Fact is that in 5 cm of virgin snow you don't always see what is lying beneath it. My wheels touched ruts, trees or roots and none of them succeeded in tipping me over. I stopped frequently to take some pictures so that those of you who didn't have the opportunity to be "out there" today might still enjoy some of the magic these conditions bring. The forecast os for a little more snow but most of all it will remain below zero for the rest of the week so this snow might still be around next weekend.

Anyway, I had a great time, met one biker in Meerdael Forest who seemed to be following the Bloso trail. Me I kind of did a reverse perimeter ride. Starting out easy in Heverlee forest and then turning towards Meerdael Forest . I kept to the bigger roads whenever possible, only incorporating a couple of steeps climbs. Traction was good as long as I was the first on the track. Nevertheless I had to walk on on occasion when my rear wheel lost traction in a deep rut and the slope was too steep to get going again.

Ride Stats : 30K and 275/390 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h3mins. -3 degrees C average temp.

825/8890

10-02-2010, 18:55 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It was again getting colder today with an unpleasant northerly wind forcing me into the forest. Not that I minded because the cold also stiffened the trails, and the mud was almost gone. I decided on a perimeter ride starting out along the Blanden and Haasrode rim of the Meerdael Forest. When I reached the Valduc plains I ventured into those until I reached Mille. Then I returned along the Valduc estate - admiring the 700 year old taxus in their garden - before venturing into Meerdael Forest again.

The wind was freezing and I cut the ride a little shorter than I had originally planned. Instead of adding the Kouterbos and Heverlee Bos perimeters I stayed into Meerdael Forest, grazing Nethen and Sint Joris Weert before returning alongside the Weertse Dreef and the outskirts of Vaalbeek. The air tasted of dust, probably caused by the smog alert that has been initiated since yesterday. The northeasterly wind brings along some very fine dust particles from the German Ruhr area and beyond. Not very healthy but I didn't ride fast enough to cause heavy breathing. Instead I focussed on a relaxed tempo just enough to break a sweat under my Gore Tex clothing.

Ride Stats : 24K and 230/250 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h25mins

795/8500

08-02-2010, 17:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

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