In the morning it looked like a fine day. Sun was shining and even though a nasty wind was blowing cold air from the northwest I decided to ride out. I wasn't sure which way to go so I started out along the track of the Ronde van Leuven starting from Blanden. But they were still arrowing the ride so I switched to the Kroem Foerce arrowing in Bierbeek and decided to follow this hilly trail through Linden, Holsbeek, Kortrijk Dutsel and Sint Pieters Rode until I reached Lubbeek. From there I rode up the hill towards Pellenberg but took a smaller road taking me towards Boutersem instead of following the big road. When I looked towards Bierbeek I noticed with a shock that there was a big black mushroom cloud hanging over Bierbeek, exactly in the direction I was planning to ride. I also felt the wind becoming stronger, no doubt hurrying out in front of the squall.

The only option I had was trying to avoid being hit by the rain so I followed the Tiensesteenweg towards Korbeek Lo, thus leaving the cloud to pass at my left. It seemed to work because I only felt a couple of raindrops when I crossed the outskirts of the depression. Arriving at the Mol I took the expressweg towards Haasrode and Blanden. When I reached the bridge of the E40 the road became wet. I stopped to take another picture, this time from the back of the cloud.

A bit later I arrived home and I had indeed escaped a lot of rain. So I was lucky today, being able to complete my ride in complete dryness.

Ride Stats : 51K and 440/505 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h17mins

6601/69755

28-08-2010, 16:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

The weather has been horrible these last couple of days. Not the kind of weather you expect in August. I really pity the people that are on holiday these days. This late afternoon saw at last adry spell so I decided to ride out for a quick 'mise en jambes', comme on dit en Francais. Little loop leading me over Heverlee, Oud Heverlee, the Zoete Waters and Sint Joris Weert towards Nethen, where I put some pressure on my legs by tackling the 16% Tienne Vincent. Back down along the Rue du Wez and then over Hamme Mille and Meerdael back home.

Ride Stats : 25K and 200/255 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h3mins

6550/69250

27-08-2010, 17:53 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Had a good rest yesterday and today I wanted to ride out again. There were nasty winds blowing so I decided to stay in the forest and indulge myself in some exploratory riding, concentrating on climbs and descents. The temperature was a mild 20 degrees C and the sun through the leaves left me with a good feeling without overheating. I twisted and turned, following small tracks , sometimes 2 times in a different direction, just for the fun of it. Forget consistent loops, I was just adding the trails I wanted to ride. It struck me that a lot of the small tracks were washed out and there were quite some fallen trees as well.
 When I paused briefly for a snack near the forest edge in Nethen, I spotted some roedeer deep down below. You can see them on one of the pictures I posted. When I arrived at the top of the Haye du Wez in Nethen I spotted a big Dodge Ram jeep. I kinda liked the reflections of myself in the big ram badge so I added this pic to the series.  

24-08-2010, 20:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

When I got out of bed this morning I still felt a bit tired from yesterdays' ride. I didn't have high hopes for my condition today but I had promised to be at the start in Haasrode at 7am so I rode out anyway. After a couple of hellos I rode off with another biker who would accompany me during the first kilometers until the 52 and 62K distance split. Meerdael forest was glistening with dew and the bikes were wet from riding through the grass on our way to the forest. It was warm with 19 degrees C but the forecast called for possible rain later in the day, even thunderstorms in the late afternoon. So the early biker got the worm today.
When my bike companion for half an hour took a left at the 52/62K split I was riding alone through an awakening forest. My job was to control the signage , if needed replace broken or stolen signs and make sure the riders, who could officially start at 7.30am, would not get lost . When the trail is ridden in this direction - counterclockwise on the map -  the toughest bit of the ride comes first. A loop with some solid climbs and tricky descents on the Nethen side of the Meerdael forest. The sand in the Savenel area was deep and stuck to my wet bike. The long climb up to the plateau again was immediately followed by a fast descent towards the Kluis. It made my glasses foggy with the contrasting warmth of my body against the crisp forest air. The loop through the Bois de Beaumont led me down the long hollow road towards Nethen. When I was near the end, I saw a rope that had been spanned over the road. There was a festival of some sorts in the fields surrounding the track and the two fields had been connected by ropes. I stopped and had a talk with one of the festival people. I explained him that there was a mountainbike event passing here and that it would be better to remove the ropes. So we did just that.

After this intermezzo I rode on and when I arrived at Nethen I noticed an arrow had been removed at a crucial spot. A left turn . I replaced the arrow so that the bikers would not take the Bruyere de Wez going straight up - an 18% tarmac climb - but instead turned left for a steep offroad climb ending with a small step. A bit more of a challenge for a mountainbiker. I crossed someone from Mountainbike Tour Trips at the top of the climb. He was possibly also confused about the missing arrow. A bit further I descended back towards Nethen and stood at the start of the infamous Lianenklim. There is also an easier track, not through the deep and wet gully but following tarmac, cobbles and a track though the fields instead. I took the easy option. I wasn't sure about the condition of the track in the Lianenklim and I didn't want to be stabbed to death by gnats or even horseflies.

I continued towards and through Bossut and after 20K into the ride I arrived at the first rest stop high up in Gottechain. There still were no bikers here, only members of the organisation. I told them of the missing arrow and advised they sent someone over to re-check. I then rode on, taking a very steep downhill that might make some victims among the 52 and 62K bikers that pass here.

The 42K and other distances split off just after the rest stop so now I was on long-distances-only trails. Into and out of Grez and then crawling up the steep cobble climb to Biez. This is the start of a very intense section in Brabant Walloon, where a lot of heighmeters, some marvelous views and sheer fun are to be had for the mountainbiker. When I arrived at the first rest stop, I already had around 350 heightmeters, but the next section of 15K would easily double that amount. I was still riding alone and was enjoying the first rays of sunshine . The sections in the Forest de Glabais are some of the finest in the area. At times one could imagine being in the Ardennes. 
The sun was frequently obscured by clouds but it remained dry. The small grassy track leading down into Pietrebais demanded my full attention. Even though the grass had been mown a couple of days ago, there were still dangers hiding below the greenage. Hidden ruts and even stones can easily topple the unaware biker over. A long climb on tarmac takes me back out of Pietrebais and then downhill again through a forest on a dangerously washed-out track. I drop into Cocrou. Here care has to be taken, the small road to the right is easily overseen. But the signage is OK and only the fast and the furious will miss the turn. For them, we have put some extra signs further down into Cocrou village that will lead them back to the trail, eventually. The long climb through a beautiful hollow forest road from the Fond du Moulin up to the plateau through the Bois de Beausart stresses my legs.

But I also know that this is amongst the last really tough climbs. I am nearing the 2nd rest stop at the edge of the Bois de Linsmeau and here I encounter the first real muddy puddles. But those who are 'in the know' can take a little singletrack that runs parallel to the muddy track. I take a break at the rest stop and have a little chat with the volunteers manning the stop. Thanks has to go to each and every one of them. They also sacrifice their free time to help us organise this ride.
The following downhill is a bit less dangerous than yesterday because the tree that had fallen over the trail has been removed. I also notice that the sandy bit is a little deeper than yesterday. I see my first bikers on the trails when I join the 42K riders coming from the left. From now on I can up my tempo a little bit and play catch-me-if-you-can with the other bikers. Some can catch and pass me , others try but die in my wheel. Life is fun.
The ride now mellows out a bit going though the fields between Gottechain and Tourinnes le Grosse. We cross the language border near Valduc and disappear into Meerdael Forest once again. A loop that takes us from the Walendreef and the Weertse Dreef to Mollendaal, the highest point of the forest, and then down into Bierbeek. A last climb following the De Betstraat hurts because it is long, grassy and difficult. Then I am back at the Haasrode Sports Complex where I started 65K , 3h48mins and over 900 heightmeters earlier. Riding back home I take a couple of backroads and small trails just for the fun of it. I had a good ride today.

Ride Stats : 73K and 930/1020 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h56mins
Stats TT Haasrode : 65K and 935 heightmeters (Garmin)

Track on EveryTrail :

TT Haasrode Natuurvrienden 65K at EveryTrail


Plan your trips with EveryTrail iPhone Travel Guides

6393/68335

22-08-2010, 14:47 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Tomorrow takes place the Haasrode TT, traditionally one of the better organised rides in my region, and certainly the one offering the best distance to heightmeters ratio. It is also one of the rides where I have the privilige of being in the organising committee. So today we set out to put in place the arrows. Each team of 2 people had a section to provide the arrows for. I was paired with Jan, one of the fittest riders of the lot. Fortunately we maintained an easy pace as we rode with 6 bikers to the farthest loops in deep Brabant Walloon. We split up at the reststop in Gottechain (check the map) and there Jan and I had to cover a bit of ground to takes us to the start of our section. Starting in Heze and making our way through the Bois de Glabais. A descent along the Rue de la Gorge du Loup. Sharp left and then a long climb towards the Chapelle du Cheneau in Longueville. We had a spot of bother with a little dog that wouldn't leave us. So I rode back down into the Gorge to take the dog back to its owner. Jan continued meanwhile placing the arrows. I was really surprised the trails were almost dry. It had rained considerably last week and except for a big puddle here and there , there was not much evidence of any wetness. Great trail conditions, a little moist, also due to the morning dew no doubt, offering perfect traction. From the chapelle a long downhill back into the Residal awaited us. Another climb taking us then to the Avenue Felix Lacourt leaving Heze. We passed the Grand Sart and then made our way into Cocrou were we met 2 other team-members who also had finished their part of the trail. We proceeded to another rendez-vous point down at the Rue de Linsmeau . We had to wait a little bit for the 3rd team to arrive and then we rode back towards Haasrode. I took some pictures along the way so people who were in doubt of the trail condition can check out how they are today. With no rain and 25 degrees C today the trails will be dry tomorrow for sure.

There is one point on the trail where I want to warn the people doing the 52 and 62K, to be careful which turn they take. When you arrive in Cocrou there are arrows pointing to the right. But you might not see the small trail on the right, the one which you are SUPPOSED to take, and instead take the tarmac into Cocrou. We did foresee an arrow in downtown Cocrou to lead the sheep that were led astray back to the right track. Here is a Google satelliet view with the track on it, explaining how you should proceed on that spot.

For those who want to figure out the track, here is a black and white rendition of the trail maps.


Ride Stats : 42.5K and 525/595 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h17mins

6420/67315

21-08-2010, 12:59 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

3 days without biking left their trace. I felt uneasy and restless, and also tired. It had been raining hard on sunday , monday and tuesday and yesterday I had other duties to perform. So I was eager to ride out today. The weather was more sunny and their was only some wind blowing to remind me of the bad weather we endured the last half week. I followed the blue arrows of the 50K Biz' on the bike ride keeping an easy pace so as to not stress my legs too much . The wind felt good when it was blowing in my back and the sun was also a joy to feel on my bare arms. Murphy struck when I saw a brand-spanking new 2011 Audi RS5 in Hamme Mille and noticed the battery of my Sony DSC-W300 was flat. I also didn't have my mobile phone with me, which must be one of the very few times in 15 years. So I could only ogle the black beast but I could not share the experience with my fellow car bufs.

Ride Stats : 48K and 340/380 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h3mins

6378/66720

19-08-2010, 18:26 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Because my friend Roger insisted that the Kroem Foerce was worth the while I decided to follow this track from Blanden onwards. And indeed, when it reached Korbeek Dyle things began to intensify. In Linden and Holsbeek the Meesbergpad and Chartreuse are calf-biters and the legs were feeling it when I followed the track towards Lubbeek and Kerkom. Some not-too-busy roads and nice backroads through lovely landscapes.

The weather was OK, sun was out most of the time and the temperature was bearable with around 22 degrees Celcius on average. The Kroeme Foerce tour starts in Sint Truiden but once I got in the region of Tienen I decided to skip the last part - flat no doubt - and cut to the right on the route national from Diest to Tienen. Riding straight through the city of Tienen had me guess a bit but at long last I arrived on the Hannuitsesteenweg in Bost. From here I came to Goetsenhoven whence I now my way since the Vlaanderen Stedenroute passes there. Just before Hoegaarden I connected to the Kroeme Foerce tour again and soon I was at the first climb - Helling 1 - which led me to the plateau where the Marollen Chapel stands. Taking a break there before riding onwards .

From Meldert the second climbs brings me towards Opvelp where the track veers to the left to connect Beauvechain and Hamme Mille. In Nethen I had to look a bit to find the 3rd climb - an 18% grade no less - which I took on the smallest gear. I had close to 81K in my legs and then 18% is a lot. I stopped at the well near the Camping La Hetraie to drink some cool water before engaging the last 10K

The trail then moves towards Sint Joris Weert where climb number 4 takes me to the gendarmerie. Here it turns left again and reaches the Zoete Waters, from where it moves towards Vaalbeek and back into Blanden. A surprisingly good ride with a solid 800 heightmeters in this configuration. A good training ride indeed. When I got home Roger passed by and he immediately guessed which ride I had done. He wanted to ride in the Ardennes tomorrow but in view of the weather forecast I gently declined.

Ride Stats : 95K and 765/815 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h15mins

6330/66340

14-08-2010, 16:21 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

11-08-2010, 19:13 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Today I started following the FK markers I discovered a couple of days ago. Its seems the circuit starts near Sint Truiden somewhere. I followed it through Blanden towards Haasrode and Bierbeek but when it looked to go towards Korbeek Lo I lost interest and continued along the "Haasrode" trail towards Neervelp, Willebringen, Hoksem and Oorbeek. I stopped near the Goudberg Geosite , where a petrified forest was discovered and protected some years ago when they were building the HST trail. Enjoying an energy bar and the warm August sun on my skin I paused for a while.

I then set on towards Hoegaarden when I discovered the FK markers. These must be near the beginning of the loop because when I arrived in Meldert there was a marking on the road with 'Helling 2' , meaning the second climb. I followed the track towards Opvelp and Beauvechain and onwards to Hamme Mille and Nethen. I must have missed 'Helling 3' because when I exited Sint Joris Weert I was on 'Helling 4'. I also learned there were 2 distances when I discovered a split near Meldert. The 75K distance breaking to the right towards Willebringen, and the 125K distance which I followed until I reached Vaalbeek and Blanden again. Could be interesting to ride towards Korbeek Lo one of these days and see whether the track goes into the hilly region near Pellenberg and Lubbeek. For now I had a good ride at an easy pace.

Ride Stats : 60K and 410/470 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h37mins

6180/65000

09-08-2010, 20:02 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Leaving around 10.30am I saw some dark clouds gathering at the horizon. But the temperature was fine with just 20 degrees C and a mild southwestern blowing. I set out along the 30K road ride starting in Heverlee. I decided to do it in the opposite direction thus taking me to Heverlee and then towards Egenhoven, upper Leefdaal and Neerijse. When I was riding along the crest over Leefdaal I noticed some clouds to my left and the road was becoming wet all of a sudden. So it had rained here and not too long ago as well. My wheels on the tarmac splattered and I felt the drops in my face and on the bike. Turning towards Neerijse I noticed some bikers coming towards me and they had seen some rain. Drowned faces and most wearing rain jackets and other keep-me-dry attire. Me I only experienced some wetness coming from the road, nothing from above. When I reached Sint Agatha Rode and turned towards Sint Joris Weert the roads became dry again and the last kilometers along the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek had me speeding because I noticed the next of the rainclouds coming towards me. I managed to get home just before the rain started to fall.

Ride Stats : 32.5K and 205/225 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h28mins

6120/64530

08-08-2010, 14:07 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Had the idea to ride the track from the 2008 Haasrode TT again. Or at least what I call the raw track. The actual TT cut some corners here and there to soften things up a bit and keep the actual distance below 65K. This is what you might call the heavy duty version. I put the track into my Edge 705 and reversed it. I also rode this track in november 2008 so you can check my story there for more details and a view of the map.
I didn't pass through Haasrode today since I cut the track short starting in Blanden and staying in Meerdael Forest instead of riding the last and first couple of K's to and from the start.
First passing in Mollendaalbos and then exiting the green and cool Meerdael forest near Valduc where the sun was awaiting me. Through Tourinnes la Grosse and then moving south towards Gottechain. Here the serious things start as the ride moves towards Pietrebais and Cocrou. Even further south to reach Longueville where a lot of heightmeters make the gears, and my legs , grind. When I finally reach Heze I already have 600 heightmeters and 47K.

I then move towards Grez Doiceau and Gottechain again where a mean climb awaits me. Towards Archennes and then up the crest to connect to Nethen. Disappearing into Meerdael Forest for a loop that takes me back down towards Nethen. Here I have to climb towards the Bois de Beaumont where I can enjoy a lovely view of Nethen basking in the evening sun.

Down towards Nethen again and passing the camping La Hetraie I stop and have a drink at the well. Climbing again towards the Kluis where I join the Blue Bloso. Down past the Kluis main building , up the hill and back down again towards the Savenel. The passage in the deep sand just before the climb makes me dig deep into my strenght. And I am glad when I close the loop I started at the Naamsesteenweg. This is indeed a difficult track and it would be a real challenge to let the TT riders to this track. But the final track will differ I'm sure. Nevertheless it will make a lot of riders suffer on August 22nd, when the organised ride starts at the Sports Complex in Haasrode. This is one of the better rides in this region, so why not try it yourself?

Ride Stats : 70K and 830/975 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h5mins30secs

6088/64305

Today the weather looked a lot better than yesterday. It was around 21 degrees C with sunny spells as I rode the Moots along the Blue Meerdael Bloso. The tracks were still moist but that provided me with excellent traction and also the sandy trails were offering better traction than yesterday.
When I came at the point where I had started I turned the bike around and rode the trail a second time, but in the opposite direction. Climbs become downhills and vice versa. It is also good mental training to ride a circuit twice. Somehow the second loop was a little quicker than the first. Possibly because the climbs were a bit longer and therefore less steep in this direction. At the end I rode back home.
I wasn't home for long when it rained for a while, so I was very lucky to have completed my ride in the dry.

Ride Stats : 39K and 425/510 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h3mins

6018/63330

03-08-2010, 21:11 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

It was threatening to rain when I set out in Meerdael Forest along the Blue Bloso track. This is the toughest physically speaking of the 3 Bloso routes and my plan was to do it twice, once along its usual route, and once in the counterdirection. At the start of the ride it was dry-ish but as the kilometers accumulated it started to rain more and more. The sandy trails next to the Savenel in Nethen were already marginally better to ride but still very tough and strength-sapping. When I arrived at my turning point the track was getting splashy wet and with the rain still coming down I decided to call it a day and try again later in the week for the double. Nevertheless I had a good ride with an average temperature of 18 degrees C and the sun hiding behind the clouds making it ideal for physical exploits.

Ride Stats : 21k and 235/270 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h7mins

5979/62820

02-08-2010, 17:38 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Sunny and not too warm, ideal weather for a ride in my local forest. I decided to do the 3 Meerdael BLOSO trails, connecting them starting with the Blue, then hop on the Green and do that until it meets the Blue again, near the Zoete Waters, then follow the Blue for what is the more hilly part of these trails. The Blue then connects to the Red which again I follow completely until it connects with the Blue again. Then it is just a short bit left to where I started my loop a while back.

The trails were in good condition, although the part near the wall in Nethen was extra sandy, almost to the point of being impossible to ride. But looking at the clouds as I type this, I think we might see some rain soon, which will certainly harden up the sandy bits.

Ride Stats : 55,5K and 465/560 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h48mins

5958/62550

When I was riding towards the track of the Rando des Coquelicots in Chaumont Gistoux  last wednesday I noticed some green arrowing on the road that looked quite fresh. I made a mental note to come back and see where they would lead.
So today I rode towards Grez where I had noticed a 60K/90K split of those arrows. I decided to try the 60K ride. It turned out -as I half suspected - that this ride also started at the Ronvau in Chaumont where the MTB rando starts. Riding through Bonlez towards Chaumont the track then makes a fine loop towards Sart Risbart, Opprebais, Maleves Sainte Marie Wastinnes and Perwez. Here it moves towards Orbais , Nil St Vincent and Walhain to arrive in Corroy-Le-Grand where it crosses the MTB trail. I know this because I only rode it last wednesday, remember?

From Corroy it moves towards Gistoux again but adds another loop towards Wavre before actually arriving back at Grez Doiceau. I add another little loop over Bossut on my way back towards Hamme Mille and Meerdael Forest. The ride started with a lot of clouds but gradually the sun broke through and the wind - which was blowing noticeably from the southwest - diminished on strength towards the end of the ride .

Ride Stats : 87,5K and 590/665 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h59mins

5903/61990

I was unable to attend the Chaumont Gistoux organised ride - the rando des cocquelicots - earlier this year, so I was glad that my friend Roger sent me the GPS track of the 45K distance. That way I could ride this track whenever I chose to do so. Today looked like a good day for it. The forecast called for cloudy skies, a small chance of a shower, and temperatures around 20 degrees C.
So I rode out towards Grez Doiceau, where I could pick in on the track. I noticed that the cool wind from earlier this week was gone, instead the wind felt a lot warmer. Due to me wearing long sleeved trousers and shirts, that was not a good thing. But the alternative was even worse so I gritted my teeth and wore my cross with pride.
The trail then : from Grez it turns towards Cocrou where a long climb in a sandy hollow road awaits. Good thing it had rained a little bit which made the sand just hard enough to ride it. I have been here many times before and when this sand is really dry, you walk. After this climb a drop into a green valley near Longueville and a passage along the Chapelle du Cheneau before dropping into the Heze valley.

Here the trail makes a couple of twists and turns, just touching the border of Bonlez before climbing back to the west in the direction of Longueville again. From Longueville there is a section with field roads bringing me towards Sart Risbart but turning to the south and dropping into Chaumont. Here I pass the official start of the ride, at the Sports Complex in the Rue Ronvau. From now on I come in lesser known areas and I enjoy a couple of nice sections along small singletracks between meadows and in hollow roads.

The ride turns towards Corroy-Le-Grand, the southernmost point of this track. Then it veers to the right in the direction of Louvain la Neuve. Through the Bois de Vieusart and next to a beautiful castle which sadly is hidden mostly by the green of the trees. Down towards Brocsous through a nice singletrack in a deep rift surrounded by houses, which you don't see fortunately. After a while the N243 is crossed and a steep climb brings me to the 2 chapelles high above Wavre. Long downhill into Dion Valmont. I am now back into Accro Bike country and after a while I pass Doiceau and then take the last climb of the Accro Bike race up towards Bercuit. Just a long drop into Grez now, a couple of backroads and I am back where I started out, 44K and 650 heightmeters have passed my wheels on this track. Not too bad but beware of doing this trail after heavy rains. It turns into quite a different beast.
From Grez I make my way back home over the plains east of Gottechain towards Hamme Mille, where I make an extra loop through the Domaine de Valduc. I had noticed black clouds gathering and indeed, 15 minutes after I arrive home a short thunderstorm breaks out.
I include the track from my ride today. Please note that it starts in Grez Doiceau, and passes the official start of the TT after about 22K.


Ride Stats : 71K and 805/870 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h54mins

5815/61325

28-07-2010, 00:00 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Great biking weather today. The sun was not to be seen, there was a cloud cover with just a whisper of rain and the temperatures were around 20 degrees Celcius. The wind was blowing strong from the northwest and I decided to take the Moots YBB out for an offroad adventure. First I made my way through Meerdael Forest towards Pecrot where I picked up on the 2010 Meerdael Classic 100K trail. This section I already did a couple of weeks ago and it is an amazing succession of climbs and descents, making for a great track to do some intense training on. The cool weather made it easier for me to find my strength and keep on riding for longer. The first couple of climbs, into the Bois de Laurensart and up to Ottenburg comfirmed my initial feeling that my legs were good. I had 2 Mountain Kings Protection tyres again, having replaced the rear tyre which was slit at several places. This offered me good traction and a confident feeling on the descents. The trails were very treacherous. Due to the thunderstorms of last friday the descents were washed out, opening up deep gaps where you don't expect them, and all kinds of rubble was thrown on the track. But some good reflexes and a great bike kept me on the safe side of sorry . When I reached the secluded little green valley near Florival , I just had to take a picture. The trail is barely visible in the high grass. I wore long trousers and also long sleeves so I didn't have to worry about getting bitten by horseflies. Another advantage of this cooler weather.

From Ottenburg the trail moves towards the Sint Agatha Rode forest, with some very steep section reaching almost 23% . The track here was also washed out and the loose stones made it a tough climb. But I made it. Technique and strong legs coupled to a good bike and great traction , once again. Following the Overijse trail for a while now and then, generally moving towards Terlanen and then up to Huldenberg via a long sandy climb in a hollow road. A bit further another steep climb awaits me, bringing me to a crest and a path between two meadows from where I have a great view of Huldenberg. Pausing for a while to look at the strong horses I also took a couple of pictures of these marvelous animals.

A very nasty descents with all kinds of stones and other rubble and I'm down in Huldenberg where I can relax a bit while the trail follows the border of the river Ijse towards the Margijsbos. Here a cluster of 4 climbs and descents adds a serious amount of heightmeters to my conto. In the meantime my legs also get conveniently sapped of strength. Down towards the Wolfshagen at last and then up again along the Kleine Keistraat and the Grote Keistraat . The long climb brings me back on the Smeysberg and I follow the Nijvelsebaan for a while towards Huldenberg before taking a sharp left into the Koestraat. Down with great speed towards Sint Agatha Rode now. Crossing the Leuvensebaan and following a track near the river Dyle towards La Marbaise. From here I make my way into the Bois de Beaumont and add a hilly section into Meerdael Forest, following some tracks that are in my Secret Meerdael Loop . Up and down the crest overlooking Nethen until I reach the Kluis and decide to start heading home. The heightmeter on my Garmin nears the figure 1000 and I decide that is quite enough for today. Looping back over the Zoete Waters and Vaalbeek I add some more heightmeters and arrive home with a solid 4 hours' ride under my belt.

Ride Stats : 68K and 1030/1110 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h59mins

5744/60455

26-07-2010, 17:43 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

24-07-2010, 18:10 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Weather forecast called for possible showers, even an occasional thunderstorm. After having checked meteox.be I decided to take my chances and follow the LF6 Vlaanderen Fietsroute about 40K out. This route takes me through Bierbeek, Meldert, Hoegaarden and then to Laar and Neerwinden. When I was close to Neerlanden and saw 41K and 1h45 on my counter I decided to turn.
Up till now the sun had been my companion but when I turned around I noticed some darker clouds over the far horizons. In Laar I passed some witnesses of the July 14th storm. A lots of trees had been broken and I stopped to take a picture of an old willow.

When I neared Meldert I was sure I would not be able to escape a gathering thunderstorm. I had heard the thunder a couple of times and I could see the dark center cloud on my left. When I left Opvelp it started to rain. I put on my Goretex Paclite and for 3 to 4 K it rained heavily. When I left Bierbeek the rain subsided and the wind already started to dry my clothes. Only a couple of kilometers to go now and I finished with a good ride under my belt at a long distance pace and with an average heartrate of only 109bpm.

Ride Stats : 82k and 535/590 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h29mins

5616/58530

Less sunny than the days before, less warm also and a resting day in the Tour de France. So I took the Hilset out for a longer ride. Started out over Leuven and Kessel Lo to get to Wilsele where I had a look at the bikes in the Verbinnen Sport shop. Nice Eddy Merckx bike, but pity it was in carbon. From there I rode on along the Aarschotsesteenweg until I could turn right to reach Holsbeek. Up the Meesberg, sneaking a peek down the Zounck, and then onwards to Kessel Lo again and left to Linden. From there over the mountain to Korbeek Lo. I decided to add another loop when I reached Bierbeek and rode onwards to Opvelp and Beauvechain. Passing a couple of bikers I noticed the girl saying Hi. I later learned it was Maris, a fellow Blandener. Sorry Mousty for not recognizing you.
From Beauvechain I added another loop along La Bruyere. It was starting to rain very gently so I decided to head home when reaching Pietrebais . Took the N240 towards Hamme Mille and then onwards the N25 through Meerdael. Had a good relaxing ride with a little refreshment at the end.

Ride Stats : 60.5K and 355/405 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h35mins

5535/57940

21-07-2010, 14:54 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf