As expected the weather remained good during this second day of the weekend. So I went out again for an offroad ride. This time I planned to first ride to Gottechain to the point where the 45K loop - which I did yesterday -  splits off from the longer distances of 55K and 65K. The forest was still cold when I followed the Naamsesteenweg to Hamme Mille and then made my way to Bossut and Gottechain, crossing the Lambais valley.
The plan was to do the extra 20K loop of the 65K . From Gottechain the trail leads me southwards to Cocrou and things start to get serious right away with a long difficult climb up into the Bois de Beausart. The roots on the track require extra attention and a certain belief in yourself and the bike to make it over them without stalling or stopping. Luckily the technical prowess is there and with the track being completely dry I can drive the bike over them without even a wheel spinning.
Down along a cobble track into Cocrou where another climb takes me all the way up to the Grand Sart farm . Down into Heze and then back up for a long climb, starting over wet cobbles and ending in the fields where the Chapelle du Cheneau marks the end. From here I ride into Longueville and then down an exciting downhill  into the Bois de Bonlez. The track is wet here from a little rivulet that follow and crosses it. But I manage to keep my bike as good as dry by carefully choosing where I place my wheels.

23-10-2011, 17:34 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Had to wait until today to ride a bike again. My cold was better and riding should help drain my nose and sinusses from the last remainders of the virus. I chose to do a recon of the upcoming Meerdaal 2000 ride  - sunday the 30th of October in Bierbeek - and decided to start out easy with the 45K distance. The weather was cold but clear skies and a breeze from the east. Around 11am the temperature had risen well above 0 so I donned my new Assos Fugu socks and Early Winter gloves. Both turned out to be amazingly suited for the purpose.
The trail was dry and my bike - the Obed - performed well. Only bother was that I could not get my Polar to receive a signal from the speed sensor. Oh, I would have to do without that during this ride. I could still record my heartrate and that was the most important. Upon arriving home I discovered what was wrong - the sensor on the fork had shifted downwards. Probably during the maintenance that it received last week.
Talking of that fork, it performed beautifully.
My heart rate was still rather high during the ride but my legs felt strong . You can check out how the loop goes on the Endomondo link below this entry. The first bit was mellow and going through a very cold Meerdael Forest. When I arrived in Valduc I felt the warmth of the sun and the ride became a lot more comfortable. The wind was noticeable but I was well-protected by multiple layers of clothing.
Entering Gottechain where the split between the 45K and the 2 longer distances of 55 and 65K was, I took to the right into the valley and towards Bossut.

In and around Archennes the track becomes more challenging with a couple of demanding climbs and tricky descents. Afterwards riding towards Pecrot and entering the Meerdael Forest again in Nethen, things mellow out again. By then I began to feel my legs though and the last couple of K's towards the Zoete Waters and up to the Keiberg were done pretty relaxed to spare my legs and avoid going too deep into my reserves.
Arriving home I noticed the average temperature was 8 degrees C, which is not bad on a sunny late October day .

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 46K and 545/600 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h36mins

10980/92750

22-10-2011, 15:22 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Howdy. I have been suffering a cold since last friday so I had to take it easy for a couple of days. Stayed in throughout the - wonderfully sunny - weekend and when I started to feel better on monday I decided to go out for a walk in the Meerdael Forest. Walking is another way to enjoy the beauty of the forest and it gives you another perspective on all things that roam around. I started out with a 1h30 walk which netted me a little less than 7K.

In the meantime I also had my Litespeed Obed serviced at Filip Sport. The Fox RLT80 fork has been overhauled and I also put on a new chain and XTR cassette. Some glamour in the form of a golden jockey wheel was also welcome. This bike will carry me through the muddier rides which are sure to come in the next couple of months.

20-10-2011, 18:34 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf