This morning saw very variable weather. From time to time it cleared out and at other times snow flurries scoured the land. The temperature was just above freezing when I rode out, well-clad in several layers of thermal clothing topped off with a Gore-Tex jacket. My feet were warm in a double layer of Assos stockings and my hands were also protected by 2 layers of gloves. I was Pre-Pa-Red.
I set out towards Heverlee and Egenhoven, watching the clouds move hurriedly across the horizon. It snowed lightly when I left but before long the snow became wet and cold rain before petering out. Optimistically I set towards Bertem and followed the N3 until I took a left towards Leefdaal. From Leefdaal I climbed up on the plateau and from there I could see a dark cloud with snow veils beneath it moving parallel to me. To my right another cloud was threatening with a promise of snow. I decided to take a right and follow the Sint Jansberg Steenweg towards Huldenberg and until I reached Overijse, all went well. Climbing out of Overijse along the N4 towards Wavre I noticed the cloud had almost reached me. Soon I would get my come-uppance. And indeed, when I rode into Ottenburg the snow came, cold and with gusts of wind from my left which made it colder still. Only one thing to do. Grin and bear it. I clenched my teeth and rode towards Sint Agatha Rode. Good thing I mounted my fenders yesterday, even with them I could still feel my legs getting sprayed by the wheels. And that spray was cold. 
Into Sint Joris Weert and I could see the cloud was disappearing, and some lighter skies were upon me. From the moment the wet snow stopped I felt warmer and this gave me a new impetus to add another loop over the Zoete Waters instead of taking the Weertse Dreef which is a little shorter. Also, when I reached the Zoete Waters and turned towards Vaalbeek, the wind at last was blowing in my back. A glorious moment I can tell you. Just another little loop towards the Sapellenbos and I was home. 
A couple of reminders to myself. Next time when there is rain or snow forecast, wear the sealskinz socks and the waterproof Pearl Izumi  Amfib tights. Keeping that dry and comfy feeling in these kinds of conditions is half the battle won.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 57K and 410/485 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h47mins

12867/113415

18-12-2011, 14:01 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

After a week that saw a lot of rain, wind and generally adverse conditions to ride a bike in, it snowed last night and this morning a modest white carpet was gracing the fields. Around 10AM the sun came through and I decided to risk riding out. It was only 2 degrees C and it drizzled cold icy pellets when I started. I saw a big black cloud over Brabant Walloon so I decided to ride in another direction. From Bierbeek, over Bremt and Willebringen I rode towards Vertrijk and the N3. Crossing the N3 and riding further north towards Kerkom and Binkom. From Binkom I rode towards the east and Lubbeek. The clouds were gone now and the wind had dropped as well so I decided to add some more kilometers by riding towards the N2 and follow that towards Leuven. Here I rode north again along the Leuvense Ring until I reached the Tervuursepoort where I rode along the Groeneveld towards Campus Arenberg and Heverlee. Another loop was possible so I rode through Oud-Heverlee and passed the Zoete Waters on my way to Sint Joris Weert where I took the Weertse Dreef towards the N25. I stopped on the bridge spanning that road to take a picture with some left-over snow from last night. It had rained since so most of it was gone by now.

Following the N25 into Blanden I completed this ride. My average heartrate was quite high but I blame that on the cold and the fact that I was passed my point of supercompensation, having not ridden a bike for 4 days in a row.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 61K and 430/495 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h50mins

12810/112930

17-12-2011, 14:50 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf

Dry and not too cold this evening so i set out with the Hilset for a recovery ride. This would take me towards the Zoete Waters and then to Korbeek Dyle where I rode up to the small tarmac track on the crest towards Leefdaal. Taking a left and dropping into Neerijse I set forth to Huldenberg. Here I climbed the long way up to the Smeysberg ridge and then dropped into Terlanen. Up again and I was in Ottenburg. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and I was anxious to see the moon appear over the horizon but she kept me waiting.
From Ottenburg I made way to Pecrot where I incorporated a couple of climbs. When I was on the steep one leading towards Nethen I noticed a red moon appearing through the trees on the horizon. At last. Down into Nethen and then to Hamme Mille for a last stretch along the Naamsesteenweg into Blanden. The moon was well up now and the red had gone, big and yellow she was now.
Had a good recovery ride at an easy pace. My legs felt a bit painful at the start but got better once I warmed up.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 46K and 485/530 heightmeters (Pola/Garmin) in 2h23mins

12749/112435

12-12-2011, 20:19 geschreven door Big Bad Wolf