Lots of snow yesterday evening and this morning. And not the best kind to ride in. It was wet and sticky. This made for beautiful landscapes with the snow literally stocking to almost everything. But the trails were sticky as well. It had rained before it started to snow yesterday evening and this rain was presenting itself as mud beneath the snow. So the going was tough and with the snow clogging up wheels, gears and brakes the bike also got a workout.

I settled for some climbing near the Kluis area. The uphills were slippery where the sun had melted the snow. This was the south side of the forest so it took a lot more sun than the other side, where I would pass later. The snow also seemed less dense here. When I came by the Kluis I noticed the jeep of Poco Loco. And indeed, mr Poco Loco himself , Koen Viaene, was there, changing into bikewear to have a ride with his newest invention, a Sandman.

I know Koen from 10 years ago when I attended his "Coast to Coast Pyrenees" adventure and we stayed in contact over the years. It was good to see him again. The Sandman is a bike 'Handmade in Belgium' with a special frame to incorporate really big tyres. With very low pressure in the tyres they float over just about everything. I may have to test this bike soon because Koen told me that they had settled a deal to make some titanium "Sandmen". 
Moving on I enjoyed the rest of my ride whilst my bike was getting heavier and heavier with snow and mud that started to freeze as the temperatures dropped below zero. The low sun playing in the trees made for a very beautiful landscape. I took some pictures but they hardly do justice to the reality.

Moving towards the Mollendaal forest, crossing the Naamsesteenweg and I added a last little loop before venturing home. I hope it freezes hard tonight so that the snow dries out a bit and becomes more solid. More snow is forecast in the weekend.

Ride Stats : 19K and 320/345 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h36mins

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