Another couple of centimeters fresh snow tonight after a little thaw yesterday. I estimate that there is still around 20 cm snow in the forest. I rode out just before dusk to do a little ride in the Mollendaal bos. I had changed the saddle and found the seating to be a lot better on the Sandman Atacama. The snow offered better traction although I had to take care with the jeep tracks. The edges of the tracks were high and frozen, so touching them with the big tyres made the bike bounce to the other side. Whenever I wasn't sure I just steered it into the deep snow and there it found heaps of traction but also some resistance to the forward movement.

Doing my little climbing loop out of Mollendaal into Bierbeek and back up again into the forest for 2 times proved to be more than enough for today. The going was heavy in the deep snow although the second time around I could - try - to follow my own track, making it a lot easier . Having a little rest in the shelter overlooking the Mollendaal crevasse I took some pictures from bike and man.

It had been snowing lightly throughout the entire ride and my average temperature was -1 degree C. There was a cold wind blowing from the northeast when I left the shelter of the forest for the loop into Bierbeek. Another loop dropping down towards the Brise Tout forestry house and then up to the highest point once more.

I passed the 99000 heightmeter mark today so I'm almost where I want to be for this year. A couple of rides to go. The forecast is for more snow tonight but then it would remain dry whilst getting colder again over Christmas and the weekend.

Ride Stats : 18K and 265/290 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h36mins

8956/99035