Calm weather today. With an average temperature of 8 degrees C, no wind to speak of and dry conditions I was set for a longer offroad ride. I decided on the track of last years Haasrode organised ride. Riding the base loop is around 36K and about 2 hours. This suited me fine. The forest trails were almost dry and the only obstacles were deep ruts made by the big tractors pulling out the trees in the ongoing exploitation of the forest. I made good speed and soon was out of Meerdael Forest for a loop through the open area towards Gottechain. The little loop taking me down and upwards again was too wet to ride . I had to walk a couple of meters. Unfortunately, clasping my rear brake made me lose one of the brakepads, thus leaving me with no rear brake. I only noticed that on the following downhill. Losing you rear brake is not THAT big a deal, but nevertheless my stopping power was comprimized.