Forecast for today looked a bit grim, but at least no rain until late in the afternoon. Still it was mostly clouded and a chilly 16 degrees C - for July - when I rode out. There was a stiff breeze blowing from the southwest and the first couple of K went well with the wind in my back. I wore a longsleeved jersey and very light shades. Following the Kroeme Toer from Bierbeek onwards brought me on a long stretch of cobbles but the bike coped surprsingly well. Still I was glad to be on tarmac again whilst I was sent into Beauvechain and then towards Meldert. Onwards to Sint Katharina Houtem and then into Hoegaarden where I opted to follow the Ravel 2 until I reached Jodoigne. Here I took a right turn and greeted the wind which was now full in my face. It would remain there for quite some time whilst I rode towards Dongelberg, crossing the N91 into Incourt and riding on the plains towards Longueville. A hard stretch with the wind blowing against me. From Longueville the ride went downhill through Heze and into Grez-Doiceau. The wind was blowing 3/4 in my back now and after crossing the N25 I set towards Archennes and Ottenburg. Long climb into a valley where the wind again was blowing against me. In Ottenburg the road towards Wavre was blocked so I had to ride into Terlanen and then towards Tombeek to reach the N4 which I took into Overijse. Now I would enjoy the wind in my back fro quite some time whilst I sped along the Sint Jansberg steenweg through Huldenberg, Loonbeek and Neerijse towards Egenhoven. From Egenhoven I took a double right towards Oud-heverlee and the Zoete Waters. Through Vaalbeek and Blanden and then back towards Heverlee for a last loop though the Industrieterrein to arrive at the Expressweg which I took to the southwest again. The last stretch was tough again but despite the wind I managed to ride a best time on the 100K. Not bad for a man riding alone and battling it out with the wind. I am quite pleased with that effort.

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 103K and 750 heightmeters (Garmin) in 3h34mins

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