Time for a longer ride. The weather forecast called for pleasant and dry weather in the AM but in the afternoon the possibility of showers would increase. So I rode out around 10AM and made my way through Meerdael Forest and Sint Joris Weert towards Sint Agatha Rode where I picked in on the Overijse Bloso trails. The trails were super, dry except for the mudtrap near Overijse and fast. The Merlin felt right at home and I was happy to be able to ride these familiar trails again. I nearly went OTB when my front wheel got caught in a deep rut filled with water near the Overijse ponds. But I managed to prevent myself from tipping over and rode on unscathed. Through Overijse where I almost collided with a car that stopped right in the middle of the bicycle lane at a red right. Good thing my Hope disc brakes are strong and my reactions fast. I was glad I was out of Overijse and climbing along the Reutenbeek for a super section working mt way towards Tombeek. I was by this time almost 2 hours into the ride, my longest ride to date this year, and I was a long way from home. Down the Schaatboekstraat and then onwards towards the Bilande farm. Stopping for a picture break on the bridge over the Lane.
The red section was next and this is a tough one. Steep climbs and trickey descents and I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Back in Sint Agatha I made my way towards the Meerdael Forest again for a last section on forest trails. Managed to get a flat rear tyre, upon inspection a thin metallic object had perforated my tyre. I cut my finger whilst looking for it. Good thing I always carry a first aid kit because my cut finger started bleeding. Changing my inner tyre, putting some pressure in it and 5 minutes later I was home. Half an hour later a shower hit Blanden but by then I was well and truely enjoying a hot bath.
Endomondo track
Ride Stats : 53K and 660 heightmeters (Garmin) in 02h39mins
2211/4250
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