Very hot today with temperatures reaching 30 degrees C but a stiff breeze kept it from getting tropical. Nevertheless it was still hot when we set out with the KBC MTB club for a ride along the base loop of the August 16th Haasrode organized ride. There were only 3 of us but this also meant we could keep an even pace throughout the ride. The base loop already is around 35K long and with nearly 400 heightmeters it is not for the meek either. Taking us through Meerdael forest towards Nethen and the famous "lianenklim" upwards towards Bossut . Then descending into Archennes and passing through some narrow overgrown track towards the N252. We crossed that and followed another trail into Gottechain. From here we made our way towards the outskirts of Grez Doiceau before looping back over Nodebais and Tourinnes. The Meerdael forest was entered again at the Forestry house and we passed next to the Dikke Eik on our way to Mollendaal. From here it was downhill towards the Bremberg and back into Haasrode. In all a very fine ride and certainly worth doing. Come and join us on August the 16th for this distance or perhaps one of the longer distances - up to 62K - of this organized ride. When I arrived home around 9pm it was still 25 degrees C but there were clouds, perhaps indicating some upcoming rain. 

Ride Stats : 42k and 405/457 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h9mins

4538/43675