Decided to go out and do a forest ride today, so I took off a few hours from work to be able to start at 3pm. I picked up on the second part of my secret Meerdael Loop and found it very interesting now that everything is covered with red, brown or yellow leaves. The climbs were tricky but the downhills were even trickier than they usually were and sometimes it was like taking a leap of faith. Letting go of the brake, steering the bike with your butt hanging over the rear wheel and mumble a quick prayer to Crom or whatever God was listening up there, so as not to hit some hidden log or gully. I was spared any hairy moments but about 22K into the ride the darkness began to shroud all that was under the forest canopy and I decided to abort the ride and hurry back in over some bigger roads.
I nevertheless had a very good climbing training, and even found time to sit down and take a picture (click on the pic next to this article to see me at rest next to my bike )

Air temperature was a very pleasant 10°C and the forest protected me from whatever winds were blowing. I had a great time out there and the trails were dry and dusty to boot.

Ride Stats: 25.6K and 460 heightmeters in 1h35mins.