Since the Moots would have to stay over at Filip Sport for a few days - getting the bottom bracket out proved not to be that easy - I took the Merlin out for a spin around the Meerdael BLOSO routes this morning. The weather was still hot and moist with a remote chance of thunderstorms. I checked the pressure in my shock and forks (105 and 105 psi) and they were still unchanged from the last time I rode this bike. Cool, so the seals are airtight. I started out very easy although with a bike like the Merlin Works 4.0 you have a tendency to go fast. It rolls very smoothly - I credit the DT Swiss 240s hubs for that - and the terrain around Meerdael is just too easy and accomodating for a bike like that. So taking it out here was a bit overkill but I overly enjoyed it nevertheless. Taking everything the trail throws at you with a big grin is just the mutts' nutts. There were quite a bit of bikers on the trails and from time to time I injected a little extra section - usually more technical stuff and/or an extra climb or downhill. Just for the fun of it. The Merlin does that to me. It makes me try that more difficult side of the road or jump that berm instead of riding around it. I discovered and Enduro track dropping down into Sint Joris Weert, unfortunately the last bit is blocked by trees. Would have been a nice alternative to the normal downhill in the hollow road, which, in itself is not easy also. But the trails were perfect. Dry or just a little bit moist where the sun didn't reach the forest floor.
Met up with someone from work and we had a little chat during the short time our paths ran parallel. I'm not looking forward to go back to work again, but then again, the 2008 Tour de France is finished and I have had my fair share of rides these last 3 weeks so going back to work is not that bad. During the last 10K of the ride I was overtaken by a guy from Heverlee. I upped the speed a bit and we rode the last 10K together. Very fast pace and he only had to let me go on the more technical bits. Had a very satisfying ride today, even though my legs were still feeling tired from last fridays's ride. But looking at my average speed it seems like I had one of my better days.. or is it that magical Merlin that gave me wings?
Ride Stats : 58K and 520 heightmeters in 2h46mins
6126/60190
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