Today I was home at 3.30pm so I had about 3 hours time before darkness to do a ride. I decided to head out on the Meerdaal 2000 track and try to ride the 45K distance. The organised ride of Meerdaal 2000 is to be held this sunday, with the start being at the 'De Borre' cultural center in Bierbeek. I did the 65K distance a couple of weeks ago and sunday I help the organisation. My task will be to check the arrowing on the 65K. This means a very early start - first light - at 7am.
I was curious at the amount of heightmeters on the 45K distance so I followed the 65K until it veers off to the left just before Gottechain. I turned to the right and could enjoy a very steep climb next to a field to reach Gottechain. I met another member of Meerdaal 2000 who was also doing some recon for next sunday. After Gottechain the tracks meanders on to Archennes, Pecrot and Nethen. The trails were nice and dry. Care had to be taken on some of the downhills though. The fallen leaves and erosion make the trails very treacherous. But I was riding in exploration mode, heartrate way down and with an average speed around 18kph. When I reached Meerdael Forest again for a last long stretch in and next to this beautiful forest, the sun was setting and darkness was upon me. Reaching Bierbeek and quickly heading home over tarmac roads I was happy to be able to ride on bikepaths instead of on the road. It was borderline without lights. This weekend the clock is set to Winter Time, meaning that riding out after work will always involve taking lights on the bike or on my helmet.

Ride Stats : 58K and 560/670 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 3h4mins

Meerdaal 2000 45K TT profile :


Meerdaal 2000 45K TT map :


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