King Winter has finally loosened his firm icy grip on our region and today for the first time in more than a week temperatures rose above zero again. The snow was melting fast, helped by a shy sun that came through the clouds in the afternoon. I was eager to do a longer ride than I had done the last couple of rides so I was as elated as if it was spring when I rode out with the Hilset on the roads. The ride went over Haasrode and Bierbeek and then towards Neervelp and Opvelp. On the smaller tracks there was still some snow but nothing to worry about. My tyres broke through the snow and touched the tarmac underneath. When I arrived in Beauvechain I decided to add an extra loop taking me to La Bruyere and then back over Pietrebais and next to the 1st Wing Airbase towards Hamme Mille.

When I followed the bigger N25 I noticed the bike path was blocked with knee-deep snow and I had to ride on the busy road for a short time. When the snow flurry was behind me I rode on the seperate bike-path again. Until a bit further there was another flurry. Not as high as the first one but still proved too much to bike through. I settled for the grass this time because riding on the road with the evening upon me was a bit too risky. In all I had a good ride and I enjoyed an average temperature from 3 degrees C. Coming from well below zero this felt almost warm. Almost.

Ride Stats : 36.5K and 245/300 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h37mins

307/3500