I never thought I would say this but I believe we need some rain. This afternoon I watched Philippe Gilbert win the Amstel Gold race and then rode out for a relaxing ride. I started out in Mollendaalbos and then ventured into the fields towards Bierbeek and Valduc. It struck me that the tracks were very dry, to the point of being sandy. In some corners the wheels would just wash away in the dust. During the ride I tried to relax my muscles as much as possible. Yesterdays ride left me tired but still I managed a good pace throughout todays' ride as well. I took a climb up to the St Gerardus chapel in Bierbeek before riding on towards the fields of Valduc .

Back into Meerdael forest after that for a last couple of kilometers with some little loops taking in some smaller trails in between the bigger forest avenues.

Before I arrived home I looked back on along one of the trails and saw the plentitude of little white aster-like flowers and couldn't resist taking a picture.

Ride Stats : 22,5K and 235/250 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 1h20mins

2719/26715