Nice sunny and calm weather. A little bit of wind still blowing from the northeast. But nothing to stop me from riding out. I decided to do the Overijse BLOSO routes once more. It had been a while since I rode them completely and integrally. Usually I deviate to add a climb here and there but today I stuck to the route. The arrowing was excellent as far as I could see. As of usual I picked in on the Red route near Sint Agatha Rode. The trails were perfect. P  e r f e c t. There was hardly a puddle in sight. Except for a few places were little rivulets cross the trails, like when just before you arrive in Overijse after the descent from the Bisdom. I believe it is called the Hassenbergstraat, or at least that is the name of the street where you end up in after 500m of forest trails. I paused at the park in the centre of Overijse to take a picture of several birds on the pond.

When leaving Overijse along the Reutenbeek there were heavy road workings going on, forcing me to walk a couple of meters.  I could make good speed due to the dry conditions and a couple of legs that felt good. On the climbs I felt strong and I turned my ride into a bit of interval training. Taking it easy on the level roads and putting a bit of pressure on the legs on the climbs. Those who know these trails know that they incorporate quite a few climbs. Also the descents are a challenge from time to time. The entrance of the steep descent at the end of the Langeheidestraat on the Red trail was blocked by fallen trees. But after a bit of climbing I could get back on my bike and take the steppy descent . Following is a steep climb that comes out on the Loswegstraat. Then there is a bit of level trail along the Tommestraat before dropping down into the long descent into the Laurensart forest that ends on the Klabbeekstraat. The heightmeters were accumulating nicely and before long I had completed the 34K lap. I drove back to Sint Joris Weert and did a little extra loop towards The Kluis area.

From there it didn't take me long to arrive home. This was a very good ride. I had a good feeling in my legs. The bike performed flawlessly and in a couple of weeks it will need to go in for maintenance. The Race Face bottom bracket has seen its best day and the bearings need to be changed. Not easy since this kind of bottom bracket is old school. But I'm sure Filip of Filip Sport will find the necessary spares. The bike will take a well-deserved summer vacation and the Moots and Merlin will come out to play with instead.

Ride Stats : 55K and 685/750 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 2h54mins

2840/28195