Fifty Plus (50+) - Rode the Tour of Flanders. Ouch.

As a Belgian resident, couldn't resist when I saw that one of the main Flemish tourist cycling organisations was doing a "Ronde van Vlaanderen" for the rest of us. 131 km. Or was that 132? No matter, I joined 4000 odd others in Denderleeuw, about 25 km west of Brussels and headed out west, for a big loop. Into the cold (6 degrees C when i left, and didn't get much better than that all day), the wet (the whole day) and the wind (20 km gusts that chased you round all day).

Made it to the first checkpoint without much of a problem .. well, except the above of course. Made it to the second OK. But then, came round a corner, and saw a whole heap of riders walking up a cobbled hill. Strange I thought, is it that hard? Yes oh yes. I got about a third of the way up, then joined the walkers. Those cobbled hills .. not all that steep (10 - 11 percent etc.), not all that long (a few hundred metres). But the "pavé". It just completely sucks any forward momentum, and knocks you and bike around in a way that I've never experienced before. On top of that, your wheels spin easily in the wet.

I saw one guy break his chain from the force/effort, and a few others with broken chains, one broken wheel, and one broken rear derailleur. Not to mention the falls when suddenly it all grinds to a halt.

Without doubt, the the most brutal riding I've ever done .. and I've ridden up some big climbs in France.

On the other hand, the people/riders were all very friendly, and on many of the more famous climbs there was always a crowd (of tourists) to cheer us on .. not to mention photographers etc. The checkpoints/foodstops were suitably Flemish with brass bands and such, and when I got to the end, I thought to myself NEVER again.

But ... well, maybe ...

If anyone's in Europe in April, or thinking of doing a bit of biking, and wants to try themselves out on a "classic" course ... here are the links. There are two of these (that I know of). The "official" one which is organised the day before the actual race, and for which you can do the whole 300 odd km of hell, is here:

http://www.sport.be/cycling/rondevanvlaanderen/2006/eng/

The alternative which i did, with a few photos, is here:

http://vlaamsewielrijdersbond.be/ (click on Omloop Van Vlaanderen)

FYI

B

I saw this race in 2005, I stood at the top of a cobbled hill and watched as Lance led the pack right over the top. He looked like he was riding on flat pavement. Boonan won the race and became the Lion of Flanders. Belgium is a great country with wonderful people and excelent food. Thouroughly enjoyed the trip.

Congratulations on doing that route. If you really fly on cobbles it isn't too bad. But that means you're on the boil all day and most recreational riders can't do that.

I did a race here, Copperopolis, sections of which make pave seem smooth. The asphalt is very thin in sections and underneath is a hard stone roadbed. Ouch! I only did that two or perhaps three times but I can tell you that dodging 30 cm deep potholes while staying in your lane and descending a hill at 65 kph makes you yearn for a nice easy Belgian spring classic (tongue in cheek as far as it will go).

Maybe some day I'll get over there and ride the bergs. I'll bring low gears and a lot of time for stopping for beer and frits.

Nicely done and thanks for the post bing! ;)

Without doubt, the the most brutal riding I've ever done ...and when I got to the end, I thought to myself NEVER again.

But ... well, maybe ...B


:roflmao: Oh, I most definitely know that thought process. It usually takes me a day or two before I start thinking, "It wasn't really that bad." Sounds like a ride you'll treasure for years to come. Good stuff.

Wow!! Much different riding than I've done! Thanks for sharing the ride report.

I've only ridden on stone paved roads in the Munich area. BUT, they looked really nice compared to those Belgian ones. Luckily they make excellent beer in Belgium which would easily make up for the bad cobbles. You get :beer: :beer: :beer: for your epic journey!

I could justify almost anything to ride in Europe. Even if it took a rope to get me over those hills and a hired crew to keep me beer'd up. Cobbles? bring 'em on - I'll suffer with a smile! :D

I live in a very beautiful cycling area, but it ain't diddley compared to Europe.. Hopefully, next May in Austria...

So jealous.

Congratulations on doing that route. If you really fly on cobbles it isn't too bad. But that means you're on the boil all day and most recreational riders can't do that.

I did a race here, Copperopolis, sections of which make pave seem smooth. The asphalt is very thin in sections and underneath is a hard stone roadbed. Ouch! I only did that two or perhaps three times but I can tell you that dodging 30 cm deep potholes while staying in your lane and descending a hill at 65 kph makes you yearn for a nice easy Belgian spring classic (tongue in cheek as far as it will go).

Maybe some day I'll get over there and ride the bergs. I'll bring low gears and a lot of time for stopping for beer and frits.

And some people wonder what Mountain bikes are for!!!!.

Many Moons ago I took the opportunity to take advantage of Belgian hospitality as a Foreign Entrant in a Kart Race at Nivelles. What a reception I had. Even down to the fact that as I was on my own, ( Self contained team with me as the driver- mechanic- chauffeur and Cook) the organisors provided me with food and drink all day long- a mechanic to assist, but did lack in that I had to do the driving. My only problem was that I could not Race on a diet of Belgian beer and local sausage in a bun so it looked like a hot dog.

Well done bing 181 on the ride- And you never know- some of us Forum members might make it for next year so hope you have a large house for the guest's.


Edit--- For those that do not understand cobbles- The belgian cobbles are well known right the way through Europe as 4X4 wreckers. They are TOUGH.

Thanks for the ride report. I hope to get over to Europe at some point, even if it's to walk those hills!

Nice report, thanks. Sounded horrible awful and completely fun. :beer: