Garmin activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1354986140
235 km, 9h16, elevation 628m. Trip rating: 85%
First the weekend in Slovakia with mom, then the long car ride home, then the week at home with the family, during which I got my spare Roubaix frame and wheelset built op to a bike. Then, Monday the 29th of August, it was time to hit the road for this year's third Belgium-Prague ride. This time I planned a 6 day, 1200km tour through northern Germany
The bridge near my home, first nervous steps of a lengthy journey
Benelux, home to excellent cycling infrastructure
Via Lummen and Heusden I went to the northeast of Belgium: Houthalen, Peer and Bree
The view from my cockpit, where I was about to spend many days and hours. I built up the bike quite simply with alloy components, nothing fancy, just rock solid functionality and of course Garmin to keep me on track
I passed by the house of our veterinarian
The plains of Belgium
10 km segment between Houthalen-Helchteren and Bree
Bree, Meeuwen-Gruitrode, ... northern Belgium
The Belgian flag was waving proudly here near this house
After 40 km on the road it already began raining. I hid it out for some thirty minutes but do to time pressure, I hit the road anyway. As a result I got wet.
Wet conditions in rim brakes is not the best combo
Wet ass roads
Waiting for the rain to stop was not a good option: after all, I had 235 km planned for today...
In this wet conditions the segment in Belgium already ended. Welkom in Nederland!
From the other side, the entrance into Belgium
One last glimpse back... Will be another two months before I will be back here
Good thing cycling lanes are isolated from normal traffic in NL
It had stopped raining but the roads were still wet
Dutch flag...
Good cycling infrastructure...
Very loyal SW Roubaix, thousands of miles on several parts of the world spent together
I was heading for the Dutch city of Roermond
It had definitely stopped raining, now the wind could dry my clothes
Approaching Roermond
Inside the city I gathered some snapshots
Back in the fields
The plains of the Netherlands facilitated my high average speed
Bartman riding his bike in his motherland
Not long after that, the German border was already there
The border stone that separates Germany and Holland
I had a special mission today, which was the city of Kempen in Germany. I could not visit it last time because it is located too much to the north. However, now I had a chance. I studied here twelve years ago in 2004 and I once revisited it in 2007 by car. But all of that is almost ten years ago...
My heart began beating faster as I saw the name appear on the signs
And then I made it to Kempen, I was actually there. A swift of memories struck me and I began thinking of the details.
Twelve years ago I would never have thought I would pass by here on my bike, on my way to Prague, CZ
The city wall, the gobbles, the little castle, it was all still there after 48 seasons
We used to cycle through this road for getting to school
The historical town center, where we often visited a Greek restaurant. I did not find it here anymore
How did twelve years pass like that?
The old town square, where we had our play
I just walked by and looked at all the buildings, trying to catch as many memories as possible
The city hall
I bought a few snacks at this bakery and ate them outside. A Greek cyclist past by and we started chatting about the town etc. That was a nice moment
There was one more place I had to visit: the house of the family where I stayed...
I somehow remembered the street name and number up to now.
Thank you for those nice moments, Tulpenstrasse
There was a time schedule and therefore I had to move on, continue my road north, leaving Kempen behind me. I will be back again...
Today there were no hills, it was just spinning on my 52T ring
The weather was very nice in the afternoon
This part of Germany also had many cycling lanes
Before coming here there was a nasty experience: at a certain point my GPS indicated a three lane big road with 100 kmph. I didnt wanna go on there because it didnt feel right. But there was no other road. I went on it and stayed as right as I could. Obviously all the passing cars were honking and calling me crazy. Luckily after 2 km all of the sudden there was a bike lane after a fence. I stopped right away and jumped over it with my bike. What a relief! Scariest 2 km of the ride were already a fact. Next time I see this kind of situation I will not even go on it anymore. No negotiations...
Shake off that stress from the big roads and enjoy the countryside
Beautiful Monday afternoon... I love these moments
This was a completely new area to me
Not the best roads but with front and rear tire 28mm I could take some cracks in the concrete
This was a remarkable spot that called for a photograph
Three stones
Enjoying this ride for sure
I met a couple of older people cycling here. They were greeting me kindly
About 200 km in the pocket, soon I would be wrapping up this ride
Countryside
And then there was a geographical shock: I found myself again in the Netherlands. I had not counted on this from studying the map
Make no mistake, this is Dutch language
Winterswijk, it was only 20 km to my hotel which was in Germany
I had a new chance to enjoy a bit more of cycling in the ever-beautiful Netherlands
Vteden in 9 km
Cycling along these roads was very relaxing, a good way to kick off this monster ride
It was already past seven and the sun was slowly setting on me. I would also soon be at my rest place
Good Evening Holland, thanks for having me today
Always a good ride on this top-notch bike
A few km before arriving, I once again crossed the border into Germany. This time it would be permanent
I was here, destination for the first day
A small bed and breakfast but more than enough. Al the restaurants were closed but they made me a meal.
A full fledged 235 km for this kick off ride. Average speed was good but elevation was a joke. The next five days would all be less than 200 km each.
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