Gent

We made it to Gent from Sint-Niklaas in less than two hours. We rode 28.6 miles today. It seemed to be a slight down holl grade and the wind was at our backs. We followed the auto route N70 all the way. Got here so early we had to kill time by drinking beer. And then riding some more. And then drinking coffee. And of course drinking more beer.Before we left Sint-Nicklaas, we went to the Grote Market. When I get back, I will post some of the pictures. They had almost everything your heart desires. Even had a mobile bike shop. Bought a new tbe and lock. The guy serviced our tires. Before we left, we stopped at the nut and dried fruit stand to get a snack for the road. It was turn to wear the go pro camera. Wore it on our walk through the market.About the time we were to leave the cafe to go to our hosts home, it began to storm. Rain, thunder and lightening. Not long lived but it was fun while it lasted. Our host family could not have been nicer. She cooked a veggie meal that was supurb. We then drank their beer and talked until 23:00. They have to go to work. Michael and i have to go drink more beer at a local brewery.Will be spending tomorrow here as well. Lots to do and see. Having a great time. I can recommend this trip for even the most inexperienced riders.

Sint-Niklaas

Made it to Sint-Niklaas. I had a flat about 5 miles from here. Michael and I had enough patience and skill to get my new tube on.We did something today nine of you have ever done. We rode through a bike tunnel under a canal. Very cool in temperature. Even cooler doing it. I told Michael he should get all Nicky on us and ride down 50 or 60 steps, but he chose to ride the lift.It seems that Belgium has a bike trail/lane everywhere. There is no way to take a wrong turn. We rode along the canal in Antwerp watching the big barges float by. Got a little turned around in Antwerp but nothing we couldn't figure out. Came out through the tunnel and rode Sint-Niklaas. Found a neat hotel for 50 Euros with a bath down the hall. The tub/shower had a single water tap. It was where we expect to see the cold tap. Where we have the hot water knob, they had a heat dial ranging from 20 to 35 degrees C. If you pushed the red button it would go up to 60. I sas satisfied wit 30 degrees.Leave for Gent in the morning. Will be spending a couple days there with a couple willing to share their home.

Onward and westward

We will be leaving Sint Antonius. Hope to make it half way to Gent. Hopefully will find frites without some mystery meat.More later

Westmalle

Rode to Westmalle today. Only about 30 miles. Great ride through the trees. Run Forrest run kept going through my mind. Loved the bike lanes on many highways. The bikes ride on the far right shoulder with parked cars next and then traffic. Staying in Sint Antonius at the De Heidebloem. Our room is up 2 flights of shallow cicular steps. Don't Europeans have big feet also? Our room has no shower. My first bath in years. The weather could not be better. In the upper 50's lower 60's in the morning. Got all the way up to 74 degrees. I hope all you all are staying HOT! HOT! HOT!!!Michael and I say "Hello" to everyone. About half reply in kind. The rest appear confused. The helmit camera is a real head turner. Either that or Michael is gorgeous.About bed time sitting in the hotel bar having a draft Leffe Blonde. Probably will have to choke down another Westmalle Dubble before turning in.Before I forget, at the Westmalle Abbey, we had half and half. Half dubble and half triple. Great!

Antwerp

We are in Anrwerp. Been having a hard time finding reliable wifi. In Brussels, stayed in a great old hotel overlooking The Grand Place Square. The hotel had gold statuary. It was really neat. Michael and I were very tired from not getting much sleep so went to bed about 18:00 and slept for about 14 hours. We took off for Antwerp yesterday morning about 11:30. Our entire 50 mile journey was on bike routes. Some were simply a bike lane but most were a seperate sidewalk like path. A good portion ran along canals and were extremely peaceful and beautiful. When we stopped for lunch, we saw a car roll through a stop sign and a cyclist t bone the car. The emergency response folks were there almost immdiately. Maybe the unexpected highlight of the day was when we were riding the canals and the route ended at a ferry. Standing waiting for the ferry to come get us and watching the water flow by was a nice, peaceful rest from riding.

My first Belgian Dark

We made it to Brussels. Not easy. Had to check my pannier. Got here and bikes were in great shape. Rode from the airport all the way to city center on bike lanes. Got a great hotel with magnificent views.

Plenty sleepy. Plan on leaving tomorrow for Antwerp.

JFK and almost there

At the Admira,ls Club aty JFK and finishing a second glass of complmentary cab. Bikes made it in one piece so far. In half an hour going to get some euros then onto the plane. Excited by almost being there. Hope reality is half as fun as the expectations!