Concentration Camp to Westmalle

Today is the first day in a couple weeks that I did not ride my bike. My boss is not doing well physically. Hopefully everything will go well.

I had planned to ride tonight, but the rains came and the ride was cancelled. Maybe next Wednesday. I will be have to ride twice as far this Saturday.

I have plotted a course for day 3 from the concentration camp to the Westmalle area.

Day 3 travel

Then this is the route around the Abbey area.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=686042

Map from Leuven to Concentration Camp

Day 2

Map From Brussels Airport to Leuven

Airport to Leuven

Riding in the rain and fleshing out some Belgian sites

Had a great ride this morning.  Rained a bit but was very cool.  Chose to ride off the road except directly from my place to the Trinity Trails.  Going up the hill on Taylor is quite a bit more difficult than going down.  But I made it without stopping.  Even had a small cheering section.  A hiker near the top of the hill kept saying "You can do it!!!"  A couple others gave me big smiles as I crept by.   The other cycling lessoned learned this morning is to watch crossing metal bridges particularly in the rain.  I rode toward the Stock Yards and crossed the metal walking bridge.  As I crossed the bridge, my bike's tires slid.  Didn't fall but got quite a rush.

I think I have discovered a way to use the official Belgium biking mapping system on youroute and save it here.  If you are unable to see the map PLEASE let me know.

On the first day, May 13th, I hope to get an intact bike off the airplane and put it back together and ride from the airport to Leuven.  This is the home of Leffe and Stella.  If all goes as planned, after this is posted you will see another post that shows a map of the route.

Then on Day 2, that maybe the next calendar day or just the second day on the road, I plan on riding from Leuven to the National Memorial Fortress of Breendonk - Concentration camp of Breendonk.  I have never been to a concentration camp.  It holds some dread but I need to go see.  http://www.trabel.com/mechbreendonk.htm

Cadence, going greater distance and more on mapping software

I play no musical instrument.  I hated marching when I was in the military.  Not much into clapping along with the songs in church because before long I am clapping to the beat of my own drummer.  So when I started reading about cadence in cycling, I became worried.   For the past week, I have tried to push through my lack of rhythm and pedal to a cadence.  Sort of has worked for me.  And when I join the cadence and shifting into one plan, I think it may work well.  Except yesterday when Bryan drug us up Hidden Road.  I was barely able to breathe and pedal at the same time by the crest of that hill let alone be concerned about shifting and cadence. 

I have been putting in 100+ miles each week.  Yesterday's 20+ ride to Burgers' Lake was good except for a ride up a cliff that I mentioned before.  But if I want to make sure I can ride 500 miles in two weeks, I should think about doing some fairly long rides.  I don't think that I am up for a ride to Austin and back, but am thinking about riding to Mineral Wells soon.  Would be open to any suggestions about route or any other destination.  Also, looking for folks to join me in the ride.  I would like to set about a 12 mph pace so that with breaks one would average about 10 mph. 

On one of the official Belgian websites, www.routeyou.com was suggested because the smallest path was supposed to be listed.  I haven't found it to be overly helpful yet.  Just finished mapping out a rough route.  It was 505 km.  That is just the basic route with no distance for touring.  Of course, when I clicked on a link and returned, the route went away.  One good thing about doing and redoing these maps is that I am better understanding Belgium's geography.  Probably something that will come in handy.  Stand by because one of these days, I will be able to share a map with you.  But not today.

Going out with the Night Riders to do about 12 miles.

Detours

Although I have been getting in my 24+ km each day, I have not been blogging.  Getting to the point where my knee feels best when I am riding.  I guess that is a good thing.  The heat so far really has not impaired my riding.  I never drank a lot of water.  Liquids yes.  Water no.  But lately I have been drinking water.  A lot of water.  

I have been trying to create and save a Yahoo or Google map.  Google seems to be the best but I still am not very confident that when I save a map that it will be there when I return.  So I am still looking for other, better options.  Will gladly try any other program so let me know if there is something better.

Maybe the couple days that I spent on creating maps was a good thing.  I am now leaning toward NOT going in Brussels right away.  Rather I am thinking of riding to Leuven from the airport.  It is only 18 km and is primarily in the country.  Leuven is the home of Stella and Leffe.  More importantly it is a college town so should have plenty of bike maintenance experts.  Going into Brussels tired and jet lagged probably is not the best idea.  Further, if I finish my trip in Brussels, that would give me a couple day pad.  I would hate to have to rush across Belgium trying to make my flight.

This new plan probably would mean that I would not see Waterloo battlefield, but that is not on my list of have to stops.  If I get there great.  If not, have another beer and relax.

Knee is better and route out of Brussels

Sort of funny how my knee feels better when I am riding than when I am walking.  Doesn't hurt walking but is a little stiff.  Rode about 20 km with the Night Riders on Sunday and got my 24 km in today.  I work from home tomorrow so hope to ride early in the cool, cool of the morning.

In the mail today, I received my Vlaanderen Fietsroute - Flanders Bike Route Map.  I am thinking of staying in Brussels from Friday, May 13th through Sunday, May 15th.  If what I read is correct, I will be staying near the Grand Place.  Business hotels give great discounts on Friday and Saturday nights.   I plan on leaving Sunday and heading south out of town along the Brussels Canal for about 20 km.  Sort of this path, http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLJ_en___US381&q=Sainctelette+brussels+map&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Sainctelette&gl=us&ei=WSwgTNvOB4WonQegquB6&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ8gEwAA

Somewhere near Huizingen, I will pick up LF 6 to Overijse.  This is about 23 km.  Depending upon how early I leave and how many times I get lost, I might swing off LF 6 at Rhode-Saint-Genese to visit Waterloo battlefield.  http://www.groteroutepaden.be/grlf/v1.nsf/docs/LF6.html 

Really getting into selecting a route.

Father's Day Night Ride and some more Brussels' Stops

I woke this morning with my knee feeling pretty good. Was a little sore particularly when kneeling at the communion rail. Small price to pay. Plan on riding with the Night Riders tonight. Probably will leave a little early to get in a few miles before we meet up. I need to start my week off with a strong 24 km. They are planning on riding 20 km. Looks like a pretty flat course tonight. Might be good for knee to not have to pump too hard.

Probably will stay in a hotel for the first couple day in country and from what I read Friday and Saturday hotel deals are best near the Grand Place. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188644-d196151-Reviews-Grand_Place-Brussels.html Almost everything I had hoped to see is either on this square or just off it. 

Just off the square is the church of St. Nicolas. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/brussels-st-nicholas-church.htm Like most everything else in Europe it is old but has been renovated and re renovated. 

Another highlight of this area is the Manneken Pis.  That is if you can call a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain a highlight.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manneken_Pis  I plan to go to the statue but won't go to the museum that holds the various costumes they dress him.  

Cafes and bars surround the Grand Place so I plan on tasting some of the Belgian cuisine and probably a beer there.  The chocolate shops hold only passing interest to me since I am allergic to chocolate.  But do love to smell the stuff.

Scrapes, storage, toes in the water, and thousand miles

In one of the books I have been reading about touring, the author says NEVER stare at where you DON'T want to go.  The reason is that IS exactly where you do go.  Had that happen this morning.  Been on the Trinity Trails for 24 km when I was being passed.  I saw the rider in my mirror.  Knew he was there.  I started staring at the tall grass along the sidewalk.  Thought several times, I should not go there.  Stay a foot or two away.  Keep off the grass.  As I rode directly into the grass and lost control.  Scraped my knee.  And a few fingers.  But all is well.  Got a bruise and a strawberry on the right knee.   I can ride.  I made my 160 km this week.

I have been looking at panniers this week.  Do I need two on the back wheel?  Do I need four?  Two on each wheel.  Or what about a trailer.  At first, I dismissed the trailer as flat crazy.  The more I read, the more I wonder if a trailer would not be good.  http://bicycletouringshop.com/panniersvstrailers.php  I still believe that a trailer would be too much to drag to Belgium.  The idea does intrigue me.  Any advice would be appreciated.

I have found the Toe in the water trip from England to Brussels fascinating.  http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=90962&v=66
This is the level of touring I would hope for.   Not too hard.  Stop for a beer when the mood hits.  They went a lot faster than I would like, but all else seemed spot on for me.  If you get a chance, look at this journal as well as others on crazybuyonabike.com.

And finally, I noticed today that I have ridden more that 1,000 miles on this bike.  So before I take off for Belgium, I have a chance of putting another 4,000 miles on that bike.  That is probably more than I will put on my car.

Good riding,
Larry Kemp

Metric system and touring choices

Am focusing on shifting and getting better at it. I think. Stayed in 2-7 to 2-4 for most of my 18+ km home. When I had to, I shifted into 1-5 to 1-4. Seemed easier and more natural. I don't think I once even thought about shifting into third gear. Maintained an average speed of 19 kph. Not wildly fast, but I make my train and that is about the pace I want to maintain while touring.

You might have noticed that I am using metric distances. My generation was supposed to the one that joined the rest of the world in a single measuring system. Well that didn't happen. So I am forcing myself to start thinking in metric so that when I am on the road in Belgium, I don't have to get out the calculator.

The following is a paragraph taken from bicycletouringshop.com

When planning a tour the best place to start is to ask yourself why you want to tour? Is it to see someplace you’ve never been before or to ride in familiar territory? Are you seeking adventure or do you just want a leisurely ride in comfortable surroundings? Do you want to challenge yourself physically and mentally, or ride 30 miles/day and end each day snuggled in a Bed and Breakfast? The questions are many and you should try to answer them all so you can understand your motives.

I have been thinking about these questions for the past couple days. Belgium is one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. They have great beer. They speak English (at least a lot do). The country is mostly flat and has great bike routes and bike culture. Maybe because of my age and relative cycling inexperience, I think this trip will be an adventure even though the pace will be pretty leisurely. I don't plan on challenging myself by deliberately riding up the steepest, longest grade I can find, BUT neither do I plan on riding great distances out of my way just to stay away from hills. I hope not to camp. I won't have a tent so barring an unfortunate turn of events, I will be snuggled into a bed and breakfast as often as possible. Hotels are okay, but generally they are more expensive, and less personal

More chain issues, paths, nights and books

Not much to report concerning my ride home today, EXCEPT I blew a shift and the chain jumped off the front sprocket.  Going from 2-5 to 1-5.  Stuck the chain back on and I was off again.

Have been looking at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=4206&v=CE.  Yes it is a website named crazyguyonabike.com.  It is a bunch of journals of guys rides.  Check out the link.  It is a couple guys riding around Belgium.  Confirms the idea that I plan on staying on the dikes as much as possible.  Rivers are flat.  Hills are not.

Also looked at several bed and breakfasts.  Seems that staying only one night costs an additional 10 Euro.  So it makes sense to stay two nights as much as possible.

I got my first book in the mail today.  It is Rick Steves Bruges and Brussels book.  The other Rick Steves book should be in tomorrow.  Also, got word that the bike route book was sent today via UPS.  Should have that soon.

Shifting, gueuze and Waterloo

The more I ride in this heat, the more I realize that I NEVER understood shifting a bike. I want to shift going through the back sprocket and then shift the front. Much like I do with my car. I also want to get into third so that I can CRUISE. Now, I think that was very wrong headed. For the past week, I have been riding directly into the wind. The object was always to find a rear gear to compliment being in third. If I had to, I would shift into second and IF I really had to I would shift into first. I was wearing myself out. The past two days, more so today than yesterday, I stayed in first and tried to keep it in a high gear. On the flat or going downhill, I would shift into second. I have increased my average speed by a half a mile an hour using this new/better technique.

I found that Cantillon is made in a museum in Brussels. http://www.cantillon.be/br/3_2 They have tours so can't miss this. Cantillon's website has a link to b&b's around Brussels. They seem to range from 40 Euro to 80 Euro. Mostly these b&b's are in homes. Might be nice to see how Belgians live first hand.

I have talked a lot about beer here so far, but Waterloo has become a point of interest. No, not the place in Iowa. The battle was not in Waterloo but rather the battle was in Braine-I'Alleud about 5 km south of Waterloo. Wellington's headquarters was in Waterloo so that is how the battle got its name. I will have to do some more research, but from my first look, I am not sure if I am interested in going. Other than saying I was there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Waterloo

Why do I listen to weathermen?

Got up early so that I could ride before I started my work day. Walked out with the dogs about 6 a.m. and the western sky was very dark and ominous. Hurried the dogs along so that I could see what the weather had in store. The weather guys on channel 8 and 11 both predicted significant amounts of rain were on the way here. I postponed my ride. Why?!?!? The rain never came. I don't melt. And I am supposedly in training to ride through Belgium next May. And it rains in Belgium. Sometimes a lot. So I guess I should get used to it. I rode for 26.5 km at 9 a.m. when I saw we were not going to get any rain. When I got home, I was nearly as soaked as would have been in a rain storm. Right now I am saying that I will brave the rain from now on.

I have purchased three books to help me plan and navigate during my trip. "Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels" and "Rick Steves' Snapshot Bruges & Brussels" I bought used on Amazon.com. The shipping was more than the books. Debbie and I used his tour books of Italy, and I liked them. Hopefully, Steves will give me some good tips about where to stay.

A friend suggested that I purchase (Belgium) Flanders Bike Tour.

http://www.omnimap.com/cgi/graphic.pl?images/for-road/64-19711.jpg

I really look forward to this book. It shows many of the bike routes all over Flanders. What fun.

Biking from the airport and learning to ride into the wind

Looking at the Brussels airport website Transport to and from the airport, I find this. "Cyclists can follow a fenced off cycling track (marked in red) from the roundabout in Zaventem to the coach park P15a on level 0. Bicycles can be securely attached in camera-monitored parking racks." Wow, Zaventem is only about 40 km from Beersel. And Brussels in right in the middle. I am not certain how interesting I will find Brussels. Lots of business and government and military. But I have read that Friday and Saturday, the "business" hotels give 50% discounts. Going to be looking into a place in Brussels to recover from the trip and make sure my bike is okay. As of now, I would be leaving for Beersel on Sunday.

One good thing about riding for the past couple days is that I am learning how to ride INTO the wind. I had my shift technique all messed up. I thought it was like my Z4 and wanted to be in the highest gear possible. BUT of course, that is WRONG. So today, I proved to myself that I could make time without ever being in 3rd. Even going downhill on the Katy Trail, I could go faster in 2nd than 3rd. And with the same or less energy.

Beersel, Belgium and the Night Riders

Going out and riding about 14 miles with the Night Riders. It is both good practice getting in fun miles on the bike, but also good practice tasting beers. Oh I don't know if I really need more practice tasting beer, but one can never have too much practice.

In my rush to mentally get out of Brussels and on the country roads, I almost forgot Beersel. My goodness, they make geuze there. That is one of my favorite beer styles. It is 13 km south of Brussels and has a castle as well as the breweries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beersel

Beersel is known for its 'boterham met plattekaas en radijzen' a slice of bread with white cheese and radishes, usually served with a geuze beer.

Going to try and hit Drie Fonteinen (Three Fountains Brewery). They make geuze, kriek and lambic. http://www.3fonteinen.be/index.htm

And here is a link to the other brewery in town. http://www.oudbeersel.com/prod.php?m_id=2b For those who only drink Rocky Mountain beers, these may come as a surprise. They tend to be sour. Good sour.

Beersel may just be the place to get over the jet lag of flying from the states. A short ride from Brussels to check out the bikes but plenty of ways to get back into the big town for parts if needed.

Starting to start to get organized

Rode over 18 miles into the wind and it seemed to be a headwind going and coming. http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=661188

Hopefully the heat and the wind will make the beer taste better in Belgium.

Checked flight times for Thursday, May 12, 2011. Probably will go through JFK and leave New York about 1800 hrs and arrive in Brussels about 0800 on Friday, May 13th. Friday the 13th is that an omen? Of course, I am not superstitious.

Stopped by the library and checked out a book on bicycle touring and a couple Belgium guides. Glancing through the touring book, it seems that my bike may work with some modifications. Or maybe not.

On the first bike leg, I am thinking of going on route lf2 to Leuven. Pretty town and current home of Leffe and Stella.

http://www.groteroutepaden.be/grlf/v1.nsf/routes/lf2

Start of a journey

I am scared as hell. For much of the past three years, I have claimed to be planning a long bicycle trip to Belgium. A broken knee here and a once in a lifetime great trip to Italy there, my Belgium trip always seemed to be the plan that melts away. Well with this blog, I am taking the step of going from a nice, chatty topic over a couple Belgian beers to a reality.

I am going to go. And that is the scary part. What if it is not the trip I have dreamed it would be? What if I AM really too old and broken down? And probably the worst of all. What if I try and fail and all my friends KNOW that I am a failure.

Well to hell with it. I am going to just put it out there and take a chance.

I was talking to a coworker and admitted that I was in training. Me IN TRAINING. That is hard for me say. But I guess it is true. I have committed to riding 15 miles or more a day. For some of you, that is probably not much, but for the old me, it sure is a lot. The new me seems to be handling it okay.

So I am inviting you to ride along with me from this scorching Texas June 2010 through a cooler Belgian May 2011.