146.52
146.52 kilometers on a bike in a single day
my longest ride to date
Sunday sunrise on my way to the start of the event.
I vaguely remember doing one even longer ride but that was back when I was a 20 year old athlete, so that doesn’t count. There are tons of people that ride further every weekend, I’m well aware of that. But for me, this is an achievement that I couldn’t have dreamt of when I rediscovered the bike a couple of years ago.
But why would you do this? I must admit that this was an idea that crept into my brain slowly. It started with a gravel event with friends that would already make for a ride over 100 km. And then I noticed that the start was around 20 km from where I live, a distance that I would normally cycle instead of taking the car. What if I ride to the event and back by bike? Can I do it? Remember Bert, an off-road ride of over 100 km is a challenge in itself. Should I try it? Why not.
The event brought us to the big old forest that pretty much stretches out all along the South side of Brussels. The route through this beautiful forest was spectacular.
Riding for 100 kilometers through the woods so close to the capital is a treat.
Too bad there were many riders that didn’t respect the many other people who were enjoying the forest on a sunny Sunday.
The organisation however, was very professional and friendly.
BTW, a lot of people send me follow requests on Strava. I hope you don’t mind but as this has nothing to do with photography, I only allow people that I know in real life to laugh at my crazy slow rides ;-)
A day later my legs are a bit stiff and my left ankle hurts for some reason. I feel like I have a hangover, which seems unfair without any alcohol. But I did it, a pointless challenge. Performance is never the goal for me in cycling. But it’s good to know the limits and push them. With the ultimate goal of having even more fun on the bike.
All images shot on the X100V - and too busy staying upright, on course and alive to focus much on photography ;-)