From my memories of small to see on tv the classics of spring have had the need to discover for myself the rider feeling that people in Northern Europe and more specifically in Belgium have for him.In the year 2012 was my first participation in the Tour of Flanders where enjoy a lot, always leaving the door open to repeat the huge experience of power stepping on the asphalt, pave and twist me climbing the walls that so much history have and they will continue to have, since it is a land with a huge passion for cycling.
This year has been another opportunity to participate in “The Ronde” with my group of friends who are extremely devout by tests classical background which have a huge story behind.
After many preparations and some hiccup I’m taking the exit in Markt square in the heart of Brugges. All ready and prepared with an enormous illusion and 245 km ahead.
The morning is fresh about 6 degrees approximately, although I go with short shorts, Jersey climbers, Prosecco Ice vest Fawesome undershirt and muff Nano Flex weather forecasts are good, clear skies.
The long Cyclo 245km (Bruges-Oudenaarde 245 km) could be divided into two very distinct, stages the first 110 km that is wheel by very narrow bike lanes and across populations being difficult to take good rhythm, and sometimes dangerous. And the second part is when they begin the walls and sections of pavé, this area being the essence of the test and where you can really enjoy.
The walls are concentrated around the town of Oudenaarde, making a loop for regional roads of great beauty where the cyclist atmosphere.
After the first 118 km we face the first wall called “Wolvenger” with an average length of 645 metres slope of 7.9 and a maximum of 17.3, then is when you realize that you’re in the Tour of Flanders. On linking the rest of 14 walls. “Molenberg”, “Leberg” “Valkenberg”, “Boigneberg”, “Eikemberg”, “Koppenberg”, “Steenbeekdries”, “Taaienberg”, “Kaperij”, “Kanarieberg”, “Kruisberg”, “Karnemelkbeek”, “oude Kwaremont” and finally “Paterberg”. Being my favorite wall is the ‘Koppenberg’, by her beauty and toughness.
“The Ronde” comprises 5 refreshment where forces based on fruit, resets waffles, biscuits with honey, isotonic drinks and water. Having mechanical support on all those points.
It is not a competitive test but a day to enjoy a place where the history of cycling you can breathe and enjoy with friends of the living history of cycling.
It is a highly recommended test since there are several distances and the longest of 245 km (Brugges-Oudenaarde), 134 and 75 km (Oudenaarde-Oudenaarde). Each wall is completely different and unforgettable.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/91588261[/vimeo]
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