FNRttC The latest news on The Fridays Vi(v)a Colonia Tour......

[redfalo]

We (@Gordon P , @StuAff , @Michael Adu @Andrew Br @Eddie_C @jiberjaber and @4x5) got stuck in professional bike race, snd visited hihest point of the Netherlands. On group pic, I'm standing in Germany, my rear wheel is in Belgium and my front wheel is in Holland.

Big thanks to @4x5 for planning a most fabulous route and being such a lovely ride companion. we can confirm @AKA Bob 's tales of hills in Belgium, but what's all the fuss about? They are only 18 pct....

 

[StuAff]

According to Garmin Connect & Strava, climbing was 3000-3500ft or so. Flatter than most of my centuries, but I'm not riding those in 31 degree heat...I have the mandatory 'knackered looking audaxers in supermarket lobby' photo.
The race (GP of Wallonia) was won by Tony Gallopin. Not a really big race like Flanders or Roubaix but still gets a quality entry list.

 

[srw]

Just had breakfast in bed (thank you @rvw) and about to think about packing.

Stay cool everyone.

 

[kimble]

I've just ridden to Coffee Lovers (the big one in Adrian's photo, but I can see both from here) from the campsite, and concluded that I'm in far too much pain to ride another 100k.

So I'll go and play with trains after everyone leaves.

 

[kimble]

I've seen the main group off from Coffee Lovers, and am now loaded onto a train to Liege.

 

[srw]

We're on a train about to arrive at Liège. Pretty countryside, pretty bridge. Epicly hot.

 

[dellzeqq]

We (@Gordon P , @StuAff , @Michael Adu @Andrew Br @Eddie_C @jiberjaber and @4x5) got stuck in professional bike race, snd visited hihest point of the Netherlands. On group pic, I'm standing in Germany, my rear wheel is in Belgium and my front wheel is in Holland.

Big thanks to @4x5 for planning a most fabulous route and being such a lovely ride companion. we can confirm @AKA Bob 's tales of hills in Belgium, but what's all the fuss about? They are only 18 pct....

and your right armpit is in three countries. Is this a record?

 

[kimble]

Made the connection at Liege - which is like I imagine the refurbishment of Mordor Central should have been - and am now on a beautifully air-conditioned train to Leuven.

 

[srw]

Made the connection at Liege - which is like I imagine the refurbishment of Mordor Central should have been - and am now on a beautifully air-conditioned train to Leuven.

Leuven demands that you carry your bike downstairs rather than use the lift up to the footbridge. Unless you pull the dumb English card.

 

[srw]

Teams W and K are taking refreshment opposite the Walking Dead ghost ride. It's hot, but the first few clouds are appearing.

 

[jiberjaber]

Its with a heavy heart that I've scratched...

Currently rehydrating with Belgium recovery drinks after checking the iron bed frame in to Euro despatch.

A Rule 5 moment with a plaster took more than hairs from my leg and I'm now left with a weaping hole the size of a 50p, adding that to my inability to walk properly means it's daft me carrying on ( though perhaps I should have got the train to Leuven and then Euro* tomorrow.... )

Anyway hopefully in the docs tomorrow....

 

[srw]

Sorry to hear that @jiberjaber, but you've done the right thing. We passed you on a slow train as you were waiting for your Brussels fast train.

 

[srw]

Our bikes have made some new friends

and we've got a visitor to our hotel room.

Team cycling will by now be on their third country of the day.

 

[kimble]

I've checked into the Hostel and am resisting the urge to go wandering in favour of elevating my legs for a bit.

 

[wanda2010]

For Adrian