The last weapon in the battle against the organized tour on Belgian (shitty) roads: partially banning it the day before!
Friday afternoon, the organizing WTC Klimmen of Klimmen-Banneux-Klimmen received a ‘no go’ from Herve.
That immediately applies to Aubel as well, so no Bolland, no climbs like Olne, José and Julémont…
Months of preparation down the drain. But, they did not let themselves be discouraged, sent a message to the participants that the route unfortunately had to be ‘adjusted a bit’ and that in addition to fewer kilometers, there would also be fewer meters of elevation in the final course.
Perhaps a sigh of relief among some the participants, but C. was ‘not amused’, although he obviously does not blame WTC Klimmen for anything.
Anyway, despite the setback, there was a lot to enjoy along the way. The weather was beautiful, although the bone-dry air and the abundance of dust and pollen did play tricks on the struggling cyclist.
The route offered no surprises, because – and our southern neighbours may have a point there – this fondo, certainly in the original planning, has many similarities with a number of others.
We were given the chance to fill our water bottles twice, the first time with a currant bun and an energy bar, the second time a banana.
Given the heat and the dryness, replenishing fluids was a bare necessity, he brought his own bars, but took the banana.
Of course, there are plenty of places like cafes and restaurants to stop along the way for the really thirsty/hungry cyclist…
It was C.’s first KBK and he will definitely be back, even if it’s just in the hope of a real one, as this edition was more a Klimmen-Blegny-Klimmen.
Kudos to the organization, the volunteers and the participants, who – as far as he could see of course – behaved well.
And a special thanks to the traffic controllers, regulating stop-and-go’s on (busy) intersections, keeping us safe.
What did the Polar register?
Kilometers 116.5 (KBK), 144.1 total (incl. Brunssum-Klimmen v.v.)
D+ 1,235 / max. incline 14%
Ride time 3:40 (KBK)
