Rhodent in Flanders

[pe3nguin]

700 euro for 117km event? Hope ASG does not find this thread

 

Good Luck!

To actually race is €5, so maybe ASG should find this thread

[Big Phil]

My bad. thanks for clarifying.

[pe3nguin]

My bad. thanks for clarifying.

No sweat. €700 would be prohibitively expensive.

 

The 239km Tour of Flanders sportive costs €40 (€50 if you enter late)

[pe3nguin]

Two weeks from now I will have keys to an empty apartment in Gent. The move is starting to take shape. A few minor social obligations to conclude in Durban but it [the adventure] is beginning to feel real.

Through the power and majesty of Reddit I have made a few acquaintances in Flanders and looking at their power data makes me feel woefully unprepared for what is to come. Thats part of the fun right? ;..;



 

[Belgian biker]

Welcome Pinguin! I can imagine you're getting excited

 

hot topic in Ghent for the moment: Gent made most of the city centre car free and radically changed the car traffic circulation in town. Not every one is convinced this plan will work, but for cyclists and pedestrians, it's really cool.

https://stad.gent/mobiliteitsplan/het-circulatieplan/kaarten-circulatieplan

[Patchelicious]

Two weeks from now I will have keys to an empty apartment in Gent. The move is starting to take shape. A few minor social obligations to conclude in Durban but it [the adventure] is beginning to feel real.

 

Through the power and majesty of Reddit I have made a few acquaintances in Flanders and looking at their power data makes me feel woefully unprepared for what is to come. Thats part of the fun right? ;..;

 

 

 

 

Dibs on coming to visit!!!

[pe3nguin]

Dibs on coming to visit!!!

You and Tombeej can snuggle tenderly should it be spring classics time :3 Dirty

 

Welcome Pinguin! I can imagine you're getting excited

 

hot topic in Ghent for the moment: Gent made most of the city centre car free and radically changed the car traffic circulation in town. Not every one is convinced this plan will work, but for cyclists and pedestrians, it's really cool.

https://stad.gent/mobiliteitsplan/het-circulatieplan/kaarten-circulatieplan

Thanks! Yeah, I have had a look at the Circulatie Plan previously and it makes zero sense to me so I'm just gonna roll with it. The only time I plan to drive is when I rent a van at Ikea and cart some furniture home. Beyond that, bicycles will do the trick, supplemented with public transport where appropriate.

[SwissVan]

Well done on making your dream come true, keep us posted on your experiences and racing..... it's going to be very different

[gummibear]

I am toying with the idea of a thread which takes inspiration from fellow hubbers:

- Bonus & Wendy's thread dedicated to their move to Spain.

- MrDLR's thread dedicated to the junior road racing scene.

 

I am 6 months away from embarking on a journey to Ghent, Belgium. Should there be interest, the thread would serve as a blog providing insight into my transition in the Flemish way of life, and more importantly, the amateur road cycling scene in Northern Belgium between the months of March and October.

 

By most accounts, it is the toughest amateur racing scene in the world and it may fuel the fire in some Vets bellies to take some bike orientated vacation time

Keep us updated on races you taking part in.

 

If you close by i'll pop around to say Hi 

[Cav']

Good luck to you!

[pe3nguin]

Well done on making your dream come true, keep us posted on your experiences and racing..... it's going to be very different

Its certainly going to be different, and I'm sure life will pose a whole host of complications, but its an adventure and I cannot wait. The racing will be difficult, end of story, but the idea is that I would love to be able to offer young South African talent a comfy sofa and some warm meals should they wanna try a racing the kermiskoers.

 

 

Keep us updated on races you taking part in.

 

If you close by i'll pop around to say Hi  

Still awaiting approval from the federation to race UCI 1.12s but I will definitely post more about it when I have received approval. Currently its as follows:

 

1 May: Meigem

6 May: Assebroek

7 May: Lierde

8 May: Sinaai

13 May: Belsele

15 May: Belsele

20 May: Tielt

21 May: Westrem

25 May: Oordegem

28 May: Merelbeke

31 May: Boekhoute

 

These are mostly in East Flanders within 40km of my apartment. If there is more paperwork to sort out before they let me ride the 1.12s, I'll just ride WAOD federation races, but I'll provide updates accordingly

 

Good luck to you!

Thank you kindly!

[Edit]: Clean up

[Belgian biker]

you know, we Flemish are not the most extrovert people. It's not easy for newcomers to make new friends here but I'm sure it will be a lot easier for you: participating in kermiskoersen will go straight to the heart with some of them. 

(not me, I kinda prefer to go out riding by myself, see, I'm one of these introvert belgians 

[pe3nguin]

you know, we Flemish are not the most extrovert people. It's not easy for newcomers to make new friends here but I'm sure it will be a lot easier for you: participating in kermiskoersen will go straight to the heart with some of them. 

(not me, I kinda prefer to go out riding by myself, see, I'm one of these introvert belgians 

I hear this all the time actually, that Flems are introverts and hesitant towards unknown parties, but I'm sure I will melt some icey hearts with my infectious smile and my clueless nature

 

Rule #1 - Big burly Flemming offers to buy you a beer after a race, you dont turn him down! I got this Leen!

['Dale]

All the best, Pikkewyn

What an adventure

 

Always be the hammer ????

[gummibear]

Enjoy the racing and good luck with your adventure [emoji106][emoji106]

[pe3nguin]

Dani has been packed into the bike bag and has been collected by the airline. Next time I ride her, it will be Flandrien as f****. The 031 has provided some wonderful rides! Gonna miss this place.

Since time machines aren't a thing yet, I'm going to sleep until next Tuesday to avoid all the nervous/excited/anxious energy running through me at the moment.

[Edit]: Have just received approval for my first 1.12B race on May 1st!