A fantastic day in the saddle.

Ostensibly, setting out for a 6 hour bike ride alone, with only a vague direction in mind, may seem to many to not be that ‘fantastic’ at all. However, to me this seemed the perfect opportunity to explore a new area of Belgium.

The local cycling network in this and neighbouring regions is superb. Designated and recommended cycling routes (the fietsroutesnetwerk) are marked with unique numbers at intersections, called knoopunts. It is a very simple but effective system which is extremely easy to follow. You check the map, choose where you want to go and follow the numbered signs to the next junction. The routes consist mainly of traffic free country lanes, some bike only paths, and all feature much of the beautiful Belgian landscape – ideal for long training rides.

All was going well – almost too well; the route had been scenic, the weather warm, and just a slight breeze blew across Limburg. Then I approached route 312. The entire road had been lifted for road works, leaving huge trenches, and piles of mud covering the pitted surface. Having searched for alternatives (with no map of the area), and finding only motorways, I headed back to retrace my proverbial footsteps. It was at this point though, I noticed another rider approaching the road works section, and seemingly wanting to go through it. I pulled over and we started talking. He had a map of the entire cycling network, which indeed informed us this was the only way through, leaving no choice but to dismount and carry on by foot, eventually making it through the mud, and back to the road, where luck has it that we were both heading in the same direction. As we rode, we shared many stories of past cycling experiences and chatted generally about life in Belgium. To be able to meet a complete stranger and be brought together to friendly conversation through cycling, as we seamlessly passed the many winding and scenic kilometres, was a great feeling. Hilaire, a Dutch dentist, was an incredibly friendly guy who clearly had only wanted to help me on my way, even offering to send a copy of the cycling network map! In due course we went our separate ways and with a manly handshake we parted, as Hilaire headed to Maastricht, whilst I turned to Kumtich. Arriving home, I clocked just short of 6 hours, on what had been a particularly rewarding ride.