Thunderstorms overnight didn’t bode well for the day. The forecast was for heavy rain until around 9, so a leisurely breakfast was in order, not that I had that much choice as it didn’t start until 0800.
By 9 the rain had indeed eased off to a light drizzle so off I went. Today wasn’t going to be that exciting, just finishing the final 70km or do across country to reach Maastricht and my 3rd country.
As previously much of the ride was along canalside paths. Don’t think of these as being gravelly towpaths like in the UK. In Belgium they are the finest wide, smooth tarmac. So good that I spent much if the day dodging peletons of club riders and the far more dangerous speed freaks, crouched over their TT bars, head down stopping for nothing.
Of course it rained hard during the day, but by lunchtime it had cleared up. I was making good time until 16km to go, yet another blocked path, but this time with attendant workers in hi viz. they did try and explain what was going on to me in their best Flemish, but I couldn’t quite work it out. That was until the gentle purring of rubber on tarmac and the whoosh of air as I was passed by Lycra louts, explained all. Closed for a cycle race – Bloody cyclists.
A 5km detour through a National Park with the hills that Limburg is known for and I was in Maastricht.
Home for the night a lovely art deco hotel. You could imagine Hercule Poirot walking down the stairs, although now I’m in the Netherlands, guess it would have to be Van der Valk.
Tomorrow Germany (maybe) if I can get moving after tonight’s healthy meal
Steady Pedals 