Making space for......

A trip to Flanders:

I'm off with Mark to Oudenaarde for a few days to ride Roubaix pave and the best hellingen and kasseien that Flanders can provide. The weather forecast looks crap but the riding will be memorable. I shall report back with pics and film and a certain hint of smugness.......

A new bike:

I shall be taking a Planet X titanium prototype disc cross bike on the trip - seems like a good place to try the legendary Ti comfort, as well visiting the Donk cross training area, beloved of our own Helen Wyman, Gabby Day, Fieldy and a host of other Belgian based crossers. Report also to follow.

Embro and other cross goodies:

Seeing as the weather is set to be bobbins in Flanders, I shall be taking some a sample of some new cross-specific embrocation with me to keep warm. From US based North West Knee Warmers, this is due to be imported by exciting new cross emporium Fangoso. Johnny Shaw, well known on the North West and Notts cross-scene is putting together a fantastic collection of imported Belgian and US products for the discerning cross fanatic. Can't wait...

marshalling

Found this lovely little vid on youtube........via Molly Cameron

My Flemish isn't up to scratch yet, but think lonely marshall post, black and white Flanders images and cobbles. Plenty enough I would say?

Click to open full screen in separate window.

till next year.....

There's always a sense of deflation for me at this time of year - sure, Fleche Wallonnne, Amstel and Liege are still to come but they don't capture my imagination in the same way.

I didn't make it to Flanders (or Roubaix) again this year - but there's always next year.

Cancellara won all three of my favourite races - E3 with guile, Flanders with panache and then Roubaix with crushing superiority. All intriguing races, all with different scripts but the same outcome.

Not making it to Flanders was somewhat offset by running my own Ronde - many, many thanks for all the comments, good wishes and apolgies for absence. Come and ride with us next year as I can't see it not running again.......

Apart from Spartacus and his feats of legend - the other defining ride for me?



Brutal conditions at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne brought out the best in Ian Stannard and his gritty ride for 3rd place summed up for me what the Classics are about - the changeable weather, rough surfaces and there being no-where to hide when the proverbial lands. Make or break. Persist or give up. Inspiring stuff.

countdown

This Belgian Knee Warmers picture does it for me.......

As do Michael Barry's recent posts on 'Le Metier'

Any guesses as to the weather?



or?



As for this man taking a hat trick, any bet would be more than a little speculative.....



Having experienced first hand on the cobbles of the Oude Kwaremont, just how tough Flandrian women on shopper bikes really are, you might be better off betting on this individual....