February in Belgium, Sun and Fun.

I finally had time to go to the electronic store to buy a new adapter. The weather has been so nice that whenever I have free time I’ve been out on the bike.

I have booked my ticket for my return, and will be coming home May 27th. I’ve almost been here six months and only have three left. I really cant believe how fast the time has gone. It’s passed so fast, sometimes I forget all the experiences that I have had here.

I will start racing road in March, and hope to get some good Euro experience and then come home with some fitness for the summer.

Below are some pictures of my recent rides, and me trying to get a Belgian tan.

Keep it real

Ian

Quick one

Sorry that I have not posted in awhile, my adapter for my computer broke.

I have been doing lots of riding and the weather has been awesome. I will post pictures when I get a new adapter.

Ian

Sun is shining, the riding is sweet.

Last night my friend Olivier, sent me an email seeing if I wanted to ride today, and I was planning on it, so I said sure. We met at 9am in a park equally neutral to both our houses and on the way out of town. It was a colder morning, but the sun was shining.

Olivier, had forgotten to take his asthma medicine, so we had to make a quick stop by his house. On the way there a man running asked for directions and as Olivier took his hand off his bars to point out which way, he hit some ice and went down. It was a slow speed crash, but his bike just went out from under him and he landed hard on his wrist. He, being a little shocked and in pain decided to just go home and if his arm felt better ride later.

I carefully turned around and decided that I would just keep on riding. It came across a few icy spots, but once it warmed up and I got out of town the roads were fine. I had maybe my best ride of the year, because I found some awesome new roads. My legs felt alright, but exploring the new area kept me going for 4 ½ hours. I think I may have even gotten a little sunburn, sweet!

Here are some pictures from the ride,
And the last one is Harrison my good Canadian friend and I repn’ our new rugby jerseys.

Wednesday Ride,

Today I was able to get out and do another sweet long ride. I got out of school early because the teacher was sick, and they don’t have subs. So I was out by ten and on the road by eleven. I road three and a half hours, and felt good. It’s not normal for me to be riding this early in the year, normally I start after basketball in March, but this year is a little different.

All is good
Ian

new friend

I was able to do another good ride today. As I was leaving Brussels another rider caught me. We rode single file till we were out of the city, then we introduced ourselves. I asked how far and where he was going to ride and it was just what I was planning to do. So I tagged along, he showed me some cool new roads and climbs. We did 2.5 hours and went fairly hard in the hills, he is a strong rider. We exchanged contacts, and are going to ride in the future. He is going to show me a group ride that leaves from Brussels, and he said that Svens Nys shows up for it often.

Till next time
Have a good one
Ian

Group Ride,

Today I went on another group ride. When I left the house it was raining, but that’s Belgium.
I meet up with Romain and his father to go to the starting location. It was sprinkling and the wind was whipping. Despite the dreadful weather conditions there was a good turnout for the ride, because if you want to ride in Belgium you got to ride in the rain.

The ride started off mellow, but the pace picked up and so did the wind. It was a sweet ride (4hours, 73miles). I felt great, I wanted to continue riding, but it got dark. I think my legs are getting back in bike mode. I’m planning on going out tomorrow for another 3 hours or so, just working on the base.

Ian

Gray sky’s and great rides.

The roads are dry, the air is fresh, and I’m ready to start training for the new year.

During the Christmas break I took some time off the bike, but now the break is over and the season training has begun. I went on three great rides these past three days, and starting to build up for the upcoming road season. Both Friday and Saturday I went out on the cross bike, and got in some good riding in on the dirt. Today I brought out the road bike and went for a longer ride(3 ½ hours), it was a great day. It wasn’t cold and it never rained. I’m starting to get to know all the roads and towns, so I’m able to do long loops thought the rolling hills south of Brussels.

I’m thinking of doing another few cross races before the season ends, and once March hits its all about road. I was looking at the calendar and in Belgium for the juniors there are over ten races every weekend. Its crazy how many there are. I’m looking forward to a hard road season over here, then going back to Oregon, and doing Nationals in Southern California in August.

My mom went to a Ron Paul rally yesterday. I glad that she has taken an interest in politics and hope that other also get involved.

Ian