2012-04-20/22 - Flanders shenaniganza

http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,24770_7551850,00.html

squadralinas check out some of the route here ^
don't forgot bernie's supper invite for belgo centraal next week

x

I put some 25c's and squidgy thick tape on my Koga last night. Any other tips to survive the cobblefest?

Oh and which evening's the Belgo feast?

1. Bend /tighten bottle cages so you don't lose your bidon;

2. Avoid other riders bidons on the cobbled sections;

3. Run PSI @ 80/90.

Oh and which evening's the Belgo feast?

Next Friday - the 9th.

I put some 25c's and squidgy thick tape on my Koga last night. Any other tips to survive the cobblefest?

Don't grip the bars too tightly.

Ride a larger gear than you'd normally use on the (flat) cobbles.

Ride lower gears on the cobbled climbs.

Keep your head up and try and anticipate the movements of riders ahead of you so you don't come to a sudden halt too often.

top tips right there from andyp and ZED..

also remember to secure your saddle bag if you plan to carry one.. an old inner tube thro the rails and tied around the bag works anything lose is asking to be lost.. also secure items in rear jersey pockets, they have a tendency to fall out the pave was littered with debris last year.. iPhones, wallets, passports, spare tubes... we will discuss valuables / van transits etc. on the 9th.. please ensure you have EHIC cards or adequate travel insurance, i and need via PM or email riders 'vital stats' for the first aid book / log..

last call for vlaam block of choc orders (riders only sorry) due out soon.. bernie has the largest order with 'get out of jail' 4kg of the stuff. we have in excess of 8kg on order.. i'll distribute before we board eurostar. i don't want to be questioned by the border staff / police ;-)

1. plain choc (lactose free / vegan tolerant) with almonds 300g
   
2. milk choc with almonds 300g
   

woo-hoo chocolate sounds delicious! Thanks for checking on the vegan friendly stuff.

A question about those of us who can't make the 9th... will there be a summary email about what is discussed?

Thanks for the offer almac but I think I'll have to pass. My filling is giving me grief at the moment, shouldnt be eating any sweet stuff til I get it sorted out.

no worries.. get inspired here for a taste of the flem
http://www.thechainstay.com/cycling-tours-in-belgium/2012-spring-classics/tour-of-flanders-day-trip/

Al - did I say I wanted two bars of the #1 variety please?

woo-hoo chocolate sounds delicious! Thanks for checking on the vegan friendly stuff.

A question about those of us who can't make the 9th... will there be a summary email about what is discussed?

Good call. I have some final figures for the van hire, ferry, and fuel costs, so will get the details out to all confirmed attendees, via the e mail group, in advance of the Friday gathering, probably first thing in the morning.

sweet! thanks.

Al - did I say I wanted two bars of the #1 variety please?
sorted x

Chocolate.... sorted.

Belgium beer... sorted.

Amazing cobbles... sorted.

Van and ferry... sorted.

We have the last two places, in the van, up for grabs.

If you have expressed an interest to either myself or Al, please do get in touch ASAP with a PM, as it is first come, first served, for a trip of a lifetime

accommodation in bruges and brakel.. sorted
the flem fest is hotting up nicely..

thoughts and prayers with the folks of Heverlee and Lommel nr Leuven.. not sure how these towns will cope with such a devastating loss of young life, and many injured :(

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/14/swiss-coach-crash-kills-dozens?newsfeed=true

28 bespoke artisan vlaam blocks of choc have arrived from kortrijk, for the squad.. 18 days and counting..

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if weather is good on the friday afternoon we will ride out to Knokke-Heist... the monte carlo of belgium

i do hope the London Classic yesterday has whet your appetites for cobbles and hills.. cos there are a few which need taming during our weekend.. in no particular order i give you the stats,

name - pave - length - avg climb% - (max climb%)

Kluisberg-asphalt-1250m-5.3% (11%)

Nokereberg-cobbles-375m-5.9%

*Molenberg-cobbles/asphalt-463m-7% (17%)

Wolvenberg-ashphalt-645m-7.9%

*Oude Kwaremont-cobble/asphalt-2200m-4%** (11%) **

*Paterberg-cobbles-360m-12.9%

*Koppenberg-cobbles-600m-11.6% (22-25% dependent on inside or outside bend)

Steenbeekdries-cobbles-700m-5.3%

*Taaienberg-cobbles-530m-6.6% (18%)

Berg ter stene-asphalt-1300m-5%

Leberg-asphalt-950m-4.2%

Berendries-asphalt-940m-7%

Valkenberg-asphalt-540m-8.1%

Tenbosse-asphalt-455m-6.4% (14%)

Eikenmolen-asphalt-610m-5.9%

*Muur Kapelmuur (Muur de Grammont)-cobbles-475m-9.3% (20% top section)

*Bosberg-cobbles/asphalt-980m-5.8% (11%)

those with* i'd strongly recommend.. if you want to do them all, then we should forego Ypres and Kortrijk on Saturday. and Sunday for those bergs situated closest to Brakel..

A xx

There is no bend on the Koppenberg.

is there not a slight wiggle on the Koppenberg?
i think it refers to a twisting of the camber

Not really.

what's 3% difference between friends.. ;-)

Depends if it's wet or dry.

anyway.. bernie will have some prizes for those who don't put the foot down on the koppenberg in our squad ;-)
i'll attempt them all 48x18