The battle to get a grip on my health isn’t a straight line. It has rewarding ups, but in equal amounts, It serves you with some serious bummers from time to time. That has been reflected in my writings here. But today, it’s time to celebrate.

I have been changing quite a few of my old habits. I had to, if I ever wanted to live a more healthy life. Most of the times, I write about the physical challenges and the adventures I have riding my trike. But the real change has happened in the kitchen.

Most recently, I added a dietician to the group of professionals. I chose her, for her experience with diabetics, and her willingness to think outside of the box. I’m not seeing her to loose weight. I’m seeking her assistance to make sure I get everything I need, on my way to get healthy.

After just over a week of resting, the ING Cyclontrack event at the formula one circuit of Spa Francorhamps offered a great occasion to test my legs again. This time, the weather was much better than the last time. As you may remember from post 20, the weather was pretty horrible the first time. With temperatures in the high 20’s today, it was all a lot more inviting.

Having days where you just don’t feel up to the change is ok. It’s part of the process. Then, it’s important to take a step back and look at what you already achieved.

I made it. Unsupported. Just muscle and grinding teeth. At the top, a warm feeling of pride and accomplishment filled my veins.

What seemed a far reached dream a couple of weeks ago, became more and more realistic over the past week.

A little while ago, a fellow recumbent rider told me about an event on the Ford Proving Grounds near Lommel in Belgium. It’s a day where they open the track for a free ride for all cyclists. Where usually, the track is off limits to the public, they open the gates for all to discover around 29 km of the 80 km in total the grounds have to offer.

Four days - Four rides
A ride across the border - 96 Km
A ride around town - 23,8 Km
A ride along the canals - 122,7 Km
A ride to Scherpenheuvel - 116,4 Km

I was planning this one for a couple of weeks, and the closer I got to the event, the worse the weather predictions got. On the day, it became clear that it would be a rainy event. As if the ride itself wouldn’t be hard enough, Mother Nature threw me a curveball. I wasn’t even sure I could make it to the top of “Eau Rouge” in good conditions. Let alone in conditions where my muscles could cramp up from the cold alone.

I’ve mentioned it before, and it will be a big part of my progress: I have to adapt to what my body tells me. And to the circumstances of course. For the past month or so, I have been planning two big milestones: The Cyclon Track open ride on a formula one circuit, and my first real tour in the Dutch province of Zeeland.

Up till this point, the only professional help I took in my battle, was from my general physician. A 7-session online course on diabetes left aside. And that was fine. I had to start somewhere of course. But over the past weeks, I could feel I was reaching the limits of what he could do, and what my body could take.

Sometimes, motivation to move forward hides in unexpected corners. Often, I look at my health as my main motivation. And that is plenty of course. Especially since the results are there already.

But today I saw an article about the “Warmste Week”. That’s an annual week, organized by Belgian radio station Studio Brussel, which benefits a variety of charities. This year, the main theme is “invisible illnesses”.

From day one, I have attacked my training rides more or less in the same way. Based on how I felt before I set of, I decided how far I wanted to ride. Then I checked the weather app for the wind, and I started peddling away. I did it that way, since I prefer to start with a headwind when given the choice. Just because it’s easier on the way home. Given the wind doesn’t suddenly change direction of course.

About how
Progress is a combination of things
How with progress come setbacks
And how dreams help my motivation

Just a short message to let all of you know there’s a video of the tour I did with the Belgian HPV club. Johan van Benthem has recorded some beautiful parts of the ride, including some great shots of yours truly. Enjoy.

Today I went for a shorter ride. Just over 56 km, to visit a cousin. I’ve been having a little issue with my body.

DID I JUST DO A TOUR?

Let’s start with the answer: Yes I did it… I think?

I’ve gotten to know the bike packing community as a rather close and welcoming one in the short time i’m cruising in it. Yesterday, I posted about the steps I’m taking towards my first tour

I’ve mentioned it before. I want to go on tours one day. And if I could, I would embark on the first one today. But I’m sure it wouldn’t be the most epic ride.

Today marks the day I’m riding my trike for a whole month. And what a ride it’s been. The trike has fulfilled every expectation I had before I bought it, and then some.