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.

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

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 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.

I’d been wanting to visit the Trike Shop in Zonhoven for a while now. People kept telling me what a great guy Yvo is, and how happy he is to share the tons of experience he has.

While the weather has turned for the worst again here in Belgium, I’m making plans for the future. The first weekend of may, I’ll be joining the Belgian HPV federation, on their tour.

While I’ve been riding a lot over the past few weeks, especially when I compare to the past 25 years, and while I’ve done so without real issues, my body tells me I have to pace myself.

Yesterday’s ride was a bit of a challenge. It had me navigate between rain showers the whole time. Belgium is known for many great things, but the weather isn’t on that list unfortunately. Especially not in spring.

Riding around the country side, I find myself traveling of the beaten path in more then one way. The ride may be the most obvious.