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.

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.

At the end of my most active week to date, my body firmly puts my feet back on the ground. I’ve done more than 250 km over the past 7 days. And while I’m proud of that little milestone, it also brought up some small issues. This morning I woke up to a body telling me something.

I bought the trike for some very specific reasons. First of all, my health required something. I had to start working out again, to battle my diabetes. But my options were limited by my hernia. Walking was fine, riding a regular bike wasn’t

I’ve been riding the trike for about 500 km before I did it. I tipped it over. Not by going through a corner too fast of by a sudden change of direction. No, I did it in the most idiotic way I can think of.