Earlier

I was going to wait until this afternoon for a ride but realised I might get lucky if I set off.

This is my first experience of Belgian node cycling. The system is pretty incredible with the whole country mapped out in numbered junctions and an admirable amount of cycling paths. Makes you realise how crazy it is in the UK when groups have to campaign so hard for a relatively short traffic free route. I chose a recommended route, planned it on the Belgian app and uploaded it to my Garmin - so easy!

On saying that, cycle paths aren’t really my thing. I prefer open roads to enclosed woods so I wasn’t sure how this would feel. It was actually OK. Plenty of cyclists around so I didn’t feel vulnerable on my own—even two pelotons which was a bizarre sight on a cycle path. It’s in the Hoge Kempen National Park so lots of woodland and a few very Belgian housing areas. The sun made a miraculous short appearance at my two photo stops and I stayed dry for all but ten minutes (but I paused under some big trees for the worst to pass).

All in all, a very pleasant outing. Now, for a shower and maybe a stroll from the campsite this afternoon.