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I live in Brussels and was thinking about heading over to Oudenaarde next week (I've discovered the riding around there recently, it's magical).
- is anyone from here going?
- how busy does it get? Is it like the Tour de France or the Isle of Man during the TT? Or is it all fairly low-key?
- if I want to miss the race and just do my own ride, can I count on all the local roads being closed, jammed, etc., together with the train out there?
- is it too late to enter the amateur ride/etape? (the shorter one.) and
- if not...how good do you have to be? Is it possible to just cruise? I am not a road whippet.
Oh also a question about riding on cobbles - I ride a brand new 2011 Roubaix allegedly designed for it and it feels like the bike is breaking apart. Bottle won't stay in bottle cage, it's like a jackhammer. I can take it, fine, but my question is whether it won't shorten my bike's lifespan considerably? I know cobbles are macho and stuff but a snapped brand new frame is not cool.
Not going this year but been several times in the past.
It will be very busy.
It's one if the most important 1 day races in the world and the Belgians are mad for it.
The route swings back and forward over 2 ridges this means it causes medium levels of traffic chaos however with some care you can get through on side roads.
Your bike will be fine, although using something like a 24mm tire will give you a slightly smoother ride. The key to riding cobbles is to use a bigger gear than you would do normally and hit each section as hard as possible.
Well on the Saturday there is Tour for 'wielertoeristen'..
This starts from either Brugge for the long ride or Ninove for the 'short' distances. You can register on the morning in Ninove.
[url= http://sport.be.msn.com/cyclingtour/rondevanvlaanderen/2011/eng/ ]ToF recreational[/url]
The 140k is a pleasant distance to ride & includes all the interesting bits but can be a bit busy on some of the hills...
There are folks of all speeds riding from pro speed through to people on totally inappropriate bikes 🙂
It will definitely not break your bike & there are not so much cobbles on the RVV. It's a breeze in comparison to the Paris Roubaix!
I was planning to ride too but my lady arranged a builder to come & fix some drain issues on Saturday hence I need to be present. hmmmm.
The key to riding cobbles is to use a bigger gear than you would do normally and hit each section as hard as possible
I very much agree. Cobbles are one of those things that are easy when you are feeling good but when the fatigue sets in the speed drops off incredibly rapidly & the discomfort climbs...
Thanks for all this. I think I may go on the Saturday. I was just amazed this weekend: there were groups of 5-10 fifteen year old kids on good bikes in full skinsuits, in the same way that kids in the UK play football; loads of people (no one really going for it though, it seemed?) and at one point I had to help a farmer catch his two escaped billy goats. Good times.
So it's best to absolutely hoon it on cobbles then - is it possible to go "too" fast on them I wonder? All my instincts say to slow right down.
They're fun actually, in a completely vile sort of way. Looking forward to doing them in the rain, but I just know it can't be good for the bike - the clattering noise is unbelievable! Definitely knocked my wheels out of true, too, but I can sort that out no probs.
Although I suppose a Roubaix breaking on cobbles would be legit grounds for a warranty claim! The thing is I know these bikes are designed to be raced ONCE on them but I wonder what happens if you do it every weekend, week after week. Be interesting to see.
I did it a couple of years back and it was great experience (apart from the koppenberg which should have been a highlight but was ruined by those walking their bikes up taking the whole width causing those attempting to ride up to have to get off!) bike managed fine although my wrists hurt a fair bit even with gel bar tape and gel gloves.
The feed stations were a highlight, particularly the waffle things, i ate about 20 of them over the course of the day...very moreish!
Sounds like some bike modifications might be in order! Double tape and 25c it is.
Seriously I'm not that good at road, and am out of shape (lean but not race-toned) - will I die if I do this?