Belgium – Day 4 (Last)

Tuesday, day

We left an overcast Rochefort having had a marvellous breakfast, boiled eggs all round.
It then began to rain, luckily it did not last and we began the climb about ten miles in.

Whilst the climb was steady the road was beautiful, quite, through the forest. With hardly any traffic. We were soon at the first tea stop , it was a quick pan au chocolate and then it was off again.

There was then more climbing but more down hills.

After the second sandwich stop as a group we were well strung out. The road was quite a country road, but unfortunately used by very large lorries in what seemed like a short cut for them.

It was then noticed, not by Fiona mind you that she had a slow puncture. She just thought she was not doing very well. After a quick pump up performance had improved and we got to the last stop for a repair, thank you Davy and Martyn.

We were now on the last leg through a great forest track. We began to wonder what the Border would look like. Fiona had another puncture and not a slow one this time. After a pump we could see the van and a gate barrier.

We lined up for the photo hurrah we had done Belgium end to end !

More pumping and we tried a sprint finish to get there before the tyre went down again. Both the hand of Dave and Colin were deployed but just a mile from the hotel it would not blow up any . After the quickest change ever, well done Big Dave, we finished as a group.

Well done everyone.

14 cyclists, 28 wheels, 1 van, 2 support crew, 198 cups of hot drinks, 7000 calories of food, 245 miles riding, 15000 ft of climbing, 168 beers coupled with a bit of moaning but lots of smiles and satisfied folk all round! top skills ACT – we loved it and we are definitely on for another tour. Lauren and Dave (The Young One!) xxx

At the Belgium/German border, the end of a great ride

Gonna miss my room buddy Lee. Im sure there was a conspiracy to buy me loads of beer every night to slow me down. Another fantastic experience and thanks to Martin and Amanda. Ro. x

Have had a great four days. A really good bunch of people. Will miss you to room buddy, its been a good laugh. Lee.

Has been another great ride,(3rd time). Have really enjoyed meeting new people and the various conversations during the day and evening. Although my name has seemed to change from Keith to Kevin!! All part of a great 4 days. Well done Martyn & Amanda.

Started easily and gradually became more challenging with every passing day. Many highlights including the Muur, Waterloo and a sobering visit to Tyne Cot cemetery. Overall a fantastic experience! Peter was a great room-mate!

So many good memories! Quiet country roads, long downhill runs, lots of hill, good company and Kevin’s snoring. Great support from Martin, Amanda and Kim. All in all an excellent tour.