A unique and fascinating ride from Aachen taking in three countries as well as the Netherlands highpoint at the Vaalserberg. A great way to start the big trip, albeit compromised by the heatwave which meant I had to cut it short without properly engaging with the Dutch Limburg climbs which feature in the Amstel Gold spring classic. After the parkrun, I moved the van to the university and then cycled along to Vaals and the Dutch border. The climb up the Vaalserberg starts in town, through some steep streets to wooded hairpins and nice gentle climbing up to the famous three countries stone marking the border between Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. I couldn't help reflecting that I would soon be on much bigger climbs, like the Galibier! After the stone, the route dropped into Belgium - I assume Wallonia although some of the names were Flemish. They were about to play a world cup match so there were lots of flags and football shirts, in fact Gemmenich was probably the most patriotic Belgian town I've ever seen! After some gentle riding I passed north then east into the Netherlands and ended up on the Camerlig, which it turns out is considered the hardest climb in the country. It was now maximum temperature, close to 40c, so this was hard work and I was glad just to cycle down to Aachen after less than 40k, conscious of not burning too many energy matches at the start of the trip. The temperatures finally rose to 41.5c breaking the all-time German record.
No comments:
Post a Comment