On Day 2, Paul has a run in with a Dutch policeman...
I bloody love the Dutch…
"Fuck man! Are you shitting me?" Such was the reaction from the nice young policeman who’d stopped me for not using the cycle path provided. (Apparently, if it’s a blue sign it’s mandatory!)
His tone soon changed when he told me that my personal safety was his job.
I didn’t argue, I apologised - even though his cobble stone cycle path in that particular town was tearing my arse to shreds.
Today was a tail of cobbles and traffic lights - the two biggest frustrations of cycling for me.
After setting off in what can only be described as saturating wet weather, I entered Belgium without realising it (they like it that way) and then crossed Antwerp and Brussels with their combined total of 100,353 traffic lights - some to be obeyed, others patently not.
Lunch was a game of guesswork for me - could I guess why some pasta and a coke would cost me 17 Euros? The answer eluded me 'til I realised it was an all-you-can-eat-of-the-same-dish-once-you’ve-paid-for-it buffet - definitely not a good idea with a long afternoon of cycling ahead.
By 2:00pm I relented and used some cyclists arse butter for the first time - the cobbles and traffic lights had given me no option.
By 5:00pm I had crossed Brussels’ bewildering road system, and finally ended up at Halle.
After a lovely hotel shower, then a short but wonderful FaceTime call to Jane, I hit the street in search of some simple carbs and protein. Instead I got half wasted on 6% beer brewed locally in a very agreeable bar - then finished the job off with two main courses and several sambucas in a nearby Italian restaurant. Bella!
Things I have learned today - Dutch people are genuinely cool, Belgium people really aren’t, and accentuate the fact by staring at you vacantly without any hint of a smile. All their words contain at least one ‘W’, and they have no national food I can think of…
Now the technical stuff I promised. My bike is a Giant Fastroad - it has gears that help me go up steep hills (albeit slowly) and gears that help me go irresponsibly fast downhill. I use the wrong chain lube, (today was NOT dry running conditions) and my luggage panniers appear to be ready to end it all in the nearest canal every time I go over a toe path tree root. As you can probably tell, I’m half cut as I write this - but I am on holiday mate…
Tomorrow will be another stern test of mind and body - another 75 miles into la Belle France. What could possibly go wrong? Let’s wait and see…
Paul reveals what rush hour's like in Brussels.
Taking in the scenery as he passes through Belgium.
From a windmill to a bathroom and heating showroom. Paul gets to see all the sights!
Time to get half wasted on 6% beer in Halle.
