I rode the Koppenberg today, one of the actually famous climbs on the tour of Flanders. It is steep, maximum gradient is 22%, I could barely keep the bike moving. I rode it with a few pro’s from the Bahrain team, they were nice enough to let me hang with them for about 3 seconds. In the video below you will hear me ask them at the bottom of the climb for a push when they catch me. None of them gave me a push, I needed it. A few seconds later in the video, you may here me say “my god this is steep”. I will probably look for a flat ride tomorrow.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Highest mountain in Europe***
Today, I figured out a couple things while climbing the venerable Mont de L’Enclus. I know you haven’t heard of these famous Belgian mountains, but I am here to tell you that this is one of the most difficult mountains I have ever climbed. I think it topped out at 140 meters above sea level. The air was very thin up there, judging by my need for the lowest gear on my bike. It is either the tallest mountain pass in Europe, or I have not recovered from Paris Roubaix. I am not sure which, but a 65 year old German Guy dropped me like a hot potato on the climb, so it might be that I am still tired.
I rode the Koppenberg today, one of the actually famous climbs on the tour of Flanders. It is steep, maximum gradient is 22%, I could barely keep the bike moving. I rode it with a few pro’s from the Bahrain team, they were nice enough to let me hang with them for about 3 seconds. In the video below you will hear me ask them at the bottom of the climb for a push when they catch me. None of them gave me a push, I needed it. A few seconds later in the video, you may here me say “my god this is steep”. I will probably look for a flat ride tomorrow.
I also posted a high def video of the whole first section of cobbles at Paris Roubaix. Happy Monday everyone.
I rode the Koppenberg today, one of the actually famous climbs on the tour of Flanders. It is steep, maximum gradient is 22%, I could barely keep the bike moving. I rode it with a few pro’s from the Bahrain team, they were nice enough to let me hang with them for about 3 seconds. In the video below you will hear me ask them at the bottom of the climb for a push when they catch me. None of them gave me a push, I needed it. A few seconds later in the video, you may here me say “my god this is steep”. I will probably look for a flat ride tomorrow.
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Amazing video and descriptions, Brian. I love it all. Keep it coming. Those cobblestones look brutal, I can’t imagine pounding those for 10 minutes, let alone several hours. Tell us about some good meals when you get a moment as well (as I eat a grilled cheese in the hospital cafeteria). -Harland
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