9/4/2015
Today we went off to the Old City of Ghent. A suspect weather forecast shortened the day and we were able to dodge rain as it was in Oudenaarde while we visited Ghent.
The day started with a trip to a familiar bike shop that Diesel and Hotair frequented in 2013 after the 100th TDF. Believe it or not Hotair was remembered. Lenore and Hotair road a motor assisted bicycle while pedals for Jackie were changed out as her old pedals had issues. The pick up speed and firmness of the electric motor assisted was very remarkable. We also met Lolita, the shop dog.
On our way we encountered the Schelde river, which is our main conduit to Ghent, old an picturesque city. The ride along the river and through a variety of small towns was easy--Jackie liked it better than the cobble and hills of yesterday. Ghent was a contrast to the cows and farm land to say the least. In Old Ghent you need to watch out for all the rails, cobble and the like. One in our party went down, but all is well. The old city is quite forboding and very busy. The buildings were very impressive and bikes were everywhere. While expecting to make a circle back, the wind and forecast brought us back nearly the way we came. Our day, which was about 50 miles, ended with a nice evening.
The evening brought strolls for the couples and a nice upscale(yuk) dinner at "Wine and Dine." Proof is below. Hotair is just forced to endure when with people who actually like food. Also, the Ronde Van Flandereen museum is a nice touch here in the heart of the Tour, which now finishes here.
Tomorrow we under take a trip to Antwerp(no diamond jokes) by train with our bikes.The weather may well cooperate as today. A somewhat shorter ride is planned given some chance of rain, the common theme so far.
Some of the photos are descibed as follows. Bike Shop for new cleats-visited in 2014 also
Lolita relative to Lenore' Lola(Ventoux)
Along the Schelde to Ghent
Lots of cows
Steve as a spec taking a nature break
Then came along......
Old Ghent
Your random Grand Piano
and horse and carriage
The historic Belfry
Jackie did not like the tracks
The Gravenstein Castle
Bicycles everywhere
at the train station
Nice fence work
Not a Burmese or St Bernard
Kids everywhere as school was out
At the Ronde's museum
A carnival is in town--out our hotel window
The carnival was in full swing.
Dinner
Lenore
??????????
Post dinner carnival action
Fried donuts like Beignes, but also a Banana Shake!!
JUST PEDAL
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