BOB takes the day off as the gang of four tours the countryside to the northeast and northwest of Oudenaarde. The gang dodged rain again with one exception of standing under a tree for 5 minutes. The ride was about 55 miles without any deviation to the plan.
The day started as normal with breakfast at the Hotel Cesar but sans chocolate croissants. Then it was off for the ride on two white, one silver and the awful red Shitalized Secturs. Actually, they are good durable bikes and have been perfect for use.
The ride was back along the river(Schelde) for a time. The ride then veered to new territory with coffee in De Pinte in a local pub/cafe. The people were friendly and the establishment adorned with annual pool and card game champions. The best story here was the "openbare toilletens" noted on a sign. Often you must pay for a natural break and these sounded curious. The signs completely misled as to location but these public toilets were pointed out to Hotair by the pub owner who then went to investigate. These toilets were located at last. They were locked. No opportunity to see if they were unique.
Waiting on Jackie?
Bridge over Schelde
convenient parking...for bikes
bus stop
Infamous signage
The tour took us through scenic countryside, small farms and a few small towns. The mix of home styles is incredible. The scenery mainly speaks for itself. We found lots of water ways that were busy with barges. Ultimately lunch was at Al Valentino's in Waregem, NW of Oudenaarde. The route brought us home via rolling scenic hills. Our final stop was the Donk. This lake/beach/adventure area was teaming with teenage kids on what must have been at some school function.
Kids and a huge climbing structure
The roads today were quite varied. We rode dirt trails, grass, construction, cobble, pavers, gravel and some block pavers as well as asphalt and old and new concrete. We found trails, alley ways and narrow passages. It was a riding adventure.
blue house--likely has blue bicycles
Sunflowers--the only sighting of sun on today's ride
An unexpected canal crossing
your typical mansion in the middle of nowhere
trails
more trails
off in the distance 3 riders navigating......
lunch
How does it get out?
Post ride we enjoyed our beers. Two Banana, one Pineapple and an Apricot beer branded as Chapeau. Clearly not up to the standard of a Diet Vanilla Pepsi, but fun. ( Do not fret as BOB and his friend have a steady diet of Pepsi Max). The more practiced beer drinkers gave these fruit beers good marks. As for Hotair, the banana after taste was very enticing. Good thing it is apparently not in the U.S. or it might be a problem. Oh well, one to come back for the Super Bowl and another banana brand to sample also!!!!
BOB loves the chocolate bread with the beverage
The beverage of choice
Tomorrow we ride near Brugge and the North Sea. As such, this is our last group dinner in Oudenaarde as will eat in Brugge. Therefore, dinner in the hotel. The Kirklands leave for Rome and a cruise (yuk) on Wednesday evening while early Thursday the Hotairs depart for Amsterdam. The dinners were good but Hotair was forced to endure Mussles and Fish. At least Portland had some well received meat. Desert was a trip to the carnival for Banana Beignets. Hard to say it but this banana treat was not good and sticking to the Olliebollen is advisable, BOB likes them as well.
The day ends with some sights for BOB in some actual sunshine around Oudenaarde.
front of Flanders museum
Bells from the grand church
Oh yeah, there was one unique sighting, Sometimes a red bike just works!
JUST PEDAL
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