Another warm day and all the plans I had to get off early were totally ignored when surprise for me, I woke up at 8.00. Totally unlike me. I must be learning to be in Holiday mode.
And so after the morning rituals, I finally set off around 9.30. I could feel the warmth and humidity already. And what a way to start with a short climb. Just like France and I am honest when I say I miss the climbing and I am happy to be able to do it again
(*note remember I said this and see what I write later *)
So heading to the National Park ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ I was full of spirit and good vibes.
I paid the entrance fee and started cycling around the park, with the chilling thoughts, I bet there are lots of snakes here (not a snake person)
You could feel the warmth was going to be unbearable today and I changed plans to visit a town outside the north of the park and decided I would stick to the bike paths inside the park.
am unsure how many kilometres I did in the park itself, but it was more than half the tour, and I really only got out of the woods around Ede.
Let me rephrase that that. I was more out of the woods and into the fire (yes, I know that is not how the saying goes, but around Ede/Wageningen it was 35 degrees)
I feel now may be going on to Wageningen was not such a good idea and perhaps a bit too far. It was warm; my head was overheating and making it even more exciting; my right knee started to give me problems. This is so frustrating for me as for months I have had issues with my left knee, even a doctor’s visit, but it’s a miracle, he is doing fine, touch wood.
Might I add my wee baby arse was in agony? Yes, I know I didn’t have my good cycling shorts on, and that is what happens.
Anyway, halfway into the park. I thought it wise I should take a break and have lunch.
After the break, I started on the journey South/east to Ede. It was around then I realised the cycling was going smooth, thus I had the wind behind my back, and that means the last 20 or so kilometres would be against the wind. Shit! I didn’t think this trip through.
On the last 10 kilometres I had the urge to start singing the ‘theme from Rawhide’… and the reason why you ask…well Bullshit, I reply LOOK.
Seriously those animals were about as much use as a fart in a spacesuit.
Man, I stood right next to them, the one looked at me, and his eyes said “ah! Please for fuck sake, let me be”…So I did.
I finally got of the woods and arrived at Ede. I didn’t stop, I had the feeling my legs might stiffen up, so I thought it would be wise to continue to Wageningen.
Ede to Wageningen, was a straight road, through the town of Bennekom.
Iwent to Wageningen for two reasons. 1) I wanted to see if I could see some war memorials (didn’t find any) and 2) I know someone who lived there, but the chances of bumping into them are astronomical. (and no I didn’t)
And so the 20 kilometres against the wind towards Arnhem. Serious arse and knee problems. My leg muscles, although a bit tired, I knew they would get me home. But that heat? It really does take it out of you. I thought I had learnt my lesson in France about cycling in the heat, looks like I haven’t FFS.
Nearing Arnhem, in a place called Oosterbeek, I saw a church/chapel that was open. People who read my blogs know by now, I always like to light candles for myself and my brother for our mother and yes I still light one for Sol and I will probably ever do that for her. It’s just a small thing.
II didn’t have enough change with me, and this lovely church person said she would donate so that I could light the candles. You see my friends; it proves there are still friendly people in the world. If you send out good vibes, good things happen. That is your lesson for today. You attract what you send out. I know most of you don’t believe this, but it is karma, and she always mirrors your views/actions.
And so the final part of the journey, I reckon it was about 10 kilometres, and to my delight, it was mostly uphill. Now remember what I said at the start of this blog, I love climbing with the racer…well, I fucking hate it now LOL
Man, my arse was like two prominent blisters, and my right knee was screaming ‘fucking stop, you moron’, my body temperature was sky high, and my legs were now beginning to show signs of fatigue. I was a feeling of joy to see this sign.
I was home. I was sweaty, stinky and thirsty. After a quick can of Coca Cola zero, I headed into the shower. It was brilliant, and it refreshed me. I have nothing in the house for eating, but I seriously can’t be arsed going out again, so bread it is, and as evening draws on, I am trying to chill. It is still 31 degrees, but I know downstairs is super cool, and I will sleep like a log tonight. But as you see, I have a bit of colour from this warm day.
Tomorrow is a rest day, I will have a walk around the town, they say we are getting thunder and lightning, but they said that about last night as well, the rats, and we had just a few flashes.
Here’s hoping we get some. The next tour I have planned for Friday and a visit to my niece and the baby, and hopefully, on to Germany, they live very near to the border, but again the weather is meant to be shit, so here’s hoping they have it wrong again LOL
My friends, again I thank you for reading the blog, and I will write again tomorrow.
Check out the photo’s from today, click here
Be safe
Today’s Tour
