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October 2nd 2023, Monday
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“Raindrops keep falling on my head” by Tristan Dhondt


Raindrops are falling on my head, they keep falling, falling, falling, ….. but there’s one thing, I know, they won’t defeat me and It won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me, i.e. the ultimate satisfaction of finishing cycling rides.

Training schedules do not take into account weather conditions. The kilometers have to be done and the only choice is whether you do it on ‘the rollers’ or outside.

Some impression from my diary last weekend …

Saturday

Cycling outside is out of the question, still, work to do and the weather is challenging. Subsequently in the early evening ‘on the rollers’ to grind some kilometres. Virtual riding in other words or 2 hours ‘on the rollers’, enjoying the view from the roof window and the sun coming through after a whole day of rain.

Enjoying the view from the roof window
and the sun coming through after a whole day of rain.

 

And yes, for virtual rides, I am banished at home to the top floor so as not to bother my housemates and to set up this space as my torture chamber. Isn’t cycling a great sport ….

.

.

Sunday

In the year 321, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great decreed the Dies Solis (Day of the Sun) as the official day of rest in the Western Roman Empire. Sunday is named after this day which in Roman times was dedicated to the sun and the Goddess Sól or Sunna, but not today and certainly not for cyclists.

I was so brave to plan for a ride to the sea after Saturday’s virtual ride. After all, we a 5 hours training planned. It would be a Flandrien ride that was for sure. Already in Maldegem, the first showers came, luckily I could take shelter there.

Dark clouds hung over my head ready for the next shower.

 

Dark clouds hung over my head ready for the next shower. Is that not enjoyable? In the end, I arrived in Ostend, took a breath of fresh sea air and headed back to the Ghent area along the water.

But let us not be pessimistic. Cycling is a wonderful sport, it puts your concerns aside, clears your head and you come across fantastic panoramas.

Apart from a few more splashes of water and a flat tire, it was a beautiful ride and I enjoyed it. An effort that I gladly make for the good cause, and for the team spirit that we have built up with the EY cycling group in recent weeks. I’m also glad that I’m slowly getting back to normal after the Covid perils that cost me a lot of energy.

Greetings,

Tristan Dhondt.

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