Today we took the Hincapie boys out for a stroll to ride some of the cobbled climbs that we took in on Saturday. We hooked up with them at their hotel an were led out of town by Och and the BMC boys.
BMC leading us to the Kwaremont
They took us out by way of the canals, a nice easy FLAT ride out of town. Once we were near the start of the Oude Karemont, they turned and headed home. This left the Greenville boys to start the fun stuff. We had decided before hand to take in the Oude Karemont, the Paterburg, and the Koppenburg. All 3 of these cobbled climbs come in a span of about 10-12 k, making it one of the toughest stretches in Flanders. I must say, it is a much different experience when these climbs are dry and you have the ability to stand if you choose, unlike the conditions we had on Saturday. I think the Hincapie crew had a blast, as a lot of them had not ridden any of these climbs.
Cleve drafting the BMC boys
After we had all successfully toppled the cobbles, we headed off for Oudenarde to have a beer and a peak at the Flanders museum. After that, it was time to head home and battle some nice cross and head winds with a little cyclecross thrown in for fun.
So, with a 100 k in the legs and no lunch, when we got home, we showered and changed and headed out for food and drinks (by drinks, I mean BEER).
The G'ville Crew
