After a long, from cyclist's point of view, fortunately very mild winter, was the first marathon like a real highlight of the season on the program: the Tour of Flanders, one of the five monuments in cycling. The stimulus for this marathon in particular that the everyman's event held in exactly the same route as the professional race and the top of that even just one day before the pro race, so that the possibility of the next day provides the professionals to watch in their work. But after a little more of the series. Over the winter and last year had developed the idea with me every five monuments in cycling (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Tour of Lombardy) to contest as any man event (except for the Lombardy Tour, where I do not know, there are on each of the race a marathon for everyone), the Tour of Flanders should be the beginning. As (almost) always had to be persuaded a few colleagues, this time Matt and Jan had to "believe in it." The application was easy to do online (for those interested: Tour of Flanders for everyone ) was a cheap hotel also found soon. On Friday we
meet in Brussels in the late afternoon at our hotel and we do after a short inspection of the hotel room (small, not luxurious but clean) on the way to the Ninove destination to make the exit point of the Shuttle Buses locate us should the next morning at 5:30 clock to start bringing to Bruges.
Our Hotel: thanks to container design quasi mounted swinging 
Shortly after arrival: the author, Matthew and Jan (from left) After some searching we found in Ninove the departure point for the shuttle bus and then set again on the way back to Brussels.
The road between Brussels and Ninove: just straight with a number of houses left and right
Back in the hotel we make ourselves more on the way to a small Einrollrunde to the legs still a little loose to drive. As on all three days of our little excursion to Flanders is doing us a favor by the weather and will not only dry but mostly even quite sunny. And finally we are all traveling in club uniform shirts.
Matt (left) and Jan of the screen surface for the Ronde
Matthias (left) and the author
After the training ride: Jan, Matt and the author (from left to right ) before the sponsor car
The road between Brussels and Ninove: just straight with a number of houses left and right Back in the hotel we make ourselves more on the way to a small Einrollrunde to the legs still a little loose to drive. As on all three days of our little excursion to Flanders is doing us a favor by the weather and will not only dry but mostly even quite sunny. And finally we are all traveling in club uniform shirts.
Matt (left) and Jan of the screen surface for the Ronde 
Matthias (left) and the author 
After the training ride: Jan, Matt and the author (from left to right ) before the sponsor car After a dinner at the nearby Pizza Hut (yes, good sports nutrition is different ;-)) it is quick to bed, finally we are in for a short night.
When the alarm clock rings at 3.45, we are far enough sleep as, but took a short impromptu breakfast from it on the bus and to Ninove, where the shuttle bus waiting for us. Difficult the choice of clothing, as it still is very cold in the morning, and we do not know exactly how warm should it be. I opt for shorts with knee Lingen, jersey with arm warmers, two plus Long sleeve wind jacket, and long gloves and a pair of old socks over your shoes. Exactly the right decision, as should turn out during the day. We assemble our bikes and get on the shuttle bus, which starts at 5:50 clock ultimately, to bring us to Bruges.
Our fleet: the author had to be decided old bike with classic 32-spoke wheels to drive, also make the right decision
Matthias with number
When the alarm clock rings at 3.45, we are far enough sleep as, but took a short impromptu breakfast from it on the bus and to Ninove, where the shuttle bus waiting for us. Difficult the choice of clothing, as it still is very cold in the morning, and we do not know exactly how warm should it be. I opt for shorts with knee Lingen, jersey with arm warmers, two plus Long sleeve wind jacket, and long gloves and a pair of old socks over your shoes. Exactly the right decision, as should turn out during the day. We assemble our bikes and get on the shuttle bus, which starts at 5:50 clock ultimately, to bring us to Bruges.
Our fleet: the author had to be decided old bike with classic 32-spoke wheels to drive, also make the right decision 
Matthias with number On the bus my eyes still sometimes a little too; tribute to the short night. Of real sleep is not to think, however, and eventually the sun comes up slowly over the horizon and announces a great day, even if the weather forecast a few days in advance for Saturday rather overcast days was announced. At about 7.45 clock we reach the starting point of Bruges, where we find after a short irritation to the walkout. Here we are first in line, and before long we see why: all the starters headed to the podium, appear on the following day to the professionals Einschreibekontrolle be. One nice thing, but unfortunately also very time consuming. Shortly after 8 clock also we can "punch" our starting hands and make us the peppered with about 20km cobblestones and 18 "slipways" 256 km. Quickly realize that it was at this event is not a marathon such as the Ötztal Bike Marathon is where a real bike race is run, but what is known in Germany as RTF, bicycle tour. Well, not matter, we look for just a nice group in which we can mitrollen beautiful. But even that is more difficult than expected: on the one hand, we are forced almost all the time not even 150cm wide bike paths to ride, on the other hand it seems that many do not understand that in a group if you work really is faster than alone. Permanently single people go out of our group forward to be caught short time later. A fast group and we join him for a short time, but here is run very dysrhythmic, so that the three of us decide to take this group to leave and go our own pace. A Dutchman named Jasper joins us, and a few other drivers increase our group from time to time.
run the mile to the first board to boring unspectacular: just board the route is, wide roads, in addition to those removed by a breakdown lane bicycle route, which we (have) traveled almost all the time. The only really exciting thing is who when did the first records this cycle paths with broken glass and stones are strewn. At the first board I rid myself of my socks on, I decided to just short of trash on his own. After about 90km has a beautiful Group together, provide in the three Swiss for speed, and lastly the route will be more diversified, the first small waves (of hills, I prefer not to talk yet) show up and the great main streets are abandoned here and there, and we take smaller side streets. A short time later, I have to wait for Matthew and Jan, both of which had caught the same large pot hole and have corresponding strokes in their wheels. Since we can do little without tools, the next value and short waiting time after he got the first treat on us: after a brief taste of a few hundred meters cobblestones, it goes to the first long cobbled piece.
stones, bricks, stones
less than 2 km on a paved country road Geholper how else knows him by Paris-Roubaix ( route profile with all "Kasseien" ). Fast is clear to me how to ride on the pavement at the best: great gear, lots of power and speed as high as possible and then simply ignore the shaking. The faster you drive, the better you get over the stones. The biggest problem is that of slower drivers, you have to go round anyway, and constantly loses momentum. After the first piece of pavement I do indeed have already hurt the hands (especially the finger joints ache extreme and should be used with later plaster pieces, the biggest problem), but I am well pleased on the pavement.
After that first there again on wide streets away second in the direction of food, a human need on the part of Matthias' forces us to make another unscheduled stop, but the "race preferences we have today anyway stored, so that we the whole, rather below a tourism aspect to see and appreciate the experience and the experience. There are further extended pavement sections, on the edge one more fallen from bottle cages bottles can see pumps and the like are. At the second board makes Matt a spoke which had come loose on his wheel, tighten, and after this forced a longer time, it goes on for four. Meanwhile, Jasper has us completely connected, tells of his experiences on the bike and is always good times to us, just as we wait on him. It's one of those nice time on partnerships that are formed during these marathons every now and then. And then it's already back on rocks, at the end we get a driver in antiquarian outfit with appropriate bicycle: no circuit, wool jersey, looped around the shoulders and the obligatory spare tire holders in aluminum tanks directly on the handlebar. An image from a time long past, but the actually better than fits to the pavement, we present our material.
goes And then it suddenly right off the main road and a sign saying " Molenberg " announces the first of 18 climbs: rough patches, cracks between the stones, that one gets scared, the tires could get stuck. For the first time do your legs really hurt, and the question arises: "And now 17 times?" But a lot of time for reflection is not always, a few miles later as the barbecue " Wolvenberg on the program, No. 2 of 18 and to happiness. Then the last piece is followed by a long flat to the third board in Oudenaarde. Meanwhile are about 140 km completed, but the "fat end" should indeed yet to come.
" Kluisberg " and " Knokteberg " spare us with cobblestones, it was Matthias on Knokteberg one so strong now that I am already afraid and alarmed, since with me already covered about 170km to make it slowly felt. As is number 5 of the "Oude Kwaremont " which is the longest of the 18 climbs, again paved with bricks. The professionals say that the race starts here. Aha. I'm actually quite all, but I continue to make the stones somehow fun, although I think even a little crazy and every time I'm glad because if it's finally back on asphalt is that on the side streets and roads but also does not correspond to what you normally used to. It is undemanding, if you get to know real cobblestones. On top of that makes a slight cramp in my thigh felt like drawing what I was later than "50% cramps" point out: I got the cramps, strangely, only on every second mountain. The subsequent " Paterberg " represents over 20% are on paving stones the ultimate vulgarity, and I am surprised only by Matthias, who flies in the saddle the only way for me, and also Jan, where it was needed the most persuasive to him to move to participate has to continue bravely. " Kortekeer " meanness is number 7, after all, back on asphalt. Then again stones are on the program: a 2km-long piece of pavement is the first of " Steenbeekdries " and " Taaienberg ", which is then finally half. Slowly we begin to count backward, especially since the next board after "Helling" number 16 waiting for us, and the water in our bottles slowly but surely running out. The " Eikenberg " the last time being paved increase is achieved, the next increase should all come up with an asphalt road. Meanwhile, I'm ready, if possible, that I'm going in the gutter next to the pavement; hurt your fingers so extreme that it is preparing almost hellish pain to loosen the grip on the handlebars, to take a different hand position. Another 2km-long piece of pavement ahead of us, in which one goes into a slight downhill, 40-45km / h the speedometer when I drive on the pavement, and suddenly it's very easy to drive over the stones. The wheel moves while as a young horse, but it is much easier at this speed over the stones to drive than, for example, only 25 km / h. Unfortunately, the fun was short-lived, as the road slightly increases and robs me of all the momentum.
follow it " Boigneberg ", " Leberg ", "Ries Berend", " Valkenberg ", " Tenbosse " and " Eikenmolen . Fortunately, the "slipways" shorter and are also not as steep. Unfortunately the weather moves into something, the sun, which had accompanied us so far hidden, more and more, and it is also much cooler. The bottles are emptied and the next board, which can not wait to do it the way, that me this stretch is not too much to remember. Then, finally, the fourth and final board is reached; Now wait just the famous " Muur van Geraardsbergen n" and " Bosberg . After a descent to Geraardsbergen is wait it once, and the cyclists are only allowed for small groups as Muur, on the one hand probably to avoid a traffic jam there, on the other, also the traffic to allow reasonably advancement. And then it is reached, the famous Muur-Kapelmuur: about 1km long, cobblestone streets and just under 20% steep. Here again I give all that much fun must be. At the edge of the track are even people who cheer for us, above us circling a helicopter and even the sun can look again. Professional feeling is spreading. Perfect. Simply a boot there awesome feeling to be able, alone for the day has been worthwhile. Then it goes further than the Bosberg and the last few hundred meters stones. The last 10km we pass then in the style of a team time trial, and after almost 10 hours driving time gross (net 9h) we reach the original goal of the Tour of Flanders.
damaged, but happy (from top to bottom: Jan, Matt and the author):
What remains is the great experience a real classic driven to be the experience that make cobblestones fun can (Paris-Roubaix ;-)), calls but also the certainty that it will probably remain a one time thing. Annoying to the traveling on narrow bicycle paths, too boring for the flat directions until kilometer 140 and too much of the RTF great character of the event. However, I can recommend to participate bottom line of course!
run the mile to the first board to boring unspectacular: just board the route is, wide roads, in addition to those removed by a breakdown lane bicycle route, which we (have) traveled almost all the time. The only really exciting thing is who when did the first records this cycle paths with broken glass and stones are strewn. At the first board I rid myself of my socks on, I decided to just short of trash on his own. After about 90km has a beautiful Group together, provide in the three Swiss for speed, and lastly the route will be more diversified, the first small waves (of hills, I prefer not to talk yet) show up and the great main streets are abandoned here and there, and we take smaller side streets. A short time later, I have to wait for Matthew and Jan, both of which had caught the same large pot hole and have corresponding strokes in their wheels. Since we can do little without tools, the next value and short waiting time after he got the first treat on us: after a brief taste of a few hundred meters cobblestones, it goes to the first long cobbled piece.
stones, bricks, stones After that first there again on wide streets away second in the direction of food, a human need on the part of Matthias' forces us to make another unscheduled stop, but the "race preferences we have today anyway stored, so that we the whole, rather below a tourism aspect to see and appreciate the experience and the experience. There are further extended pavement sections, on the edge one more fallen from bottle cages bottles can see pumps and the like are. At the second board makes Matt a spoke which had come loose on his wheel, tighten, and after this forced a longer time, it goes on for four. Meanwhile, Jasper has us completely connected, tells of his experiences on the bike and is always good times to us, just as we wait on him. It's one of those nice time on partnerships that are formed during these marathons every now and then. And then it's already back on rocks, at the end we get a driver in antiquarian outfit with appropriate bicycle: no circuit, wool jersey, looped around the shoulders and the obligatory spare tire holders in aluminum tanks directly on the handlebar. An image from a time long past, but the actually better than fits to the pavement, we present our material.
goes And then it suddenly right off the main road and a sign saying " Molenberg " announces the first of 18 climbs: rough patches, cracks between the stones, that one gets scared, the tires could get stuck. For the first time do your legs really hurt, and the question arises: "And now 17 times?" But a lot of time for reflection is not always, a few miles later as the barbecue " Wolvenberg on the program, No. 2 of 18 and to happiness. Then the last piece is followed by a long flat to the third board in Oudenaarde. Meanwhile are about 140 km completed, but the "fat end" should indeed yet to come.
" Kluisberg " and " Knokteberg " spare us with cobblestones, it was Matthias on Knokteberg one so strong now that I am already afraid and alarmed, since with me already covered about 170km to make it slowly felt. As is number 5 of the "Oude Kwaremont " which is the longest of the 18 climbs, again paved with bricks. The professionals say that the race starts here. Aha. I'm actually quite all, but I continue to make the stones somehow fun, although I think even a little crazy and every time I'm glad because if it's finally back on asphalt is that on the side streets and roads but also does not correspond to what you normally used to. It is undemanding, if you get to know real cobblestones. On top of that makes a slight cramp in my thigh felt like drawing what I was later than "50% cramps" point out: I got the cramps, strangely, only on every second mountain. The subsequent " Paterberg " represents over 20% are on paving stones the ultimate vulgarity, and I am surprised only by Matthias, who flies in the saddle the only way for me, and also Jan, where it was needed the most persuasive to him to move to participate has to continue bravely. " Kortekeer " meanness is number 7, after all, back on asphalt. Then again stones are on the program: a 2km-long piece of pavement is the first of " Steenbeekdries " and " Taaienberg ", which is then finally half. Slowly we begin to count backward, especially since the next board after "Helling" number 16 waiting for us, and the water in our bottles slowly but surely running out. The " Eikenberg " the last time being paved increase is achieved, the next increase should all come up with an asphalt road. Meanwhile, I'm ready, if possible, that I'm going in the gutter next to the pavement; hurt your fingers so extreme that it is preparing almost hellish pain to loosen the grip on the handlebars, to take a different hand position. Another 2km-long piece of pavement ahead of us, in which one goes into a slight downhill, 40-45km / h the speedometer when I drive on the pavement, and suddenly it's very easy to drive over the stones. The wheel moves while as a young horse, but it is much easier at this speed over the stones to drive than, for example, only 25 km / h. Unfortunately, the fun was short-lived, as the road slightly increases and robs me of all the momentum.
follow it " Boigneberg ", " Leberg ", "Ries Berend", " Valkenberg ", " Tenbosse " and " Eikenmolen . Fortunately, the "slipways" shorter and are also not as steep. Unfortunately the weather moves into something, the sun, which had accompanied us so far hidden, more and more, and it is also much cooler. The bottles are emptied and the next board, which can not wait to do it the way, that me this stretch is not too much to remember. Then, finally, the fourth and final board is reached; Now wait just the famous " Muur van Geraardsbergen n" and " Bosberg . After a descent to Geraardsbergen is wait it once, and the cyclists are only allowed for small groups as Muur, on the one hand probably to avoid a traffic jam there, on the other, also the traffic to allow reasonably advancement. And then it is reached, the famous Muur-Kapelmuur: about 1km long, cobblestone streets and just under 20% steep. Here again I give all that much fun must be. At the edge of the track are even people who cheer for us, above us circling a helicopter and even the sun can look again. Professional feeling is spreading. Perfect. Simply a boot there awesome feeling to be able, alone for the day has been worthwhile. Then it goes further than the Bosberg and the last few hundred meters stones. The last 10km we pass then in the style of a team time trial, and after almost 10 hours driving time gross (net 9h) we reach the original goal of the Tour of Flanders.
damaged, but happy (from top to bottom: Jan, Matt and the author):
What remains is the great experience a real classic driven to be the experience that make cobblestones fun can (Paris-Roubaix ;-)), calls but also the certainty that it will probably remain a one time thing. Annoying to the traveling on narrow bicycle paths, too boring for the flat directions until kilometer 140 and too much of the RTF great character of the event. However, I can recommend to participate bottom line of course!
