O/T: One month before the Ronde!
by MathieuG on Mar 4, 2010 10:18 PM EST
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PrintApril 4th is just a month away... and now that the deadline is slowly closing, what are the plans for all the people who will get there? As a matter of fact, who will be there? Is there a plan for watching the race as a group (I'd like that)? Is Oudenaarde still the place where everyone will meet? So many questions!
For my part, my flight lands in Paris on April 2nd in the morning and since I want to visit a few things in northern France before I get into Belgium, I should be in the area of Oudenaarde in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday April 3rd. I'd like to visit the RVV Museum that day (Sunday is the race, and Monday it's closed).
My hotel is in Horebeke (about a kilometer from the Molenberg!) so travelling to Oudenaarde will not be a problem.
I'm also planning to see the Scheldeprijs (Wednesday) and Paris-Roubaix. Is anyone else planning to do so?
[Update] Frinking put together a spreadsheet for people going, feel free to fill it in.
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Saturday night the 3rd
I am planning to convene some sort of PdC gathering in Oudenaarde. My bro and I have a place in Oudenaarde for the week. At least a few of us are riding the cyclosportive earlier that day. More details the week before, when I have a chance to figure out where anything is.
Basically, the plan is to have plans, but until I get there I don’t feel like I know what I’m talking about.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 1:13 AM EST reply actions
But you'll have your bike with you
Why waste a seat that you’ve spent the whole day shaping to match your bum
It's the next day when you really feel it :-))
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
Won't be making De Ronde unfortunately
Will be in the area around that time but will have non cycling area friends with us. More likely to make LBL as Liege is 130K from my front step. Gotta love living 30 minutes from the Belgian border!
If I just had one more gear, I...
LBL
is a suitable replacement, I’ll admit.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
“suitable replacement” = “vastly superior event” ;)
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
by plinytheelder on Mar 5, 2010 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
(actually dying of jealousy here ;)
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
by plinytheelder on Mar 5, 2010 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
For Saturday I absolutely recommend
combining the visit to the RvV museum with checking out the sportif, it’s a great spectacle. I used it to see the climbs I wouldn’t get to see on raceday (spent on the Muur) mainly Oude Kwaaremont and Koppenberg. Depends a little on how late in the day you get there .
I’m going to be there but nothing is booked yet, and I don’t know for how long.
At the sportive you will get the pleasure of seeing me dragging my bike up the Muur, on foot.
Such a spectacle ;-)
haha ohh here's a pic of what it will look like...
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
I'm going to be arriving and staying in Ghent
On Friday 2nd and am planning to attend whatever gathering is arranged along with de Ronde. I’m also keen to see the Scheldeprijs but have no detailed plans for any of it yet, other than “Hey, I’m in Belgium – let’s watch some races, drink some beers and hang out”.
Best week ever. Got Belgium sorted, won a new bike and gained a new niece all in the space of 3 days.
Grote Scheldeprijs
I imagine Mr Van P and I will be up there for that too. Plans TBD.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
I arrive in Amsterdam veeery early on the 2nd
and am getting the train to Belgium that afternoon. Like omnevelnihil, am staying in Gent.
Am totally up for a visit to Oudenaarde on Saturday, and trip to Antwerp on Wednesday. Unfortunately I will be in Germany on PR day, and don’t even know if I’ll be able to watch it. I guess it depends if my German friends have prepared extensive sightseeing that day. Do they even show cycling on TV in Germany any more?
Nope
In Germany the showing of bicycling is considered a violation of the drug trafficking code.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
There are also some fierce restrictions
On discussing cycling, cyclists and bikes in general.
"To therefore answer your basic question what color socks should I wear, I issue the bold statement wear white shoes." - King of Style
I really think.. You need some calendar to know where everybody is on which day..
Think would make the arrange part a lot easier
Are you putting in guest appearances?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
You're not coming Frinky? I am DEVASTATED!
Please come! We can talk about Franzoi until the wee small hours!
Have a look at his link below. He's kidding.. I hope.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Don't be a spoilsport! Omne and Celerity are travelling half way round the world...
you’re part of the package. And after the way you speak about jet lag, we’re not expecting you here until teleporting becomes real.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Australia naaah.. But i'll be between now and 10 years in the country unther you..
The Wellington? country.. New-sealand?
Antarctica... excellent.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
You should definitely go to New Zealand
But in the meantime….Australia in September! Come on!
I think I would kill to see Frinking, Lou and Seahorse in the same room.
Will you, Lou and Seahorse make an echelon?
Or you mean at the world champs? Or in NZ?
Sorry, I’m confused….
When Lou comes back we'll do our best ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Will you bring gingerbread dressed in their kits?
We’d be expecting you there too. But I think it’s too many women for Frinking ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I should be living in melbourne by then, so will definitely be there
And I will make some more gingerbread cyclists just for you. I still have all the tubes of icing I bought last time.
Excellent... Lou and her flags, you and the gb men..
I need a gimmick .
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Well then can I have the Australian male chorus with me?
No wait… that means i’ll be reciting Keats. Maybe Omne and his originals would be better ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I have a feeling that this says more about
your antipathy for Keats, than it does my ability with words – but thank you :)
Best week ever. Got Belgium sorted, won a new bike and gained a new niece all in the space of 3 days.
Not at all... yours would be more appropriate...
although Ode to a World Champion could have merit.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Wait...
so you’re going to go and stay in Oudenaarde and do sightseeing and visit the museum, but not actually go to any of the races? For shame.
He just wants to feel the love before he acquiesces...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Noone does a better dummy spit than Frinkles ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I just don't know what to say...
I actually offered to buy him TWO WHOLE BEERS a little while ago. All he has to do is turn up to a venue where I can give them to him.
My heart weeps for the youth of today.
Best week ever. Got Belgium sorted, won a new bike and gained a new niece all in the space of 3 days.
And that may be the problem...
everyone speaking a million miles an hour in English AND being the main attraction. But go three beers. He must have a price :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Have you seen the price of beer in Belgium?!
Three beers is as far as I can afford to go. Fortunately I’m also using beer as my primary food source on this leg of my trip :)
"To therefore answer your basic question what color socks should I wear, I issue the bold statement wear white shoes." - King of Style
Ha That would be fun! Why Franzoi couldn't put his talent together to win PR and the RvV... 6 times..
But now you can fulfill the roel as Benjamin! That is nice.. You have to do nothing but you may do everything ;)
Ha.. You are in church no?
You have to know who he is.. But Translate say it would exist in English..
Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob.. Meaning the youngest in a group.. The Benjamin of the group..
Ah I see! You had me confused there :)
You also assume that I actually listen to sermons instead of nodding off, or popping out of the organ loft to make some tea ;-)
Perfect! So many people will meet you at PR...
Someone (you) has to write about it ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
how can any thread about the ronde be considered o/t?
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
Well because it's more about who'll be there than about the race itself
But your have a point.
Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill (F. Coppi)
I will be arriving in Belgium by way of the Eurostar on the Friday (2nd), at about lunchtime.
I’m staying in a nice B&B in Oudenaarde. Doing the sportive on the Saturday (God help me)….anyone have any plans of how we’re going to get to Ninove and back? Train or will someone have a car I (and my bike) could hitch a lift in? I’ll be around, if a little dead for beer back in Oudenaarde on the Saturday evening, if the Muur hasn’t killed me. Sunday, I’ll watch the pros wherever people are planning to go (I fancy Geraardsbergen really). I’ll be at the Scheldeprijs on the Wednesday. I’ll probably go to the start, spend the day in Antwerp, and then head to Schoten for the finish, then drink more with whoever is around ;-) Monday/Tuesday I’ll probably spend some time being a tourist in Ghent, and if anyone wants to join me that would be lovely. I’m heading home on the Thursday. NB, it’s my birthday on the Saturday after I get home…early party? ;-)
Monday / Tuesday
I also plan on visiting Gent / Brussel.
Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill (F. Coppi)
I'll come if anyone can think of a sensible way of getting there from the north east.
Eurostar claim that they now through ticket but in fact only do for France & not Belgium, & all flights seem to be priced at Euro MP expense claim level, dammit.
Train from Calais to Geraardsbergen
takes 2h34 with two changes: TGV from Calais to Lille, TGV to Brussels, Express to Geraardsbergen.
(so my advice would be to get a Eurostar ticket to Brussels, preferably, or else Lille. http://www.raileurope.co.uk/ gives timetables & fares from St. Pancras to Bruxelles Midi.)
Is anyone else
a little puzzled about the need for a Saint Pancreas?
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
It was also the place
they filmed the Spice Girls first video (you can find that one yourselves)
that’s awesome
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
by plinytheelder on Mar 5, 2010 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
Anyway, it's lame
There are so many better places to go (and sleep) in London
by MagnificentSimon on Mar 7, 2010 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
I went there at 7 in the morning on the way to Alpe d'Huez a couple of years ago.
Champagne at that time, so decadent.
got a bike?
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 5, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
between the passage of time
and my present life predominantly priced in a third world currency, err . . . yes.
I looked at the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.
With pretty similar results. But that’s cheaper than Eurostar.
Ah, sweet Hull-Zeebrugge memories of youth
Freezing cold wind, sad smoke filled discos, and a Cutting Crew/Level 32/Johnny Hates Jazz soundtrack.
That honestly is heaven
compared to doing Dover-Calais during the summer holidays.
No.
Whichever is the one to Cherbourg (?Portsmouth), that’s the killer. The illest I’ve ever been. :-(
I once came back on that
with a bag half filled with cheeses. Not a good idea in the summer.
the 'vomit comet'
catamaran from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire, into the teeth of a storm sweeping the Irish Sea.
Even the captain threw up.
damn I remember those guys, that was like junior high or something (oh but wasn’t it 52?)
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
by plinytheelder on Mar 5, 2010 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
Want a free lift from London?
Ferry same price with 1,2,3 or 4 passengers. Going early Sat back mon 4pm.
Nom email listed and am not on twitter so had to post to post here!
Not since 1983/4 ish… I’ve blocked it out.
You weren’t to know – but so wide of the mark… :)
To civetta – am going to belgium for the race, lift available.
Seriously? That's really kind.
I have a couple of other things to try but I’ll email you as soon as I know. Thanks again.
Augh, I'm so jealous of you all! Now, don't forget to include
Podium Cafe art! Who will make/bring the huge, briljantly orange \o/ sign to hold up on the Muur?
now i'm sad.
i recently canceled my belgium trip (damn health) and i would have gladly helped in this!
there is a spot on the church wall (the actual wall) that gets in all of the photos/video. The Pozzato sign was there last year. for the most spectator views of \o/ hang it from the tree at the right turn up to the kapelmuur. last year was a rather interesting, “Boonen, take me to your dealer.”
Rodania,,,,,,,Rodania,,,,,,,Rodania,,,,,,,Rodania
I actually went to a fabric store last week
but i couldn’t find anything in the right orange. Maybe I will try again.
Arrive April 1 in Oudenaarde
Hoping that Chris and Mr Van P have the bike routes scouted out for me and will be around for a ride to help chase off the jet-lag. Looking forward to meeting everyone and watching Albertina kick our asses on the Muur.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
are you going?
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
Watching me fall off half way up you mean?
Seriously, I don’t do cobbled hills. I attempted the Koppenberg last year and I was pathetic. Some kid came whizzing past me just after I’d wobbled off…horrifying.
If we happen to see you
should we loudly yell encouragement? Or would you rather be left alone to do your thing?
When I watched the sportif in 2008
the kids went whizzing past pretty much everyone. Better technique and smarter than all the cocky guys on carbon bikes and the latest kit.
I'm going to the Tour as well
Hi everybody!
I’m one of MathieuG buddy in real life and I’m going to the Tour as well. I’m ashamed I don’t know that much about cycling (but I’m sure you’ll find a way to contamine me with all your interest in it) but I’m a really great beer connoisseur (hope some of you goes there also for the brew). Love many other things but this is not a matchmaking service so I’ll stop there :P
Hope to see many of you at the Ronde (and/or Paris-Roubaix or that other race in Antwerpen) : )
P.S. I’ll try to leave a post here and there from now on, feel free to answer
by MagnificentSimon on Mar 7, 2010 9:23 PM EST reply actions
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