Autumn is always at its peak in the Ardennes at the end of October. The weather forecast for Limburg and the Ardennes could not be better, so I grab my chance and drive to my regular spot in Ferrières.
With shorts and long sleeves (my Wahoo indicates 21 degrees, but I know how quickly it cools off in the late afternoon and how chilly it can be in the shady valleys) I get on my bike at 3:30 p.m. for a tour on the bonnet. I bike toward the valley of the Lienne, until halfway down I suddenly realize that the view of the hills around Lorcé must be beautiful now with all those autumn colors. I squeeze the brakes and turn off toward Chevron at the last moment. Everything I have descended, I have to go back up. To my surprise, I do end up lower than expected: at the pre-war town sign with Lorcé, Chevron and Harzé on it.
I decide to ignore Lorcé and head for Remouchamps. Just before arriving there I turn around and go to the right, a road unknown to me. I want to do something else than the usual round trip. The intention is to get back on the main road, but all roads are dead ends. After a nasty climb the road ends at a forest path where there is a warning sign from the hunters: on that day of all days hunting is open.
I don't want to end this day as shot game, so I turn around again. Coincidentally, just after that I meet the hunters and they tell me the coast is now clear. The forest road winds uphill for over a mile and a half with sections up to 16% over cobbles and bumps. Miraculously, I reach the top on my 25 mm tires with no tread. It makes a big difference that the path is dry. And then comes the reward for the difficult climb. Effortlessly I reach the main road.
As I ride back to Ferrières, dusk is settling in. Lights on, and I keep pedaling. In complete darkness, I climb the final hill home, feeling intensely satisfied as I put my bike away in the shed.
Seated by the fireplace, I reflect on today's ride. Where exactly did I go, and what does JOIN make of my unplanned training session? To my delight, my route resembles the shape of an autumn leaf, and JOIN rewards my efforts with a 7.4.
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