Since 2017, True Grit has been organizing cycling events for gravel lovers. Participants can count on a fully catered event with routes full of unknown gems and a warm welcome at the finish line. Last Saturday, December 10, True Grit had Where The Streets Have No Name (WTSHNN) on the program for the eighth time, with Lage Vuursche as the start and finish location. WTSHNN has now become a household name among gravel riders, with start tickets always sold out within days.
For me, it became the first introduction to WTSHNN. I had agreed with three cycling buddies from my cycling club Trias in The Hague to ride the 80 km route. We had received the GPX file a few days in advance. With a code you could download the routes from Komoot and put them on your Garmin or Wahoo. The tours were not signposted.
On the way to Lage Vuursche, we could already see that it was going to be a foggy, cold day. I was glad I had put on my rain jacket in the parking lot before we drove to the start a kilometer away. At the gathering place 'De Kuil', we picked up our start ticket (a WTSHNN bracelet) with consumption vouchers and some nice goodies. After a hot chocolate with whipped cream, we took off. My three layers of thermal shirts under a Goretex jacket, two pairs of socks in winter shoes, heat oil on my legs and Vaseline on my feet were no luxury, my Wahoo kept fluctuating around -3 degrees all day. My bike also suffered from the cold. Moisture in the rear hub caused me to pedal in a vacuum during the first hour when I wanted to change gears. As a result, I kept falling behind my cycling buddies. Fortunately, they were willing to adjust their pace, so I still had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful forest paths, frosted meadows and misty vistas on the moors.
Foto: © Michiel Maas
After 35 km we reached the first supply station. Here we could warm ourselves by the fire while enjoying a currant bun and a good cappuccino from a real barista. Blankets, beach chairs and marshmallows completed it all. It was so pleasant by the fire that we struggled to get back on our bikes. My bike also seemed to give up at first, but luckily after some up and down shifting I was able to keep going.
Foto: © Michiel Maas
At three-quarters of the way we came to a chocomel refreshment station. Not so much the hot chocolate but especially the added rum worked wonders: the pace picked up considerably after this stop. When we arrived at Buiten in de Kuil, the afterparty was already in full swing. The atmosphere was relaxed, beaming faces could be seen everywhere. There were groups standing by the fire drinking their recovery beer, others were sitting near the musicians eating their beefburger with fries, but the cafe was also bustling.
Foto: © Michiel Maas
True Grit totally lived up to its objectives: it was an unforgettable day with an adventurous route and perfect care along the way and afterwards.
We have a limited number of starting tickets at 50% discount. The regular price is €60, with us you pay only €30. The code is valid for all distances.
You're buying a code that allows you to register for free.
Limited offer, so don't wait too long!
Start location: Buiten in de Kuil, Lage Vuursche, NL
Distances: 60 and 80 km (GPX file via Komoot free download)
Inscription: € 37,50
Website: https://truegrit.cc/wtshnn/
Extras:
|
|
|
|
|
