Skiing in the Netherlands?

Hookyrider

Greg,

being at Brunssum has been great and I love riding in the Valkenburg/Gulpen/Vaals area, really it's a fine place, and the bike lanes and traffic rule offer a level of protection we'll never see in the states.

The plan is to have a stage finish, and start in V-Burg, I can't wait until the route is announced, since I have really got to know the roads so well...

I hear V-burg has put a hundred thousand euro down, and needs another 600 thousand to lock it in. I'm hoping Holland Casino gives a helping hand

webb80916

Are you stationed at Brunssum?

I was at then (AFCENT) from Nov 94 to Oct 97 and lived in Spaubeek and then moved to Oirsbeek. Boy was that good duty!

Sure do miss the frites special. Once a week for almost 3 years.

Greg

Hookyrider

yes - and live in Amstenrade.

it's perfect, I ride some where between Maastricht and Vaals every weekend. the only place that I'd say is better is the Greenville, SC - Henderson, NC water shed area...

Haven't been to snow world yet, but I'm told it's a hoot.

HR

webb80916

HR,


Yep, I live in Colorado Springs at 6000 ft. I tell ya, going up 500 ft in altitude is something. Not like Limburg region though. I think the highest point around there is what, 167 ft asl? Miss the bike lanes in and around the base and city. Are you in a club? I remember the clubs rides having 100+ cyclists, all geared up and moving out. I use to commute and ride every once in awhile in the "heide" woods by the golf course.

BTW, what do you do? I recently retired from the Army (10th SFG(A)). Spent 15 yrs jumping outta airplanes at Ft. Bragg, Ft. Carson and other spots around the world. Civilian life is slow compared to my former environment.....

Cheers,

Greg

Hookyrider

I want ot get linked into the Gulpen club - I've met a few of the guys... I'm the big cheese for the base cycling club, not that holds a lot of water :-) Been getting tied down w/ too many national commitments so I've been missing my own clubs rides... this weekend should be the last of that for a while.

New Mexico was also a great place to ride with real moutains, however the terrian here is challenging as it's eay to over extend...

AF for 17 years

HR

webb80916

Last ride for the year? Don't let the weather get to ya. I know those winter days can be so long with darkness arriving at what, 1645 hrs. Weekends? Just dress accordingly.


Just back from a 25 miler up to Manitou Springs and back. Everywhere you ride around this town it seems it's up hill. I think going up wouldn't be so bad if it weren't at 6,500 ft. The cruise down was fun though.

Riding the AF Academy tomorrow. Nice wide shoulders with of course, hills!

Cheers,

Greg

Hookyrider

last weekend of excessive commitments for a while :-) Life is grand - and I am out for a ride, it's Sunny, clear, and crisp today- perfect!

HR

xilios

Did you ride the http://www.mh2d.nl ?
It's an anual event that attracts several thousand cyclists.
I did the 120km and 70km, and believe me the beers in the tent tasted real good after those hills.
If you know of any other challanges around this area please drop me a line
Cheers

webb80916

No. I was a straight mtb commuter and weekend warrior in the heide.


Greg

Hookyrider

I didn't do the Mh2d - didn't know about it until now, this is my first year here, so I'm learning about a lot of the things I can do -After the fact... I hope to be Doing next year! Thanks for sending the link, and I'll be sure to post events to do as I learn more about them.

I do have several web sites for all type of Pro, and Continetal team races in the area.

HR

xilios

I'm not into racing. I like to do 100/150km days when the weather is good but at a slower pace +/-20kmh.
The longest I've ridden was Maastricht to Athens last June >>>
http://www.geocities.com/xilios/index.html
Still if you hear of a good challenge, let me know.
In the mean time check out this challenge if you have time>>>
http://www.bartbrentjenschallenge.com/

GT

BIANCHI_EURO

Hi

One hint that should be mentioned... Go try the 120 kilometer "MERGELLAND ROUTE". It takes ALL important hills at once in is of an imparalleled (tell me if I'm inventing a new word now ) beauty. It's actually a car route and the directions showing you the way can't be more clear. You can start in any place in South Limburg. (don's underestimate the route it's quite heavy).

Maybe a nice ride to do with all the fellow Americans together?

B.

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xilios

Thanks for that idea, I've ridden all over this area but never the route itself.
http://www.fietsvarianten.nl/mergel2.htm
I'm going to do that as soon as it stops raining. Cant live in the area and not have done it.

webb80916

Well, I really would like to attend, but being in the States would be a little difficult. Did go to the largest veloswap meet this past weekend in Denver, CO. Spoke with a holiday maker for (mtb and road) who guides tours through Chamonix, FR and the Mount Blanc area of the Alps. Looks like a nice tour and his website is www.10Fifty.com. I'm sure living over there you could do it much cheaper than his quoted prices. But it is fully supported, though.

Off for a nice 40 km ride this morning after I post a few messages.

Greg