Spring comes to Summer
You can never have too much Muur. It’s a proven scientific fact that too little Muur can be detrimental to a Cyclist’s state of mind, even if they have never ridden the most iconic climb in Flanders. And if they have, then the withdrawals are something not to be taken lightly. Every so often we need to top up the Muur bank throughout the months between April and April, the only month that brings genuine joy to the racing fan.
Whilst July is a test of mind-numbing boredom induced by a three-week wait for the inevitable to conclude, August sees the greatest little stage race take place on the kassien and grunty climbs the home of Cycling is littered with. The Eneco Tour is like a six-day Classics campaign, like back-to-back Dwaars, E3s and mini-Rondes. The men of Spring get another chance to perform on their preferred turf, but in weather that doesn’t require Flandrian Best to be deployed. Though Vlaanderen being Flanders, there is naturally a bit of rain about, only adding to the race’s aura.
This photo from 2013’s Tour illustrates that even during the summer, even during the week, even during the day, the magic of the Muur is not to be missed. Sure, there are a tenth of the people that would crowd the wall during the halcyon days of the Ronde, but even Colnago Pullover Guy is there, albeit subdued, just checking things out, marking his territory like a naughty chihuahua. I’m not sure what Flemish for “Laaadies…” is, but I’ pretty certain he’s about to drop it.
Even with the Worlds in full swing, my thoughts turn to the Muur. The cobbled roads are a powerful drug, and I’m an addict in need of a fix. Just seven more months, just seven more months…
*Click on photo for detail, you won’t regret it.
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@wiscot
Tinternet says end to end 16% average with max at 21%. Seems steeper with the cobbles though.
@wiscot
Then again hitting it after 100km in a 160km ride makes it feel steeper!
@RobSandy
The Muur? I think it's 21% in the trees nearing the top, where the roughest cobbles are too. And because it's longer than most other Flanders climbs except the Kwaremont, it really has a sting by the time you get to the business end.
Coming around the last corner onto the Kapelmuur and seeing the cross and church makes even a hardcore atheist feel a little bit of worship.
@Harminator
No gifts.
Is there any way you can upload the video in higher quality? I remember watching it on your i-Thing and it was clear as... could see the devastation coming from behind!
Love the cobbled muurs and bergs. Only climbed this most iconic hill the one time, 2013, but I will always pull out the memory of rounding that bend and seeing the kirk above when I need a wee feel good moment. And the cobble (gifted to me by none other than Museeuw, the man) sits proudly on my woodstove hearth.
@Teocalli
Motherfucker!
Closest in these parts is Oxford Street in White Rock, and it's paved. I thought my hamstrings were going to detach themselves when I attempted it.
Yeah, we don't have much in the Calgary area to rival things like this. I'm still looking for something Muur worthy, but this is the closest I've managed so far:
Muur de Alley on Strava
22% average, max 29%, but only 100m long.
I guess that link didn't work so well.
210 3rd Street NE, Calgary Street view up the roughly paved lane.
@Harminator
That wasn't Brett, that was the Jaegher.
If ya just can,t make it to Belgium to ride the Muur here,s a little taste in Pittsburg only just a whole lot steeper ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4JLYcFLhbY