Riding the stones of Paris-Roubaix, in the Spring, in crap weather (it’s possible) and finishing the ride in the velodrome in Roubaix* should be enough enticement for any right thinking cyclists to jump on to this event. It gets better, watching the race in a scrum of drunken-loud-mad-fans, everyone covered in a sheen of beer, frites and mayonnaise. It’s an experience of a lifetime. Do you still need more? Perhaps riding the last fourteen bergs of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, being your very own Boss of the Bosberg and then spectating this race, again the loud-drunk-fans, the sheen, the madness. Fabian Cancellara shall pass by so close he may wink at you as he drops the hammer on Boonen, again. How about a personal ride with the Lion of Flanders, Johan Museeuw? It does not get better than this, I’m sorry but it can’t.
It can’t yet it does, a tour of the Merckx bike factory and the Ronde van Vlaanderen Museum at Oudenarde. That is correct, we are going to museums, all right, a museum and it’s a museum about bike racing. There is much more fun crammed into this nine day holiday than should be allowed, please regard the original post for all the information.
This is the fantasy camp of a lifetime for cyclists. If not for yourself, dear reader, then bestow the holiday gift to end all gifts on your mate. The Velominati are united in a love and appreciation of cycling and the Spring Classics are a distillation of all things Hardman and beautiful.
Not to belabor the awesome factor, here are just a few more items:
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*disclaimer from our legal department: unconfirmed but in the works.
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@Buck Rogers
Fully supported, spare wheels, everything sorted. No worries.
@roadslave, mate - I have such major wheelbone. My hubs aren't sorted yet, but I'm hoping Santa brings the same set.
I ordered my FMB's - three tires, which gives me one spare. Cool thing about those tires is, they are all handmade to order - I had to get my order in now to beat the rush for the Pro's orders which go in in January.
I have to say, though, those Clements look the business and they are also what the Pros ride. Nice choice.
@roadslave
It just moved a little. Holy moly those are HOT! Ride report to come soon I hope.
@roadslave
First weekend only for me I'm afraid and doing the low rent accommodation thing with the good @Dr C. We should catch up for a beer sometime in London and talk logistics (or if you bring the wheels, I'll just whack you over the head and make off with them).
@frank
Can you ping me email address over to @roadslave
@roadslave
Sorry but in my head that well & truly classifies as porn...and I'd dare say I'm not the only one!
So, is anyone thinking of making a super laid-back bike for Keepers Tour?
Man, I miss the 90's and the crazy bike design they were doing...
wheelsmith.co.uk lists the rider max weight for Ambrosio Nemesis rims as:
Rider Max: fat and/or powerful
@frank
Awesome ride. If the wheels weren't circular I would think the picture had been stretched in photoshop.
@roadslave
Drool.
@Nate
No joke - the mechanic had to add 10 links to his chain, I hear tell.
Haha. Brett thinks he's buying my nemesis rims off me. Haha. Go to Europe you b**t*rd, I won't be there. I'll be at home, crying into my cheap, piss awful NZ lager, eating soggy fish and chips, clinging to hope that one, day, I'll be worthy. One day.
Actually nah not really. My Uncle lives in Brussels, been to Belgiom heaps. You'll love it it's grouse.