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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@roadslave
This is too much, first @mouse's Assos Girl and now these wheels.
To be fair, I think there's a chance that a lot of people are going to turn up with the same wheels.
@roadslave
Just received a pair of Nemesis on Friday myself! Of course you got those wheels to go riding around in Belgium. They are the right tool for the job. Nothing creepy at all.
Like you, I did not trust such an important wheelbuilding job to my own amateurish stylings. If you get a puncture, put on a new preglued tire or limp home. I am thinking about putting some caffelatex sealant in mine as well as most of my flats are minor and the sealant will probably get me home.
@wiscot
Kelly may well have been to the left of Thatcher (who wasn't) but I'm not sure he is to the left of Wiggo! You are correct, perspective is everything.
@roadslave
Nice wheels. Wow.
@roadslave
Oh mama mia, that is wheel porno. That is a fine looking set of wheels. Damn, you sew-up guys are making me jealous.
@sgt
Beautiful map. Wiggins' Haircut. hehehee.
@roadslave
Serious wheel envy here, guys.
But, what are you all doing about spare tubs for the ride? Actually, you all have a SAG wagon at your disposal, correct?
@wiscot
I also wouldn't pick a book with a triple chainring on the cover.
@mcsqueak
Indeed. To be frank, their curatorial/exhibition skillz leave a great deal to be desired. Mind you, wild horses wouldn't keep me out of there. It might be wise to leave the credit card at home. That Salvarani jersey looks like it's for sale . . .
@roadslave
Managed to stop drooling and actually read your post. I'm considering selling my downhill bike for a set of those from wheelsmith. You're making it very hard for me not to do so.
Are you doing the whole tour or just a part of it?
@roadslave
Those wheels look awesome and thanks for the pictures. I notice the time honoured wheel builders detail that when you look through the valve hole you should see the label on the hub I plan to buy a wheel set from the same builder at some point in my future.
@sgt
Hehe.
@snoov nice observation. He is a perfectionist, and everything lines up (Royce label, valve hole, tub label, etc.) You'll also notice that, whilst all the spokes are stainless steel / silvered, the two either side of the valve hole are black. A nice touch.
My wife has just yelled at me "why can't you be normal and use the internet to look at porn?"
@chris hoping to do all of it... you coming? would be good to meet.