The Hardmen. They inspire us; we aspire to be one among them. They drive us to be better cyclists. They are the solitary voice among the thousands in our heads that tell us to keep pushing when all the others tell us to stop. Their long shadows look on in approval as we pull on our cold and wet weather gear and head out into the elements to ride.
Every Professional Cyclist is a hard man or woman; it comes with the territory. But to be given the title of Hardman, one must be more than just tough. Grand Tour champions are not given this title, nor are the winners of World Titles or King of the Mountains competitions. The Hardmen stand out among the rest as the ones who ride over the savage, jagged cobblestones of Northern Europe with a supplesse that is possessed only by those riders who thrive in the most torturous of road cycling’s domains: The Cobbled Classics of Northern Europe.
Velominati has partnered up with Pavé Cycling Classics, based in Northern France, to offer the Velominati a chance to walk where Giants tread and pedal through the trench of Arenberg and up the devastating steeps of the Kapelmuur. To pedal with the Pros during their reconnaissance of the Paris-Roubaix route. To visit the Merckx factory, and to spend an afternoon riding with Johan Museeuw, the last Lion of Flanders.
We have arranged for 9 days of Cycling in Glorious Hell, hosted by the Founding Keepers, Frank and Brett, and organized by Pavé Cycling Classics. We will be staying in a Bed & Breakfast Cottage in Gent, and all services are included in the package. *Hangovers and massages for your aching guns and back sold separately.
Alex and William at Pavé Cycling Classics really know the Classics, and have put together an itinerary befitting a Velominatus, including rides on the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Roubaix routes, as well as visits to the Prophet’s factory, and a ride with Johan Museeuw (pending confirmation of scheduling confirmed). It’s the trip of a lifetime for anyone who has ever dreamt about Springtime on the stones.
Here is the Preliminary Itinerary:
All participants will be greeted with a Velominati Musette stuffed with a commemorative V-Pint and V-Shirt. Given the abundance of Belgian beer, the V-Pint will be well used. We will also have a Velominati Flag to wave at the races. As a final note, a Cogal welcoming all riders will also be arranged, details pending finalization of the itinerary.
Everything is included in this 9 days/9 nights package. Food, drinks, support car with spare wheels, visits, Gent velodrome ride, Cyfac bicycle for the rides (limited sizes and quantities available), energy food, and insurance. The only thing you have left to do is find your way to Lille. All-inclusive price for this trip of a lifetime is 2250€.
There is very limited availability for this program; reserve your seat at the table by signing up below. Priority is given in a first-come, first-served basis. Email tours@velominati.com to register; serious enquiries only, please.
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@Chris
excellent, you can tell us that one as we collapse into a glass of finest Belgian non-Trappist Ale on the 31st
;o)
@ChrisO
I've got 25 years under my belt. Will be happy to talk to him about how it's definitely not a paintball tourney.
Assuming I can stay vertical after the Roubaix ride.
Looked through all the recent articles that seemed relevant but couldn't find the post. Is there any more info on a possible Pommie Cogal before or after the Keepers Tour? Going to purchase airfare over the pond from the Colonies soon.
OK, up for the full gig. Have put in an order for some new shoes for the lady (Ambrosio Nemesis Rims, with Royce Hubs... first time ever on tubs, but I figure what the hell: we're to be supported on our rides?). Now need to work through the winter on the organic component of the machine.
The Wife thinks I'm mad "So, you're off to Belgium to spend a week in lycra with a bunch of people you met on the internet... but haven't actually met yet? Just to check, is your will up to date?"
SO excited. Will be an awesome trip. Thanks for organising.
@frank
How are the wheels coming together?
I know the Pros quite often ride carbon rims on the cobbles but for mere mortals, is it a bad idea. I've had these in mind for an upgrade and was wondering about durability. They also come in a Cross version which might hold up to my weight and lack of finesse a bit better.
@roadslave
That is friggin hilarious! My VMH gave me the same... "Wait a second, you want to spend a week with a bunch of shaved legged, middle aged men you met on the internet in Belgium? Is there something about this group you haven't told me?" Me "No, can I go?"
@roadslave, @Anjin-san
That's awesome! At the Cogal, we had a similar feeling like were were all on a group blind date.
@Anjin-san
To answer your question from another thread: why do you think Rule 11 exists? Forget Spring Break, and come ride with us!
@Anjin-san
That's why Professor Steampunk isn't coming to Austin. He couldn't convince his wife to fly down for her birthday and, oh by the way, hang out with a bunch of men who shave their legs, wear lycra pajamas, ride bicycles, and spend entirely too much time chatting online. Oh well.
Damn I hadn't considered wheels....I'll be buggered if I'm going to ride on my new Fulcrum Zeros after eating ramen for a month to pay for the barstewards. In fact,Carbone bike may be out altogether. Irksome as it is SO comfy but I'd be more than gutted if I fangled it.
How about old school steel master on new shimano RS80s? Savvy enough?
@chris @joe
remember that pro s get their wheels for free...
if you want to ride on (extreme) cobble stones, there are a few 'general guidelines'. I have some experience, since I live in the west of Flandres (about 30km from Oudenaarde, 40 from roubaix) (ok, now my technical english (sorry))
Keep your speed as high as possible on the stones, make speed before you reach a pave and shift sur la plaque. but try not to cross your chain, you risk losing the back derailleur.
Wear gloves! (I never do when it s warm enough, but boy o boy, I didn't feel my hands for days). some would put on 2 bibs for more comfort, but DON'T!
You should keep your (preferable alloy) rims as low as possible, so you don t risk getting cracks(?) in your (too) expensive wheels and it s more comfortable. (so they say) what I am trying to say is: cheaper wheels will do...
(yes I know Spartacus didn't, Hushovd didn't, but then again, they get it for free and their average speed on cobble stones is a bit higher)
Crossed spokes(?) for smoother riding and less vibration
Flatten those tires (I remember Boonen had 5.2 of 5.5 bar)
Also some riders insist on riding aluminium bikes, like Greg Vanavermaet. but nowadays carbon is ok, I guess.
Drink cages have to be solid and hold the bottle tight.
Take a lot of spare tires (unless your team mercedes is following you)
Also keep in mind, your gear is bound to suffer. and so are you. so tell your bike to abide Rule #5
and to give you all a cobblebone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1QXKjc1nLY&feature=fvst