In true Belgium style the Dirty Boar was going to be a hard, wet gravel ride. With close to 2700 meters of climbing, over 170kms on gravel, single track and forest roads, I knew it was going to be pushing me to my limits.
The days started off early with dawn’s early light giving us hope of better weather. The ride, which was full to capacity, started with 350 riders headed off into the woods. If you weren’t lucky enough to be in the first wave or two meant you came to a stop at one very wet muddy section. Once most of us had passed through it became a game of two half’s. Those that were racing and those that were here for the thrill of the ride.
Within the first 16kms there were close to a dozen punchers, several brake failers and the odd chain snapping. With the weather giving us a good kicking it was going to be an interesting day in the saddle.
For those that didn’t make it to the finish due to mechanicals or injury they missed one hell of a ride and I hope they get a chance to ride it again next year.
Having never ridden in the area before the organisers couldn’t have picked a hillier location, especially in Belgium. The route which went through Parc Naturel Hautes Fagnes and accessing private land for the weekend, gave way to some amazing scenery and what I personally thought was a fantastic route.
Undulating hills, fast forest tracks and woodland sections that went on and on. I couldn’t have been happier than a pig in shit!
Every now and then it was great to cycle into small towns and the tarmac was a temporary pleasure no matter how short it lasted. With Belgium being the home of Cyclo-cross it was nice to receive the odd cheer as we passed through soaked to the bone, cold and covered in mud. It is these little moments that give you that pick-me-up you often need from time to time.
The organisers also stuck in a few cheeky little moments to keep you on your toes. A check point over a dam to which you had to return the same way made sure you were on the right track, unless you missed the turning hey Phil ;). It was also a good opportunity to find out how quick other riders were tackling the Dirty Boar.
The route soon picked up and with the first feed station out of the way it was time to knuckle down. This was also the fun part due to some of the signs marking the ride going missing. Luckily I had download the route, but there were a few unfortunate soles who missed the turning for one reason or another and added a fair few Km’s to their ride.
The second feed station was a welcome relief and filled with jam sandwiches, gels, water and other food products that would help us on our merry way. It was also a good opportunity to regroup, talk about the ride and think how crazy some people were for riding single speed. I have to admit it was nice not to have to think about the inevitable as we all knew what was coming next…….more gravel, mud, rain, climbing, more climbing, forest tracks and even more rain.
That being said we pushed on in high spirits!
The finish line was a sight for sore eyes and a welcome relief. With the beer supplied by Brasserie La Binchoise, a 9% Belgium ale called La Redoutable after the climb of the same percentage in the famous Liege Bastogne Liege. Ritchey Logic supplied the frites and mayo making sure we all had that genuine Belgium experience. Plus they helped line the stomach for the copious amounts of fine ales that we consumed as other riders finished.
For those wanting to find out about the Dirty Boar and what they have planned for 2018 sign up to the news letter.
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