I stay indoors, study for an exam in a couple of months, drink hot teas, cook good food, and, for a change, only briefly look at mountain biking.

For my brief notes on Baraque Michel and Malmedy trails, surf to the East Cantons page.

At a first glance Gruissan seems to provide a trail system with too much overlapping and too little climbing. Then, as I saw pictures over the Internet, I think this could be a beautiful, relaxing stopover on the way to or coming back from more demanding trail riding.

Overview maps and gps files are generously provided over the Internet. Thank you!

However, although trails are rideable all year round, weatherwise the area is very unpredictable. And, in the spring I yearn for sun. On top of this, the added fear of driving on the “wrong” side of the road, or forgetting that I should … and that the trails in the end might be too tough for me, or at least too tough for me to ride alone …. tends to make me change my mind.

It feels sooo much easier to drive south. A bigger chance of sunshine, a bigger chance of DRY trails, I can be in my comfort zone when driving there, and .. trails might still be too tough, but rarely so, as Wales is more into man-made trails than Spain or France.

I’ll think about it a couple of more weeks.

Afan Forest, it would be a pleasure to finally meet you! Brecon Beacons, dito!

A great book for an overview of all trails in the UK: Mountain Biking Britain.

In the meanwhile, some more detailed information on the Palatinate forest in Germany. Many thanks to www.bikespot.nl for its zoomable bike map of the area. And, don’t forget the annual Bikemarathon-Pfälzerwald event!

More later!

After many days off from work, I feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. Time for LIFE! 2012, let’s rock’n'roll!

First thing out is the annual Velofollies exposition. My reflections (and more) from last year can be found here.

Now that was some Xmas! It got a tad hectic preparing for it all, all else had to take a step back, hence my silence over here. Once arrived, the long weekend was full of contemplation, and confirmation that all major decisions this year were the right ones. There was also room for lots of planning for the future. As for biking, I can’t wait for next summer!

What can I say, Jack, you rule my world. I am you eternally grateful for your assistance, support, inspiration – you MUST be the love of my life! ha ha See ya at New Year’s!

Information on Villegly has been added to the Carcassonne page.

Information on trails in Germany – coming up next!

So far I have only visited this area on foot.