Sunday 21st September 2014 - Raining this morning when I woke up and overcast grey clouds. Got up and showered, didn't have any breakfast, bread and cheese just wasn't exciting me this morning. No one else was in the hostel, only the owner guy which was a bit weird too. So got my bike, packed up and left.
It had stopped raining and I made my way to the nearest petrol station, only a couple of km away. It was on the N4 at Tenneville and I'd thought of maybe just blasting down it, even though there's not much room on the edge of the road for me and the cars are speeding along beside.
Got a waffle and coffee and just as I was tucking into it, the rain started again, noooo.
Watched the rain get heavier, enjoyed my waffle, watched it continue as I drank the last of my coffee. The spray from the cars on the main road was mad. Not riding on it, decision made.
After waiting for a break, which wasn't happening, I dug out my waterproof trousers, jacket and overshoes. Ready to do battle with the elements, fully prepared this time!
I didn't put the covers on the bags though, as didn't want them sitting in a puddle of water all day again!
So, look at map, plan out a criss cross across the quiet country roads, thankfully it was now only a bit mizzley.
At one stage there was a brown line on the map beside where I had stopped. It looked ok, gravelly type track and it had a sign post for hikers. Looked interesting and cut across to where I was going to, Wyompont. So I ventured down it.
Turned a bit more rocky and I had to keep reminding myself to go slow as I wasn't on mountain bike tyres. Really didn't need a puncture today.
Rain started to get heavy again. Bit of a climb to Givroulle, small roads to Givry, Roulette, then straight mainish road to Champs, Hemroulle and Bastogne.
I was ok in my waterproofs, bit damp though from sweating up the climb on the inside, but warm enough.
Passing the houses and villages along the way I could smell Sunday dinners and wood fires burning. Sob, had contemplated knocking on someones door and seeing if they would invite me in, doubtful though really.
Into Bastogne, main road, car spray.
Stopped for a last beer and burger and frites before leaving Belgium and a really good coffee (Andrea, you would've loved it I reckon). €9 bill.
Sat outside as I was dripping wet. People inside in their Sunday best.
Couple of men came and sat beside me. Got talking and they were from the Netherlands. They'd been in France with work and were heading back after getting a bite to eat. They were also saying that in Belgium on a Sunday the roads are dangerous, as they drink beer and drive. Lucky I was done with the roads today!
Onto the cycle path I had found yesterday while waiting at the hostel.
Oh my word, it was amazing. Straight to Wiltz in about an hour. Think it was an old railway line, through tunnels, smooth tarmac, no one else on it, awesome.
I knew I was coming up to the border and was waiting for the sign. I did stop at a metal archway, but there wasn't a sign on it. Looked at map and I was still a km or so off the border.
When I still hadn't seen any border sign I stopped again. Turns out I has going so fast (for a change!) that the map, the first time I look at it at the mental arch, hadn't caught up with me. Bummer.
Into Wiltz and the sun was starting to come through. Smiles.
Found the campsite. Tent up & relax. Rain on again and today has been noticeably cooler too.
I hope the rest of Luxembourg is like the past hour, fingers crossed!
Day 23 - 21.09.14
Champlon, Belgium to Wiltz, Luxembourg
11am to 4pm
3hr 6min cycling
46km
1502 calories
892 metres asc
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