I wake up anxious today. We have spent two full days away from our bikes and today we are getting back on them. Why am I anxious? Here’s the story….
Riding into Antwerp was hard for me. A ways out of Antwerp, we were riding down a bike path and approach from behind moving equipment on the path. It was three large ride on units, one “grass cutter” in front, a “baler” second and a “blower” in the back. The fellow in the back sees us, moves his machine over off the path so we thought it was safe to go by him. I am following Murray closely to get the draft. Murray realizes the blower is still extended across the path and slams on his breaks. I manage to swerve around Murray to avoid him, ride into the bumpy ditch, can’t get my foot out of my pedal clip and do a slow motion fall onto the ground. The guy came rushing over to make sure I was okay and insisted he help get my bike back onto the path. I then had to get by the other two monsters on the path. Fortunately, I came away from that encounter with only a bruise on my butt and a couple on one knee.
By the time we got to the hotel in the centre of Antwerp, I had almost wiped out twice after my tumble. I was so glad to get off my bike!
Thus the anxiety this morning. I study the route out of Antwerp and it is fairly direct with not too much zigging and zagging. It still takes about 15 kms for me to relax. I no longer feel comfortable riding closely behind Murray except on a pristine path with nothing going on.
The ride is excellent to Leuven. Most of it is along a couple large canals on an 8’ wide perfectly paved path. Many road bike riders, in kit, whiz by us, so this route is a favourite one for locals. There are also numerous e bike riders that cruise by us. And the wind is at our backs! We make good time and have lunch in Mechelen’s main square watching the activity.
We arrive in Leuven by 2:00 pm and after showering and organizing, head out to explore the town. Groot Begijnhof is a 13th century walled community for religious women. Although these women led a religious life, they did not take vows and were free to leave or to marry. Many of the buildings are being used today as student or professor residences.
The library at the university is open to tourists, so we poke our noses in. I was expecting something more grand, but it is still impressive. Three levels of 5 shelves per level around three sides of a long narrow hall. That’s a lot of books!
We have been seeing town halls (Stadhuis) in every town we ride into. The most impressive one so far is here in Leuven. The detail on the exterior of the building is jaw dropping. I will let the photo describe the detail.
Leuven is a university town with many young people in the square and along the streets. The town is beautiful with a number of churches and university buildings. Definitely worth a visit!