Milk & Honey = Waffles & Beer
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life
To say I have arrived in “the land of milk and honey” would be a figuratively accurate statement, however, quite literally, I am long way from THE “land of milk and honey.” The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” literally refers to Israel (modern-day Palestine), yet many English authors have picked up on this phrase and simply use it to describe any location of which they hold in high regard. And while Belgium is not even close to Israel, it is a land which I hold in high regard. So the phrase seems to work for me. Although, I could be more literally correct by referring to Belgium as “a land flowing with waffles and beer.” After crossing the pond during the past couple of winters for ‘cross racing, I am now back during the more enjoyable summer months for a stint of road racing.
After being selected to the USA U23 National Team, getting to come over and experience European road racing first hand is one of the many blessings which have come my way this season. After 2 days of HECTIC traveling, I finally arrived and settled into my room here at the USA Cycling Team House, which is located in Izegem, Belgium. To shorten an otherwise “feature length” story about my days of traveling over here, my trip began at 4:30 in the morning on Monday. After arriving at the airport, I negotiated ridiculous baggage fees, 3 different plans, and 20 hours spent in planes and airports to arrive in Brussels, Belgium. From Brussels, Izegem is just over an hours drive or train ride away. Riding the train from Brussels to Izegem will be one of many new experiences that I enjoy on this trip. Not knowing the exact train schedules ahead of time, I made some serious blunders which were exaggerated by some serious bad luck. What should have been a quick one hour on the train ride turned into an all day adventure of bouncing around a small foreign country by train, all the while totting along a back pack, double wide bike box, and my rolling duffle bag. After 7 long and frustrating hours, I finally came into Izegem, and arrived at the team house, with just a few hours to get settled before dinner.
Looking down the street which I finally found after 2 long hectic days. This will be home for me during the next several weeks.
Since that first day, things have steadily improved – how could they not? After a relaxed morning yesterday, I got out for a nice 2 hour ride, and was only ever semi-lost. Despite never really being exactly sure of where I was, I did have a good general feel for the area, and my ride turned out to be a pleasant one. I stayed a little closer to home on today’s ride, and was kept on track by the ever reliable canal which runs through Izegem. Following the canal is an almost fail-safe way to ride around here, as you can always follow the bike paths right back into the Izegem square, just a few minutes from our house. The ride was a pleasant one and a half hours where the legs really came around. Hopefully the upward trend continues tomorrow during the first 2 stages of the Ronde Van Antwerpen.
The roads here are a bit different than what we are used to back home. Your typical Belgium road is just over one lane wide, and winds through farms, ranches, and the surrounding countryside.
I saw this sign on my ride yesterday. I don't know if it is a sign or not, but it seemed pretty cool. This apartment building was under construction just a few kilometers from our house here in Izegem. Future residence...? Mr. Miller in the Miller Residentie Building. Sounds good to me.
That is all I have for now. Dinner is just about to be served, and then it is early to bed, as we will be on the road at 5:45 tomorrow morning before the 9 o’clock start for the Prologue.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
