The next day was fairly quiet as more and more campervans arrived. The farmer that we’re parked across from has made a bit of a business letting campervans into his courtyard and along the side road on his property – there are at least 19 of them and I do hope he’s making a bit of cash.
The day before the race I decided to take a hike a few km down to Ronse along some very small side roads to get some essentials from Lidls, and partway along I realized that it was going to be a challenge to walk back all uphill with a full backpack. I did get my purchases in Lidls, then asked the cashier where I might get a taxi from. She asked if I had a smart-phone and when I said no – I had no phone at all – everyone in line looked very surprised and a bit bug-eyed. Realizing that I was going to be out of luck I turned around and said quite loudly ‘I will pay anyone to take me 4 km to the N425’. The couple right behind me in the line said they would be happy to take me and we all went out to their small two-door car and climbed in. They had to make an extra stop at Aldi’s then we were on our way.
It turned out that where I needed to go was on their way home so it was perfect. Along the N63 we started to see many amateur riders coming down the road, and were not able to turn right where I needed to go but it was okay as I could see our campervan not far along. I profusely thanked Sandra and Austin for their kindness – they declined any payment – and walked the short distance to the campervan.
The amateur riders continued passing us for about six hours! I remember in 2019 there were thousands of them heading towards the Paterberg, and it doesn’t seem to have diminished in numbers over the years. We read later that there were over 14,000 of them! Very sadly one rider died, although it seems it was a heart attack (or something) rather than a collision or accident.
We had a nice night, although the wind did pick up a bit and it rained lightly in the morning.
The Tour of Flanders – or La Ronde (Ronde van Vlaanderen) – is this year 278 km long and is the second ‘Monument’ of the year, and the first time it passed us was just after 1:30…
…then everyone went back to their campervans for lunch, or to watch the race on tv.
An enterprising little girl setup a pastry table in our midst and did a roaring business – her dad had done the baking and they were very reasonably priced – also delicious!
The second time around they came down the road rather than up, and four of the five favourites were all together – van der Poel, Pogacar, Pederson and Evenepoel.
Before the third time past us a bunch of official photographers parked just up the road and congregated in the fields to get their shots…
…
The last time past us were – guess who in the lead?? Pogacar and van der Poel, with Evenepoel not too far behind.
We watched the end of the race on tv and Pogacar won (for the third time)! Van der Poel came second and Evenepoel was a respectable third, with Van Aert and Pederson making up the top five – a very very good race! The predictions by most of the pundits before the race all had those five in the mix – it’s hard to deny who the very best riders are.
A few hours later there was a convoy of trucks coming down the road – the VIP party planner folks were already on their way – literally dozens of them.
Then there was rush hour at the chicken coop – some wanting to get in for the night and others just taking their time.
Evening came…
…and we settled in for the night.
Sally McKenzie's European Adventures 