The Classics are the brilliant one-day cycling races held each spring, mostly in Belgium.  This Sunday, one of the most famous ones is happening … the Ronde van Vlaanderen, whose history goes back to 1913.  It features brutal cobblestone climbs for the women and men racers.

The Paterberg is 360 metres long, with an average gradient of 13% and a maximum of 20!

I will be there on Sunday

The men do the climb twice, at approximately 3:30 and 4:30, while the women pass by once, at about 5:30.  Am I really willing to do what it takes to get there … all for three experiences of a few minutes each?  YES!

I’ve been making copious notes about how I’ll make this happen.  Here’s one page of four:

#11 is the eleventh climb in the men’s race – the Paterberg.  The organizers give approximate arrival times, depending on whether the average speed is 40, 42 or 44 kph.  They’re starting in Antwerp, rather than Oudenaarde, since their race is a lot longer than the women’s.

I have a dilemma.  Do I take the train from Gent to Oudenaarde in time to see the women’s team presentation at 11:45 and then the beginning of the race at 1:25?  Or do I skip all those festivities and take the shuttle bus to the Paterberg climb once I arrive at Oudenaarde train station at around 10:00?

The second choice gets me to the Paterberg four to five hours before the men come by the first time (!)  However, that would likely guarantee a great viewing spot, right up against the barrier, as the cyclists come sweating by.

The first choice has me see the beginning of the race, and feel the energy of more than a hundred riders and thousands of spectators.  Cool!  It also eliminates the shuttle bus as a way to get to the Paterberg.  The last outward bus leaves at 1:15.

I’ve figured the timing for the regular paid bus and a half-hour of walking.  I’d need to be speedy quick after sending off the riders in order to catch that bus.  If I miss it, I’ll have a very long walk to the Paterberg.  But I’m willing.

Trouble is, if you look at the first photo, you see all those cheering people.  If I see the opening celebrations in Oudenaarde, I could have twenty people standing in front of me on the Paterberg.

(Thinking)

Okay … I’ve made an executive decision.  I want it all.  I’ll be in Oudenaarde for the team presentation and the liftoff.  And somehow I’ll find a spot on the Paterberg to cheer my lungs out for my favourite riders.

***

Playing big feels great

And here comes Sunday