Would you believe that’s me on the bike?  No, I didn’t think so.  Actually it’s Wout van Aert, a legend in the world of Belgian cycling.

Today I went to the cyclocross races in Dendermonde, east of Gent.  Rain decided to accompany me on the journey.  It inundated the women’s race and the first half of the men’s.

And the happy mixture of water and dirt creates this:

These men and women are my heroes, persisting through the elements because they love racing their bicycles.  So strong, so unwilling to give up.

Here’s the civilized part of the proceedings: fans out of the rain, well lubricated with good Belgian beer, eardrums throbbing with the music coming from the vicinity of those blue lights at the far end.

I was so cold for so long … feet slurping through the mud and hands sometimes mittless to take photos or to check my phone for the current placings of the riders.

After the women’s race, I left my position at the rail to wander back to the tent.  I saw immediately that I needed some momentum.  If I stepped too slowly in the mud, my feet would get stuck!  Then I’d crank a foot up with a “schlop!” sound and build up some speed.

Once reaching shelter from the (sometimes) downpour, I noticed that my mitts were off.  You’ll be pleased to know that it took me around five minutes to get them on.  The first thing was I couldn’t get my thumb into its compartment.  I wiggled and wiggled to finally accomplish the task.  Then my job was to pull and pull to get my entire hand covered.  Five minutes … not bad.  I felt like an athlete.

More pics!  A woman from the front and another from the back.  There’s a common theme here … and it’s dark brown:

I’m back home now, after lengthy transportation adventures.  And I’m warm!

It was a hoot – my afternoon in Dendermonde.  I’m so happy I did what it took to get there and to thrive during the two races.  Two separate orders of fries with mayonnaise helped a lot.  And Pepsi Zero.  Plus smiles from my newfound companions.

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Next life … maybe I’ll be a mud wrestler