An Urban Boychick Takes on the Outdoors

Friday 5/19 (11 miles) Friday was the final day of the group trip. We started the day with a quick 11 mile bicycle loop through Bruges, then all said our goodbyes. Everyone was going different places - some directly home, others on to other adventures. The trip brochure had said we'd be ready to head out by lunchtime, but I left a margin for error and figured I might not be leaving town until at least 3 PM, which made me one of the last folks to head out. I spent my free hours exploring Bruges. First I went to a bicycle shop which had been recommended by the tour guides, where I bought my only personal souvenir from the trip - a Flanders cycling cap. I also spotted a very cool Danish bike helmet with integrated sun protection. It was too large for me to buy and take with me on my travels, but I noted the brand and model for a potential later online purchase. I was going to climb the bell tower to see the view, but I was put off by the high admission and long line. Belgian bagels! I...

Thursday 5/18 (28 miles) Thursday was our last full day, and the planned culminating ride was 100 km, or 62 miles - what in the U.S. we refer to as a "Metric Century". Perhaps in Europe, it's just called a "Century" - I'm not sure. I had totally planned on doing this ride; I had even ridden a metric back home a week or so before the trip (for the record, my house to downtown Leesburg is a perfect metric century, all on trails except for maybe 1/2 mile of street riding). But then something came up. It turns out Thursday was Ascension Day, a Catholic holiday which according to ChatGPT (I don't know anything about Catholic holidays), " is a Christian holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed 40 days after Easter and signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and his exaltation to the right hand of God. On this day, believers gather for special church services, reflecting on the significance of Jesu...