Gravel tour Putten

It seems to be 'blue monday' today. Could explain where an uncomfortable feeling comes from, but it could also just be the temperature outside. Not exactly comfortable, provided of course that you dress accordingly. Then there is not really that much going on, after all it is dry.

You can also seek refuge in the warmer south. This is not only seen on the news, all of social media is filled with (semi) professionals who are staying in the warmer places of this globe to spend hours on their bikes.

This trip to the south is not for everyone. And for most, such a trip does not fit within the current objectives of the season. Because sometimes nice recreational touring is more important than ultra competitively riding your snot in front of everyone. While chasing a KOM, lurking cunning competition or letting your closest cycling friends suffer in your wheel, can definitely be part of your weekly trip.

This was exactly the case on Sunday 16 January. A gravel ride with Putten as starting and ending point. From a spacious parking lot the navigation was started which quickly changed to an off-road surface. With two next to each other the ride started with a possibility for a conversation. Because of the half-wheel-forward battle starting a conversation became nothing more than uttering sentences to which the answer can also only consist of reciting a sentence.

Before halfway it became a train ride with alternating locomotives. Thanks to the longer straights the pace could be maintained well and everyone could choose a wheel.