5, 2025 – Oudenaarde, Belgium
Part of the Spring Classics Camp (yes we run epic camps each year)
Okay. Let’s not romanticize this — Flanders doesn’t care about your feelings.
We got into Oudenaarde late. Threw bikes together in a hotel room with lighting designed by someone who’s clearly never changed a derailleur. Grabbed our packets, squeezed in a nervous little shakeout ride, and called it a night. Sleep was optional.
We rolled out early — like “still dark, still quiet” early — and within ten minutes we were in it. Cobblestones, wind, groups flying way too fast. Classic opening move: we matched pace with folks who clearly had different plans for the day. By mile 10, I knew it was gonna be a long one. By mile 40, at Aid Station #2, I felt like I’d aged a decade. Still four hours to go.
The route is relentless. Sixteen named cobbled sectors. Some short and snappy, others just dragged on — including a few that stretched over a mile and left us wondering if someone had quietly moved the finish line.
We hit all the heavy hitters:
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Koppenberg: Greasy, narrow, covered in humans walking bikes
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Muur van Geraardsbergen: Pure theatre — crowds, flags, noise
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Oude Kwaremont & Paterberg: Final boss energy. No mercy.
Thing is, the cobbles got worse as the day went on. Legs got heavier, arms more cooked, and your ability to find a clean line? Gone. You just hold on and hope the bike holds together.
We rode gravel bikes — smart move. Couldn’t believe I stayed upright on every climb. No dabbing, no walking. Just gritted it out while the road bikes scattered like loose luggage on the rough stuff.
Aid stations were solid: four in total, all stocked with waffles, gummies, and, at one point, a full-blown DJ spinning techno next to a table of bananas. Belgium’s wild like that.
And just when morale dipped? We found a secret Red Bull stop 14 miles from the finish. Might’ve been the most spiritual moment of my year.
The final 10 miles came with a headwind straight out of the underworld. Nobody said a word. Everyone just stared straight ahead and suffered. It was kind of beautiful.
Finished strong(ish), parked our bikes for free in the town square (shout out to Belgium for getting that part right), then grabbed beers and pastries. Out of frites, which felt like a final test of character. I passed by ordering two pastries.
Ride Stats:
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Distance: 101 miles / 162.5 km
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Elevation: 6,634 ft
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Time: 6:11:11
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Normalized Power: 287W
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TSS: 423 (Felt like 800)
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Work: 4,791 kJ
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VI: 1.36 (i.e., it was all over the place)
Was it hard? Absolutely.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Bonus: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Riding Flanders
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Bring a Gravel Bike
Doesn’t matter how nice your road setup is — you’re gonna regret it halfway up Koppenberg. The cobbles are rough, the climbs are slick, and traction is a privilege, not a guarantee. Gravel is the move. No debate. -
Eat. Drink. Then Eat Again.
This ride burns through fuel like a stunt car on fire. You’ll hit the wall if you wait too long. Take advantage of every aid station. Eat even if you’re not hungry. And if you find a Red Bull stop in the last hour? That’s divine intervention. Take it. -
Don’t Be Polite on the Climbs
There’s one good line on most of these climbs, and it fills up fast. If you want to ride to the top, you’re going to have to raise your voice. “Coming through!” isn’t rude — it’s survival. Say it like you mean it and whatever you do, don’t stop pedaling.
