Earlier today I returned from a 151 km, two day cycle ride to the south of Heerlen.
I left home yesterday before 07:30, still dark and only 6c.
My objective was to cycle to the German city of Aachen where the Vennbahn starts and follow it for about 68 km to my planned overnight stop in the small Belgian village of Weywertz.
By the time I had cycled the 16 km to the centre of Aachen the rain started and I was glad I made the decision to wear my waterproofs from the beginning of the ride.
The Vennbahn cycle route is built alongside or on the actual route of long-closed railway lines and today I was cycling slightly uphill for most of the day.
Even though conditions were not ideal I stopped fairly frequently to take photos of the wonderful autumn colours that lined my route.
Despite the weather and frequent stops I arrived at my B&B in Weywertz mid-afternoon.
After settling in and changing into dry clothes I wandered towards the only eatery in the village.
On my way I came across a small bar, and had a couple of small beers, Stella Artois was the only choice!
After my Calzone at the pizzeria I wandered back to the B&B and was soon sleeping soundly.
Breakfast this morning was magnificent and certainly set me up for a fairly hilly day on the bike.
Fortunately it was dry and somewhat warmer than yesterday.
Today I cycled up to Signal de Botrange, which at 694 metres above sea level, is the highest point in Belgium.
Some time later I also cycle up to the highest point in the Netherlands at Vaalserberg (322 metres above sea level).
This also the location of Drielandenpunt, where Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet.
From here it was almost all downhill for the last 15 km or so back to Heerlen.
With snow forecast here in a few days time, who knows when I’ll get out on the bike again.
Today’s featured image is one of many taken in the large, scenic forests to the south of Eupen, Belgium.
