Stage 7 Goodbye Belgium Hello Lux

-> Today's Route 74miles

-> Poix Saint-Hubert (Belg) to Mordorf-Les-Bains (Lux)

-> Ascend : 1050 metres, Descend 1225 metres

See route here :- http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=610960

Lets start today's blog with a few facts.:-

Total Miles since leaving London last Sunday = 494 (at finish today)

Total Calories Burnt so far = 29,000

Gruffalo's sightings, 4 claimed , none confirmed. 

Muscled cows: 486

Working Tractors: 27

Rainy days : 6 out of 6 (Today the worst)

Helicopters : 0, therefore no bonus points awarded. 

After rising at 7:15, I have to admit that we all looked a little broken at breakfast. We consumed as much as was physically possible, faffed around for ages, before lining up for a photo to prove where we were. 

After an initial 200 metre climb we decided to have one last look around the forests of the Ardennes for a Gruffalo, apparently that say "haven't you heard" but no one seemed to have told us. 

It proceeded to rain heavily for the first four hours of the day, as we climbed 700 metres in the driving cold rain. Facing adversity head on.  Despite all of this, the chatter was good and our spirts remained high.  

We met Dominique for lunch after 45 miles at Arlon, then devoured a pizza to start, followed by pasta all around. Here's Arlon cathedral- 

With only 30 miles to go, a net descent to come and the rain finally beginning to ease, we set off just looking to get to a hotel as quickly as possible to warm up. 

 

With 5 miles to go, we entered Luxembourg, goodbye Belgium. You make lovely chips!

Having checked into the hotel, we warmed up in hot showers, then headed to dinner. 

Mike's two co-riding stages from Brussels to Lux are now over. He rode amazingly well, particularly on the climbs, he deserved a trophy, so we managed to borrow something in a bar, making him the king of the Ardennes hills. 

Then we toasted his ride with a bottle of champagne and a few beers, followed by a nightcap. 

Tomorrow is going to be tricky!

One last mention, Happy Birthday to Micci (Dom's mum) who is looking after our children at home, without whom none of this would be possible. Big birthday kiss X

Brett x