Brussels to Namur 68km

Thank goodness for Benedikt’s brilliant navigation skills, we made it out of Brussels. It was extremely busy and quite confusing with dedicated bike paths, shared paths, park shortcuts and disappearing bike infrastructure at crucial times on busy roads. The focus was to get to Wavre as step one and then focus on Namur as step two. Benedikt took responsibility for step one and me for step two. 

The ride was lovely although it was much hillier than expected and for day one on the loaded bike, it was a little challenging as I’m still getting used to the balance and the weight. Benedikt was so patient as I navigated my way with the bike and we had a fabulous day. 

Benedikt is travelling light! 

Finally found an EV5 sign! 

We arrived at a friend’s house around 3:30pm after almost 70km and 700m of elevation, with tired legs and hungry bellies. It wasn’t long before we were showered and in search of a supermarket for some much needed calories. We had a lovely evening chatting and sharing stories.

I’ve decided to take a rest day as I still have quite a bit of lingering fatigue and low grade headaches from the viral meningitis, combined with a big first day on the bike weighing roughly 35-40kg, I need some extra time to recover. 

Sightseeing in Brussels

 Some pictures of my adventures through Brussels.

The adventure begins

After a marathon journey of 30 ish hours, I made it to Brussels. I assembled the bike at the airport in a random spot as I couldn’t locate the bike station nor many staff to ask for assistance. 

It’s always a relief to see the bike arrive, albeit with the box a little worse for wear. Everything went together well except for attaching the handlebar bracket which I really struggled with. I managed to get it attached but it’s definitely not right and something I need to address today, along with a few other things, but nothing major. 

I rode into the city centre on some separated bike ways and road cycle routes. The route between tram tracks was too much for my tired brain to navigate the heavy bike safely, so I walked those sections. The hostel is in the city centre and I have a private room. Apparently I’m too old to stay in a dorm, not that I’d want to anyway. I’ve already managed to find a GF bakery, GF chips and GF beer. 

I’ll try to do a bit more on the bike today before heading out for some sightseeing. The weather is showery and cool but I’m on holidays so am not complaining, 

Only 14 days to go.....

It's hard to believe my last post was in 2025 after finally landing on my itinerary for this year. It's been a busy time since then with a birthday celebration, Christmas, a trip to the Tour Down Under with friends, lots of riding and a significant bout of illness. 

Unfortunately, I contracted viral meningitis recently and it's been a total reset for me. After a trip to hospital and the realisation that this was a significant illness meant a total halt to training, I've been completely focussed on recovery for the past few weeks. The impact of this virus has been so challenging both physically and emotionally. I am however extraordinarily grateful for my friends and the wonderful medical services we have access to in Australia.

Luckily, this illness has been far enough away from my departure, that I've managed to start to recover and get some strength back. Unfortunately, the headaches and fatigue can continue for up to three months but I'm confident that I'm in a good place to start my trip in 14 days, albeit at a little slower pace until I see how I go. 

I'm looking forward to sharing my adventure this year, 2000km +/- and seven countries. How lucky am I to be able to do this? I feel privileged with a passport that allows me to travel freely. 

Some pictures from the past few weeks, including questioning my life choices as I dehydrate dishwashing liquid. 😂

2026 - 7 Countries, 2000 +/- kms, 49 days

It's taken a little longer than normal for me to settle on my plans for 2026. 

I've been quite unwell since returning from Corsica and Portugal/Spain this year, so I decided to use the time wisely and plan for my big trip next year. I have a lot of options on my long list but settled on this trip to allow me to get back into full touring cycling mode after my road cycling and hiking adventures this year. 

I'll be taking seven weeks leave from work to travel to Brussels and then head south towards Switzerland, eventually heading east towards Hungary. I hope to pick up some of the Eurovelo routes and complete a portion of the Danube. My rough itinerary is linked in the tab at the top of this blog. I've started to do a rough map (subject to change) in Velo Planner, which I've snapped below. 

I hope to be able to catch up with friends along the way and explore some areas I've not seen before. There are some sections I have already travelled but not for many years, so I'm sure they will feel new again. 

Now to decide which bike to take???

Summing up.....

What a diverse trip, full of adventure with a combination of cycling in Corsica, hiking in Portugal and Spain and, visiting Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 

Some stats for those interested in the numbers.

Cycling - 634km, 9897m elevation, 7 days

Hiking - 230km, 3249m elevation, 11 days

Sightseeing including rest days - 246km

Travel days - 8, Rest days - 6, Total days - 32

As my body starts to recover from such a physically exhausting trip, I'm finding time to reflect on what an achievement this has been. I did a lot of training in preparation and feel that definitely made a difference. 

Corsica was outstanding. Some of the most amazing scenery I have ever witnessed. Live Life Cycling did an outstanding job of supporting the riders. Being able to ride in such a beautiful place reminds me of how fortunate I am to be able to travel. 

Given my original plan for the Portuguese Camino was in 2020, I feel like I finally have closure. With delays due to Covid and broken bones, to finally finish feels complete for me. To be able to spend the last few days with my best buddy Brian, was such a privilege, and to finally get back to Notre Dame Cathedral was the icing on the cake. 

Barcelona was a whirlwind visit so I'll definitely head back there at some point. Some final words.

1. People are predominantly kind. Being truly cared for is fulfilling.

2. Mistakes happen. You won't always get everything right.

3. Hiking is not my jam.

4. Cycling is my jam.

5. Always take time to smell the roses, and take pictures!

6. Value those you love, and tell them!

7. I'm still learning how to be kind to myself. It's a work in progress.

8. Life is short. Don't put off those things that are important to you!

Paris 16km

I returned to Paris for one night to collect my bag from my cycling trip and to see Notre Dame! The fire was in 2019 just before I arrived in Paris and despite a few failed attempts since, I wasn’t going to miss it this time. There is something about Paris this I find so alluring, even though I’ve visited more than a dozen times. 

The refurbishment is amazing. It’s so different from the cathedral I remember. Everything is so bright and clean. 

It’s off home for me now. I’ll post my usual ‘summing up’ blog in due course. Thanks to all those following along.