Welcome to my first blog! Let me introduce myself - Colin Funk or Dr. Funk to be formal. I'm a Queen's University professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and I'm heading over to Ghent, Belgium for a mini-sabbatical at a research institute. I will also be taking part in my favorite sport - cyclocross! Here you can follow my experiences on the Belgian Master's cyclocross racing circuit.
I'll be staying at the Chain Stay, a home away from home for cyclists coming to Belgium operated by Gregg and Holly Germer in a small town called Oudenaarde about 28 km from Ghent.
I got the idea of doing this blog from Bob Woods, who has been organizing the Eastern Ontario Cyclocross series for more than 20 years. Thanks Bob for the suggestion!
I've never raced in Europe before so I'm looking forward to the challenge of competing with the best in the true home of cyclocross racing. I haven't been to Belgium since my first trip to Europe more than 30 years ago so the whole experience here will be like new.
My first race is November 19th in Zelzate, Belgium. So, look for my next post shortly after I get over to Europe on the 15th.
Competing in my first cross race of the season in Syracuse, NY - October 16, 2011
Playing catch up at Nationals after mechanical problems
Colin, While you are in Oudenaarde you can ride most of the cobbled bergs used in the Tour Of Flanders. Fabled stuff, you have to do them. Maps are available at the cycling museum. If it the same one we scratched our heads about in 2005 get Gregg to point out the proper approaches as the race is run.
ReplyDeletegood luck Ian Stewart
Ian, today I did the Koppenberg and Paterberg!
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