Another visit to the bierkroeg

Yesterday we again visited The Trappist, a bierkroeg in Oakland. Here are some shots.

Almost looks like an alley in Gent this way

Inside the bar is decorated with beer ads, like this Dutch one

We had two Duvel Greens, in small Duvel glasses

Menu: the fare is more German than Flemish

In this shot it almost looks like a smoky Belgian bar, but there is no smoke here

Blood, sweat and beers

For those of you who just tuned in, I am still on my blogular holiday, so for now all you get is some pictures to keep you entertained.

Today's theme is blood, sweat and beers. There is no blood (thank goodness) but plenty of sweat, and a great beer called Saison de Dottignies. Dottignies is a town that is also known as Dottenijs near Kortrijk -but just over the language border. The beer is actually brewed in the Flemish region by Brouwerij De Ranke in Wevelgem, but is in the Walloon style. I love it. I like it even better than the Saison Dupont I reviewed earlier -and which may be more authentic for all I know.

What is also ironic -at least for Europeans- is that these are seasonal brews (saison means season) meant for late summer refreshment but I am drinking them in winter.

Sweat on the floor. Also notice the rust on the roller frame. Hard workouts!

A good brew to rehydrate!

Finally, this shot of people waiting outside the Apple store for the iPad2. They had been there for over 6 hours already and there were at least another six to go.

The umbrella line

Kermiskoers

The big news yesterday was of course the season opener for kermesse races, better known as kermiskoersen in Flanders. While Americans tend to think kermesse means race or local race, Belgians know there is more to a kermis than a bike race.

In any case, Steven Caethoven of Veranda's Willems won in Wanzele by beating out Klaas Lodewyck in a five man sprint at the end of a 170 km event marred by rain and wind. An eleven man breakaway started at 35 km and held on to the end, when five made a final break from the break. The leader was quoted as saying,"This feels really good, the first win is always the most difficult."

And here is another gas picture to lighten your day. Yes gas is expensive -for Americans that is, Europeans would think it is a bargain. Please don't send any whining letters complaining about high gas prices. I too do not like to pay more, but in the end I think we should. We should pay A LOT MORE for gas.

The solution? Drive less. It is healthier and better for the environment.

Over $4 a gallon!

More wardrobe malfunctions

This example was apparently too racy for even the Belgians, or at least Belgian bankers at KBC. It is an announcement for the E3 Prijs in Harelbeke. It will be replaced by a more modest picture showing three riders,  Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Juan Antonio Flecha. I know Tommeke is hot, but he is no match for Gaelle!

 See here for other wardrobe malfunctions in Belgium.

More pictures

First Big Kahuna in 2003. One of my first half-iron distance races. The water was so cold that year it took me almost 10 minutes in transition to warm up and get going. I was told the swim course was too long--it surely felt that way. My total time was 5:39:05 and I was 13th in my age group. I swam for almost 1 hour (52:01) and was thoroughly frozen. The bike leg on my old Merckx that John Cobb thought was way too small for me. Last shot is near the finish on the beach, Annelise tried to run into the chute with me but I did not see her coming so I ran past her.

FROZEN!!

On the bike, a 2:36:19

Finish, Annelise in the background

Photo Interlude

During my absence from blogular posts, a few photographs to entertain you.

The top tube of the Parlee after it was fixed

With the IM Canada sticker

It seems the guys from down under are going to win everything this year. A New Zealand win in Paris Nice, another New Zealander in Driedaagse and an Australian in Kuurne. To say nothing of what happened in Arabia.

Oakland

This defunct furniture was dumped on Marlborough Terrace in the Oakland hills yesterday. It was witnessed by a neighbor who told the offenders she would call the police. She did but nobody cares or maybe the City thinks this is a suitable art nouveau installation? That is Oakland for you.

I took a break yesterday. Unfortunately, it is raining today. Kreitler Rollers of course: 1hr 15 minutes, 1,205 calories.

art installation on Marlborough Terrace

Also tried this Belgian beer recently: St Feuillien. It is now pretty big in California. A Tripel much like Tripel Karmeliet but I prefer the latter. 

St. Feuillien in a generic glass

Finally, congrats to Thomas De Gendt, a big victory in Paris Nice! Alberto also showed his mettle in the Tour of Murcia.