When we first connected our ‘inside’ training bikes to the computer we hoped for a world of imagination and improved fitness without traveling beyond our ‘pain cave’.

No, then came ROUVY, then came the Muckers, then came friendship.

It is April 2024 and we have just completed the 2nd Muckers Flandrien Cycling Trip. Avatars from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and the UK became real faces, real names, riding on the very real Cobbles of Flanders.

Andy, and Sarah, were our hosts again, planning over a number of weeks, our preferred area to stay, our preferred climbs and routes, our preferred alcohol and do we want Mayo or Ketchup on our Belgian Frites. Once again, superb organisation which was really appreciated by everyone, thank you Andy, we all arrived safely, rode safely and all returned home safely, you can relax satisfied on a job well done.

Added bonus this year was a very willing and enthusiastic support car driven by Silvia, who was even more encouraging and enthusiastic. Last year we did not take enough photos, this year, we each have a wonderful record of memories and ‘pain face’ pictures on Cobbles. Food and water was available every thirty minutes, a good excuse for a five minute rest and more conversation. Again, we thank Silvia for being the ‘directeur sportif’ and incredible support all weekend.

We stressed about the weather, in the UK we always stress about weather! Dodgy forecasts did not become reality and we were able to enjoy the iconic climbs with only ‘slightly damp’ Cobbles. The wind on day two was another matter, but you haven’t experienced Flanders if you haven’t had a 30mph headwind kissing your face.

The riding? Saturday 60miles, Sunday 40miles. A social group ride outside is something to be enjoyed. We chatted, we shared the wind, we raced to finish lines, we stopped to regroup and supported each other throughout. No mechanical disasters and the rubber stayed on ground. Gear Ratios and Tyre Width were subjects of great discussion and, occasionally, minor regret. The author of this article will probably return with a bigger plate at the back and tractor tyres next year.

The people? The essential ingredient. We arrive with three things in common; ROUVY, Muckers, Friendship. Every person present has commented how we connected like friends known for a lifetime. Each new face to the group adding another positive into the mix.

So here goes, so much pressure not to forget someone … To friendship: Andy, Sarah, Rens, Ard, Linda, Mick, Silvia, Torben, Steve … Muckers founders Neil & Kyle (this is all your fault) … and special one day guest appearances by Ludwig and ROUVY embassadors Lauren and Noel. Salute and Kudos to you all.

Along the way there were personal triumphs, personal bests, dropped chains, dropped bottles, some headaches, battered bodies and very sore wrists … but … it is what it is … We really don’t care.

Back to being Avatars now.