On 2nd April 2022, a few of the BBB female members took part on different distances of this cyclosportive. Here, some of them share their expectations and impressions on the We Ride Flanders-RVV. Let yourself be inspired and be the next one taking part of it!
For further information, an official We Ride Flanders-RVV video is available here.
YVONNE (48, GERMAN)
Still new to Belgium then, I thought it would be fun to participate in such a big classic and some friends from abroad wanted to join. I knew that some BBB members would be there as well.
The closer the date approached, the more I heard about the particularities, especially the many participants, the long stretches of cobblestones and steep climbs. Combined with the overall distance of 144 km I chose to ride and the overall elevation gain, my respect (and fear) grew!
Regarding the iconic cobblestones …
😣😖😫😩🥺😢😭😳🥵🥵😱🤯😲 🤨 🫣
Tough, rough, and during and after the RVV I often thought: Oh no! Never again! But now I would say: never say never!
During and after the RVV I often thought: Oh no! Never again! But now I say: never say never!
Would I recommend it to others who might be interested to do this sort of cyclosportive? Yes, do it and challenge yourself, enjoy the event at your pace and with so many other riders. And consider doing it on a gravel bike!
MARIANNE (36, FRENCH)
How did I think about taking part on the RVV? Good question… I think I didn’t think 🙂 I just registered with MC not thinking about the consequences! I’m always very enthusiastic and I register for every cycling events MC (Marie-Cécile) suggests and at the end : I wonder why???
I expected to hate cobbles : done! I didn’t want to be stuck in the crowded climbs but finally it was ok because I left early morning (good advice taken from Marc).
There was a great atmosphere. The public cheered during the biggest climbs, it was very nice and gave me good vibes.
If you are interested to cycle at this sort of cyclosportive, don’t hesitate, it’s fun.
MARIE-CÉCILE (44, BELGIAN)
I was a bit afraid by the gradient of some climbs. As I had a knee issue then I chose to go for the shortest route (75kms instead of the 144kms initially planned). Looking back it was a wise choice: sometimes it’s good to be reasonable too 🙂 Like Marianne I was happy not to be stuck in the crowd as we left early (we started together even though she went for the 144kms route!).
Some of those climbs are really tough because of the gradient and the cobbles. But you always get uphill no matter how slow or even if you need to take a break during the ascension to catch your breath. Riding such an iconic and difficult road is not nothing so it’s OK if you don’t do it as fast as Lotte Kopecky: just do your best and be proud of your achievements.
It’s OK if you don’t do it as fast as Lotte Kopecky
The encouragements of the public were really welcomed and gave me a boost.
Would I recommend it to others who might be interested to do this sort of cyclosportive? Yes it’s really fun and the atmosphere is worth discovering it. Don’t underestimate the climbs and distance: choose wisely and train enough upfront.
