D5: Running away from the cops

Today was surprisingly easier that previous days. This was our longest day of the trip but was “mostly” flat. We very quickly learned that not biking on gravel or a up a hill makes the ride a lot more enjoyable and easy.

We had some pretty breath taking roads today and saw some interesting animals (emu or ostrich?).

The highlight of the day was the route forcing us to go through a road work pit as the only detour was 10k (look at pictures for the pit). As the last person was getting out of the pit, the window of one of the 10 houses of that village opened up and a grumpy old man said and I quote: “does anybody speak French” “yes I do” “well do you know how to read because it says you can’t pass by here” “oh sorry but don’t worry we’re leaving” “yeah well it’s not allowed and the police is going to come and you’re gonna be in a lot of trouble”. We immediately booked it and managed to bike away without any troubles. I hope one day this man will find inner peace and not feel the need to call the police on cyclists passing by his house.

We are now in Chimay for the last Trappists beer of the trip and are going to head back to Brussel with a stop in Charleroi tomorrow.