A sunny spring day, perfect for a long ride. I started in Rumst, following the river early in the morning. The sun was already up, reflecting off the calm water, and the air felt fresh and clean — a great start to the day.

The route followed quiet gravel paths along the river and through open fields. With hardly any wind and no traffic, it was just the sound of the tires and birds waking up. The surface switched between packed gravel, farm tracks, and the occasional stretch of tarmac — classic Belgian mix terrain.

Somewhere near Tielt-Winge, the landscape opened up completely: golden fields, long lines of trees, and a clear blue sky. The highlight of the day was definitely the Vlooybergtoren — that rusty steel “stairway to nowhere” in the middle of the fields. I parked the bike against it and climbed up for the view. From the top you can see miles of countryside, with Mechelen’s church tower faintly visible on the horizon.

After a short break, the last part rolled easily. Gravel roads turned into small lanes leading straight into Mechelen. By then, the sun was high and the temperature was perfect — one of those rare days where everything just feels right.