Limburg hills

I got one today I had not done yet: the Fromberg. Nothing shocking, but a nice little climb, fairly steep at the bottom, then a long, much easier section (where you could really put down the hammer if you could make the switch from the steeper part). John, Olaf and I did it as part of a fifty miler which also included the Keutenberg, often the decider in the Amstel Gold Race, and the Cauberg (where the AGR finishes), along with lots of other little climbs. The Keutenberg I did in my lightest gear, 39x23, mostly standing up, the Cauberg too, but mostly sitting down. (Jeff, click on the links, and start studying!). Very nice day, and even though there were lots of riders out (there always are here), some part of organized tours, it was notably quieter than in our part of the country, also when it got to be late morning and early afternoon. Limburg is probably the only part of the Netherlands where cyclists don't automatically order apple pie. Instead, they order "vlaai," a local fruit pie specialty (also for sale at Schiphol airport). So we got cherry vlaai at our stop in Gulpen. They give you a tiny glass of water with your coffee. Other nice southern detail: with the coffee they brought out a shot glass of whipped cream with a little liquer. I didn't order coffee, but John and Olaf did. They both emptied their shot glasses and climbed the next hill like maniacs. They know how to live and how to treat their guests, down there. Next time, I'll order coffee too.