[the old man]

Spent last weekend (13th - 16th) in southern Belgium at the Chimay road races - proper road races on closed off public roads. Until two months ago i'd never heard of them; are they a secret or is it just me?

They run a series of classic car and bike races throghout the year plus the bike meeting I attended. Practice / qualifying on Saturday and racing all day Sunday. It's a 5 Km public road course, loads of classes includig GP125 & 250, Sidecars and a three hour mini endurance race. It cost €15 for a weekends access to the paddock and the who circuit is accessable on foot - many places have no armoco at all; just fresh air between you and screaming race bikes!!

In the evening the town centre is 10 minutes walk away; its other claim to fame is Chimay beer, 7%, 8% or 9% alcohol. Oh, and as many frites and mayo as you can eat. A brilliant weekend.