My first FKT!
After being an FKT observer for quite some time I finally had to give it a go. So when planning a weekend away near Dinant adding an FKT attempt to the itenary was a no brainer.
Trail(s) de Godinne is a series of routes all starting near the Godinne train station, making it very accessible. We went for the Blue trail a 16 km loop (480m elevation) and an FKT.
We, my brother Florian and Cousin Thomas, arrived around 10 in the morning. To warm up we scouted the frist 1.5 km, a great decision as there are some sneaky and easy to miss turns (going counterclockwise - the route is only signposted in that direction). Florian continued on, and Thomas and I returned to the start.
The plan? Thomas would pace me the first and last 5km while Florian would be supporting along the route. Off we went. Despite the course recon we took 2 small misturns and I dropped Thomas on the first climb. It never really goes as planned...
At 5km I spotted Florian. Time +-26 minutes, 2 minutes ahead of schedule. The next 5 km was very flowy, I held back slightly to have some speed left for the end. At 10km I spotted Florian again, time +-50 minutes a great time. From here on Thomas was back!
At around 12 km in the climbing is done and you are only left with a nice gradual descent back to Godinne. It felt like flying. Way ahead of schedule and ahead of the goal of running sub 1h20m. I finished in a time of 1h16m05s my first FKT.
So much fun! Support along the route is non essential but why would you not share sucha great experience with others if you can? I also didn't eat or drink, its short enough that that seems like a luxury.
I hope somebody goes for a new FKT soon. Maybe sub 1h15m? That would be a great excuse to come back, although giving the other trails a try is already reason enough to return.
Get out there - keep moving.
Kobe Vandelanotte