We came by car and started at daybreak, temperature was fresh but pleasant.
The goal was to finish the same day and if possible before the sunset, no precise time goal (couldn't fix a common goal, but somewhere between 10 and 16 hours :-). We took everything we need with us but had the option to be joined by a friend for the last few kilometers.
The first kilometers passed quite good, more rolling and well known terrain for us. After the first small ascents and technical parts and just before Malmedy, I had to sat down to calm my fast bumping/fibrillating heart (well known problem for me), which went well afterwards. Filled up a first time our flasks at a public tap in front of the "Malmundarium" in the center of Malmedy. Then serious things started with the two bigger ascents up to "Ferme Libert" and up the "Trôs Marets" river. The flatter part around "Mont" and "Xhoffraix" and the uphill after the "Cascade du Beyehon" were luckily relatively dry on this day. As temperaturs were now quite hot we were happy to fill up our bottles a second time at "Botrange". Then came the long downhill towards Eupen with some welcomed faster rolling parts after "Hertogenhügel".
Filled up once more (my water filter wasn't working because I forgot a part at home, but Michael had also a smaller one who worked well) at the river along the path. Entering Eupen our legs started feeling a bit washed-out but didn't leave us. Next free fill up was at the youth hostel. Passing the town center the filled pubs, restaurants and terraces looked very inviting but we stayed on our way!
Leaving Eupen by its eastern heights we were expecting some unknown paths because we didn't know the whole track. Approaching Raeren there were indeed some new sections to us through meadows and nice gravel roads. The temptation was to big, we needed a motivation push and called our friend Levi to bring us some coke, sparkling water and water melon and meet us in Eynatten. Sin was done but oh so good to have some fresh drinks and another taste than gels and salt/electrolyte tablets. Leaving Eynatten (free tap at the bus station for those who are searching for water) it was around 6pm (12h from start).
Unfortunately Michis stomach started cramping and he couldn't get anything in anymore (but even more out :-) and we were forced to a few stops. We were still moving forward but much slower, once Hauset passed we could only walk anymore. The track was still quite interesting around Hauset and Astenet with constantly changing views and terrain. A dog was keeping a close guard to his masters farm just before Lontzen. Arriving at Hergenrath we had to turn on our headlamps but were still discovering new trails.
We were happy to finish around 10pm at the "Dreiländereck" and return with Levis car.