After breakfast and morning ride meeting (several teams rode the optional loop, which we did not), we went to work at putting the tandem into the “casket”, our somewhat-mobile tandem transport.  Then it was off to explore the town and get some lunch.

We enjoyed the market, tasting delicious strawberries and a Portugese dessert with lots of sugar and eggs. At this point, Don faded and retreated to the hotel for a nap and I continued to do some shopping.  Don ended up staying in bed from 4+ hours, sleeping, resting, watching TV, hoping to rid his body of the nasty cold.

In the early evening, I went back to the Oude Markt, the long bar street, for a glass of rose wine and people watching.  Our final dinner at the De Kansel restaurant was loud and fun, lasting over 2 1/2 hours.

This morning we are being transported by bus to the Brussels Airport.  Several other teams are departing separately for more touring or early flights back to the U.S.

It was a great trip.  Must say we enjoyed the bike paths in the Netherlands more than those in Belgium. Also no cobblestones in Holland. But we learned a lot of history, from Waterloo to the WWI battles near Ypres and WWII.  A great group of teams to travel with, well organized by Pennywise, Steve and Karen.

Tomorrow we plan to take the train to Paris to visit our friends Christine and Patrice before flying home on Tuesday.  Back in Indianapolis in a week, after additional adventures in New York City (without bikes).