I had planned a free day to ride my motorcycle across Belgium’s Ardennes region. The weather wasn’t ideal, but the temperature did soar over 14 degrees, so we were satisfied. I usually keep a rain jacket in my motorcycle panniers, so I never have to worry about getting wet.

Because I had a tight schedule, I took the first 50 kilometres on the highway to save time. I’d get off the motorway in Belgium at Riemst. When I took the exit, I was already surprised. This is the location where many fruit farmers are located, and all of the fruit trees are blooming at this time. It is a magnificent location, and many people from all over Belgium come to watch the bike in between the trees and the beautiful hues.

I cross the Belgian and Dutch borders often. When the national border bends, boundary markers are placed. I saw the markings on the land seen in the photos below. The Netherlands-Belgium border was created provisionally on August 8, 1839, and then permanently in 1843 with the Treaty of Maastricht. Historically, one border post could see the next; but, due to construction, this is only sometimes the case currently. All posts and stones are listed and described in the cadastral registry. In certain circumstances, municipal monuments act as border markers.

I arrive at Clermont after a few kilometres. What a lovely, tiny place! I had no idea it existed. When I arrive in town, the road signs inform me that the village is a member of the group Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie. (one of the most picturesque villages in southern Belgium)

The settlement was first mentioned in the 13th century. The church was erected between 1628 and 1832, with components from an older church built in 1567 integrated. The previous town hall was erected in 1888 in a Renaissance Revival style influenced by Mosan Renaissance architecture, of which there are several good original examples in the hamlet. In the settlement, there is also a 17th-century walled farm.

After this lovely surprise, I proceeded on my journey and came across more Bilstain road signs. It was one of my very first Motor magazine photoshoots. It was an enduro, supermotard, and trail park at the time.
After more than a decade, I decided to pay a visit.

The lovely motor park has been renovated into an adventure park where bicycles and motorcycles coexist. However, there has been a major reaction to the known noise annoyance, and strict regulations are being implemented to keep it to everyone’s pleasure.

When you’re on the road, you may stay the night in the park, which has a wonderful restaurant and bar. What more could you want?
The link https://www.rdmcbilstain.be

My journey was far from done. No, I had a strategy in my brain, and I was concentrated on getting to the La Gileppe reservoir in between rain showers. It was not far away, and after only 10 minutes of cycling, I would be at my first road point quickly. But first, I stopped at Limbourg. A little town with a lot of history and beautiful historical structures I came to a halt in the city square.

Limbourg is situated on top of a hill, which is encircled by the Vesdre River. This provided the city with a significant military edge during the Middle Ages, allowing it to defend itself against foreign invaders. In the Middle Ages, the reigning dynasty rose to the position of duke, and the town became the capital of the Duchy of Limburg, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire’s Lower Lorraine province.

The town was involved in the War of the Spanish Succession and fell to British and Dutch Republican troops headed by the Duke of Marlborough in 1703. The number of tonnes of history created is approximately 90 km from my door and extremely well kept.

After barely 5 minutes of riding on a wonderful, winding route, I arrive at my first official road point, the Gileppe River’s reservoir. I was here when I was in high school, so it had been over 30 years. I couldn’t even remember how it was, but seeing it again today astounds me just as much as it did when I was 12.

The Gileppe Dam was erected in the 1870s to give water to the local Verviers wool industry. The massive construction, with its extremely thick profile, was regarded as one of Europe’s strongest dams at the time, and it was the first dam completed in contemporary Belgium. It was renowned in the first decade of the twenty-first century for supplying the majority of the drinking water for the city of Verviers, as well as industrial water and hydroelectricity.

As the rain fell from the sky, it was not the finest time for photographs. Fortunately, I had my Canon materials with me, which are completely sealed and do not have any water issues.

With an adventure park being built close to the reservoir and numerous school buses still visiting, it is clear that it is still a popular tourist destination in the south of Belgium.

I handled my time perfectly, even though it was just 12:30. I had some time remaining and planned to continue my journey towards the Spa racing circuit. The Francorchamps racing circuit is one of the most renowned on the F1 calendar. When I arrived, it appeared that a race was taking place over the weekend. This was the 12th Belcar tournament. They were doing free practice when I arrived. I’ve been quite lucky!

The sound of the V12 engines roaring is stunning, and some really special automobiles show their colours. Audi GT, Lamborghini, Porsche Belcars, and even an Aston Martin One truck appeared as I was standing with an open mouth, shooting the automobiles at rapid speed. A truck loaded with the brand new Aston Martin DBS Ultimate V12 2024 I had to snap some photographs.

After this beautiful afternoon, I started my BMW and drove home. What a fantastic day I had. Meeting the heritage of my homeland and learning about the latest automotive technologies.

I’ve been in the motor and automobile sector since I was 12 years old, so it’s in my blood. Smelling the gas from a two-stroke motorbike appeal to me.

This is known as passion!

Passion is highly vital in life since it provides the drive and inspiration to appreciate life every day.
I didn’t have any expectations for today. I just wanted to ride my motorcycle, which is my passion. My other interest is taking images and travelling across the world.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to travel today, which made me feel alive and kicking despite the rain showers!

Live life to the fullest…. Passion is what you make of it!

Thank you