January doesn’t ask politely. Cold air, visible breath, hands wrapped around coffee cups instead of handlebars. And yet, that’s exactly why we ride.
On Saturday, January 18th, riders gathered in Kortrijk for the Velofollies Frostbite Rideout, co-organized by Classified, Hunt, Jaegher and Albion, just outside the rhythm of the Velofollies show.
The ride started at Onja Coffee. A warm, cosy meeting point filled with familiar faces, winter kits, and quiet anticipation. Then outside again, straight into January. Pavé, smooth tarmac, gravel paths. Road bikes, gravel bikes, all-road setups: everybody welcome, no labels.
Mud came quickly, as expected. Bikes coated, hubs dirty but fully sealed, spirits high. The sun broke through as the group rolled on, winter light warming faces and loosening legs.
A highlight moment followed: rolling into the Roubaix Velodrome. A few slow laps, smiles all around, and a shared nod to cycling history: not racing it, just enjoying it.
From there, playtime. A stop at a local pump track, where road and gravel bikes did a few unnecessary tricks, purely for fun. Laughter, small jumps, zero seriousness.
As sunset accompanied the ride back to Kortrijk, the pace eased naturally. Tired legs, muddy bikes, clear heads. Back where it started, with warmth, coffee, and the quiet satisfaction of a winter ride done right. Good people, good bikes, and a reminder of why we ride: even in January.
Photo © Manu Cattrysse
