Kent Wesselman - Winona,  MN That's a fine question, Kent - one that I have gotten frequently over the years. I find it funny that a person from Minnesota is asking that, seeing as how the land of 10,000 lakes is one giant, frozen tundra for about 8 months out of the year. But then again, since I lived in Minnesota long enough to freeze my bones completely, I will quit hassling you. Belgium has terrible weather - no questions asked. It does, however, have an absolutely fanatical cycling culture and the racing is tough. On any given day, an amateur racer can choose from any number of races, where it is not necessary to be on a team. All I had to do was show up and race. It was great. Racing in Belgium absolutely, positively made me tough enough to be a pro. I am not sure it is the greatest choice for everyone, (I wouldn't send a true climber there) but it was a good one for me. Whether or not you want to go seek fame and fortune in Europe as a bike racer, make sure you make it to Belgium someday for the Classics.