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| Just another fantastic view along the route |
Ride Report
Pre-ride
Due to the length of our planned stay in Europe, a week of work sandwiched between two bike tours, we booked our travel with no cushion for travel contingencies (delayed flights, lost baggage, missed connections, etc.). We were quite lucky that we encountered no such contingencies and arrived in Clervaux (including two 4 minute train connections on the Belgian railway), with our bags and most of our sanity intact!
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| Ready to depart on the PHX to LHR flight |
British Airways provides daily service between Phoenix Sky Harbor and London Heathrow airport. Boarding Friday evening, it is a 10 hour non-stop that arrives in the early afternoon Saturday. With the bike boxes in tow, we decided to simply catch a connecting flight to Brussels and found ourselves in the customs area nearly empty, collected our bags,and proceeded straight through.
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| Departing the big bird for the next flight to Brussels |
We pre-purchased our train tickets from Brussels to Clervaux on the Belgian Train App and found the airport train station and waited for our train to Leuven. We mistakenly boarded a local train for Leuven but were happy we did, the 'express' was late and we would have missed our 4 minute connection in Liege for the next train to Clervaux!
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| Debby was especially happy to see a tub upon arriving in Clervaux! |
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Fifteen minutes from our scheduled arrival in Clerveax, we phoned the hotel from the train for directions and our desk clerk/driver/bell cap picked us up at the station, checked us in and showed us to our fantastic room. We met our tour guides (Isacco and Alessandro) as we were checking in and found our way into our room.
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| G. Thomas wrapping up his TDF victory! |
We switched on the television and caught the last few kilometers of the TDF time trial before heading out for a walk around town and dinner. All the while, counting our blessings that we arrived with no travel hassle, bags intact, and ready to ride!
Day 1 - Clervaux
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| Mass in Clervaux |
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Bike fittings were from 10:30 to 12:30 and our guides would be prepping the equipment earlier, so with bike cases in hand it was to the garage to assemble the steeds right after breakfast. Happily, a well-lit parking space had been reserved in our name so there was plenty of room to assemble the bikes, and both were ready to go in about an hour and a half. There was a well timed local Mass at 10am at the nearby church, so off we went, with plenty of time before the lunch. The mass was in German, but we had our Laudate apps and could follow along in English!
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| Rider brief and Garmin instructions |
We met in the hotel restaurant for lunch and introductions with the rest of our group and an overview of the remainder of the day's activities which included several aperitifs, both cycling and beer related! The cycling version was a 13 mile loop with 1,200 feet of climbing and the beer version was the first of many Trappist beers that would be enjoyed throughout the trip!
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| Finally on the bikes! |
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| Alessandro taking descending shots! |
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| Overlook of Clervaux on the warm-up ride |
The loop was along quiet roads and included a few brief sections of cobblestones and some steep ramps and descents. The perfect shake-down ride to work out a few bike and body adjustments for the journey ahead. We stopped for some photos on a 'balcony' overlooking the town before returning to the hotel to clean up for our beer aperitif, trip overview and dinner!
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| Our first beer introduction | | |
The destination for the evenings festivities was the Ecuries du Parc. This establishment has been certified by the Orval brewery for many years and did not disappoint.
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| Iasacco and Alessandro outline our route across Belgium |
Day 2 - Clervaux to La Grande Cure
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| Alessandro provides the morning brief |
After the typical Ciclismo morning routine (early up, coffee, breakfast, pack, bags in lobby, rider brief), we soon leave Luxembourg for the Belgian Ardennes; small villages, beautiful forests, and many war memorials commemorating aspects of the Battle of the Bulge and many other WWI and WWII conflicts. The Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic professional bike race takes place in the area and one of climbs traditionally included in that annual Monument is on tap for the day!
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| A B-24 crashed here (Rettigny) in WWII |
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| These guys are pointing to the Achouffe Brewery |
Today's beer tasting was about half-way into the route at the Achouffe Brewery. Somehow we ended up off the front and were able to 'sample' some wares before the rest of the group arrived for the official tasting.
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| Beer tasting before lunch! |
Some of the group stayed for lunch while we pressed on for more options in La Roche en Ardenne.
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| Outside La Roche en Ardenne |
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| Starting to warm up! |
La Roche en Ardenne was bustling with activity. Later in the day a stage of the Tour of Flanders would be finishing here and the town was already rocking. With the temperature rising, a big meal was the last thing we needed. The 'extra loop' for the day would start here and with the hotel in Marcourt was only about 10 kilometers away, we found some frites and gelato for a mid-ride snack. The plan was to ride to the hotel, check Deb in, and return to town for the extra loop.
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| Ourthe river near Marcourt |
The route leaving town was a short steep uphill followed by a long descent to Marcourt along the Ourthe river. New pavement, deep forest,
and great river views made those K's flash by! Soon we crossed the Ourthe river and started the short but steep climb to the hotel.
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| Path to La Grande Cure hotel |
Isacco was unloading the bags, so we grabbed ours and headed to the room. West facing, and without A/C, it was quite warm! At least the days laundry would dry quickly!
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| 3K banners on the Cote de La Roche en Ardenne |
The route back to La Roche en Ardenne, is on the race route for the days stage of the Tour of Flanders and most of the intersections had security personnel on hand to control traffic. The race was still more than an hour away, so traffic was allowed, but still heavy and flowing toward town and providing some welcome traffic draft! Passing through the square a second time, it was easy to find the start of the climb. Along the way, banners indicated the distance to the cote! Generally the route ascended one side of a valley to the cote, and descended on the other.
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| The tail end of the race |
Returning to town from the cote, traffic was being held for the race. The lead groups had already passed through and were sprinting to the finish in town. After weaving through the stopped vehicles, the traffic control officers allowed cyclists and pedestrians to pass back into the square, just in time to see a few riders off the back, team cars, and finally the medical vans and broom wagon head for the finish!
Once the final race vehicle passed, it was traffic chaos on the climb leaving town, but provided several some fun opportunities to motor pace on the descent until the traffic thinned out and sped up!
After enjoying the descent and climb to the hotel a second time, it was time to clean up, wash the kit, and prepare for a tour of Trappist beers provided by Isacco, and a delightful dinner on the patio of the hotel.
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| Isacco, our Beer Encyclopedia! |
Day 3 - La Grande Cure to Dinant
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| Perfect conditions on quiet farm roads |
After the steep descent from the hotel, the route left the Ourthe river and headed into a rolling landscape alternating from forest, to farm, to village, etc.
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| Rolling farmland |
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| Bike path on an old railroad |
After a regroup in Rochefort, we join a bike path on a converted rail line. With gentle grades, little traffic, and plenty of shade, this was a welcome transition and easy riding for 15 kilometers.
Leaving the path, its time for more climbing in the forest as we continue toward the next regroup in Celles. The first climb is about 4kms at 4-6% grade under a thick forest canopy. Clearing the summit we start a rapid descent. With each turn Debby is tacked on to my wheel and keeping a great pace. Suddenly she disappears from the rear-view mirror, and after another switchback she is still not there. Turning around and heading back up the hill, she is on the side of the road inspecting her bike. A rear spoke broke on a rough section of pavement and she had skillfully stopped without incident. The nice thing about a low spoke count wheel is that they are light and handle well in cross winds. The downside, when a spoke breaks, the wheel goes out of true and behaves like a potato chip, rubbing the brake caliper and frame in a sudden deceleration!
After trying to adjust the wheel to roll to the next regroup in Celles we again start a very slow descent. After a few minutes we decide to swap wheels with my machine. It is built with more brake and frame clearance to accommodate larger tires (32mm). That was just the ticket as we were able to continue, albeit, slowing, up and over the last hill to the regroup in Celles. Alessandro was there with the Ciclismo van with a spare wheel. After a quick wheel change we were back in business.
We enjoyed a great sandwich from the bakery in the village and continued on, no worse for wear, and thankful that our mechanical problem was solved without distress or injury!
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| Tank crossroads monument outside Celles |
A few more climbs, descents, and WWII memorials and suddenly we emerge from the forest to the Meuse River and the bustling town of Dinant.
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| Road to Dinant |
Traffic was heavy in this river town, also home of Adolphe Sax (inventor of the saxophone), and we proceeded directly to our hotel, a converted monastery, to complete the days main route. After topping off the water bottles it was back out for the extra loop to the Leffe abbey and valley. Just a few kilometers out of town, the climbing starts to the Leffe valley and more rolling farmland. Several fighter jets were out practicing low altitude maneuvers and really screaming across the sky!
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| Leffe Valley |
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| Several fighter jets were practicing low altitude maneuvers |
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| Shower beer and broken spoke |
Back at the hotel, there was time to clean-up, refresh, and head into town to explore before returning to the hotel for dinner!
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| On foot in Dinat for refreshments |
We found frites and refreshments in town to hold us over until dinner. We took the cable car up to the citadel and museum for some fantastic views of the city and interesting military history. At one time the citadel served as a military academy!
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| Dinant from the Citadel/Museum |
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| Hey watch those hands Mister! |
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| Our Hotel, a converted monastery |
The Chapel of the old monastery was converted to a Leffe beer museum. After returning from the citadel, we skipped the museum and had another fantastic meal, featuring of course, a wide selection of Leffe beers! The capstone of the meal was a hot fudge sundae and Leffe dessert beer!
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| Something for everyone on this trip! |
Day 4 - Dinant to Leuven
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| Trusty steeds ready to rumble |
With nearly 90km on tap for ride to Leuven, the bikes were wiped down, lubricated, and ready to go. The ride begins along the Meuse river following bike paths and service lanes on the river bank. While not 'advertised' in the day's route description, there were quite a few cobbled and unpaved sections to 'wake-up' to!
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| Cobbles on the Meuse river bike lane |
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| Great river views |
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| Regroup in Namur |
As we left Dinant and the urban bustle, city gave way to residential, then residential to farms. With hardly any breeze at all, the surface of the river was smooth as glass. Around each bend the view seemed to get better and better. Nearing Naumur, it transitioned back to city riding with some tricky route finding; over and around canals, rail underpasses, road crossings, and bike lanes.
The route from Namur to Hoegaarden was almost completely on dedicated bike trails. These trails were built on abandoned rail lines, so they were relatively straight with gentle grades. About halfway to the lunch stop, Isacco prepared a selection of Belgian waffles with various delicious toppings for the mid-morning regroup.
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| Isacco prepares waffles at the regroup |
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| Many miles of bike trails today! |
The trail dropped us off in the center of Hoegaarten and it was only a few turns to the Kouterhof restaurant adjacent to the brewery. We decided to split an order of mussels, and were quite surprised when they delivered a huge pot of the tasty crustations. If not for the fresh Hoegaarten Wit Beer to wash them down, we may not have finished them!
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| Cobbled climb after lunch in Hoegaarten |
What's best way to start a ride after a huge lunch, how about a 1.1 km climb on Flemish cobblestones!
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| Top of the climb |
Making our way up the climb, a motorist gave a friendly honk on the horn and thumbs ups as we powered up the cobbled beast. From the summit it was rolling Flemish hills on good roads all the way to Leuven. Of course, another uphill finish on cobbles to our hotel, another converted monastery, and time to clean up and prepare for a walking tour of Leuven!
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| Our tour guide in Leuven |
Our tour guide in Leuven was quite enthusiastic and gave us a great walking tour of the city. Of course the tour started with the topic of beer and why Leuven became a center for brewing. Since beer is 95% water, that is the most important ingredient, and the quality of the water here is perfect for brewing. I'll drink to that!
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| "Its the water that makes the beer" |
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| Leuven Town Hall |
Our tour ended at the famous Town Hall, and we set out on foot for dinner on our own. We found an Italian restaurant on a side street with a huge crowd and decided to stop there.The crowd was mostly college students that had spilled out of the restaurant onto the street, where the party was continuing.
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| Forbidden Fruit by Hoegaarden |
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| Excellent pizza at a college hang-out in Leuven |
The dinner did not disappoint. The pizzas were outstanding, and the entertainment was good too. The crowd of drunk college students was fun to watch! We finished our meal and called this one a day!
Day 5 - Leuven to Mechelen
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| Easy recovery day! |
Billed as an easy recovery day, pancake flat and mostly on bike trails, the only climb would be on foot to the top of a cathedral tower!
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| The Mothership |
We rolled out of Leuven in morning traffic to the 'industrial' part of the city, passing several 'macro' brewery's and other distilleries. As we followed canals out of town, the heavy industry and freight canals gave way to agriculture and a more peaceful ride on hard packed crushed gravel canal paths!
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| Gravel grinding on meandering canal paths |
The town of Mechelen is the final destination of the days ride, the extra loop heads out from there to the nearby town of Leir.
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| Mechelen town square |
We rolled into the town square in late morning, happily before the days heat started to build. It was surprising to see half of the square covered in beach sand and with beach furniture, games and umbrellas set up. Finding our way to the Cathedral, we started to regroup just as our Ciclismo guide and local guide that would take us up the 539 steps to the top of the Cathedral tower arrived.
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| St. Rumbold Cathedral Tower |
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| Medieval crane |
There are several stops along the way to the top of the tower. One level included a human powered medieval crane used to lift materials and bells up the tower! Yes, workers got on the giant 'hamster wheel' and 'walked' freight either up or down during construction of the tower!
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| Clock tower drum |
The works include two Carrillions and 49 working bells. Yes the bells rang several times during the tour/climb! The bells can be played on the Carrillion (organ/piano-like controls) or the programmable drum that plays the bells like a giant music box.
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| Lion of Flanders |
The top of the tower featured a modern aluminum and Plexiglas viewing platform and provided fantastic views of the Mechelen area. Isacco pointed out our hotel for the evening, it was easy to find, a converted church with a white steeple less than a mile from the Cathedral.
After
descending the 539 steps back to ground, the Garmin bike computer
placed in my jersey pocket had recorded the days climb (never leave your
Garmin unattended on the bike!), click here to see the 'climb' 22 miles (two and a half hours) into the ride!
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| Astronomic clock in Lier |
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| Bike path to Lier |
Most of the group decided to have lunch before the extra loop, but since Deb was passing on the loop, we decided on lunch after the extra loop. After checking her in, and reconnecting with the route at the cathedral, it was time to head northeast for the town the Lier. The route was mostly along canal paths to the town of Lier. The astronomic clock towers above the town square, that was bustling with activity.
On the return, Isacco with the 'extra-loopers' on his wheel flashed by. Not quite an 'out and back' route, the return continues along some of the same canal paths but adds a few more and enters town from a different direction, with only a few turns back to the hotel. The garage entrance was easy to find, and after locking the Calfee to the non-looper bikes, the day's ride was done.
After
a quick cleanup, and well past lunchtime, we found a cafe with shaded
outdoor seating near the hotel and enjoyed a great meal.
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| Its true, beer is cheaper than water! |
At the beginning of the tour, Isacco shared that only a few things kept him from moving to Belguim. One was that most restaurants do not provide tap water with meals and charge for bottled water. In fact, he pointed out that generally beer was cheaper than water. Our tab confirmed his observation!
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| Trappist beer selection at the local grocer |
After lunch, in
the building afternoon heat, we made a lap through town and picked up
some 'supplies' before returning to the room to rest up for this evenings brewery tour and dinner.
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| Het Anker brewery tour |
The Het Anker is a family owned institution that churns out a very tasty brew under the Carolus label. After learning about the finer aspects of the various ingredients and how they change the resulting brews, climbing and descending many steps (though not as many as the catherdral tower!), we finally sat down in the tasting room and enjoyed several variations of the golden brew.
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| Race footage from tomorrows climb on the Kapelmuur |
The our route tomorrow will include the Mur van Geraardsbergen climb (also known as the Kapelmuur) that is featured in the Tour of Flanders (aka Ronde van Vlaanderen. Before dinner our guides shared race footage from the 2010 version where Fabian Cancellara attacked Tom Boonen on this climb and later won the race. Years later, unproved accusations would flourish on the internet that Cancellera used mechanical doping (hidden motor in the frame of his bike). His antagonist of the climb, Tom Boonen addressed the question point blank in this 2018 Cylcingtips article and he said no, Fabian was stronger that day! The article has a link to the original race footage and the 'accusation' that caused the stir on the internet.
Editors note: One of the coolest parts of bike tours that include sections of professional cycling routes, is to watch race footage of previous races, or live events later, on those same roads covered on the tour. Seeing a pro ride up a 20% cobbled grade is one thing, struggling up yourself at a fraction of their speed is quite another. Even after re-watching the footage to insert this link, Debby had to endure another; 'watch this, this is where it really hurts!'
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| The beer tasting continued during dinner |
After getting psyched up for tomorrow's route we moved to the dining room for another great meal including many Flemmish specialties, and additional varieties of the golden nectar!
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| Dining room at the hotel, a converted church |
After a fantastic day we headed back to the room to rest up for tomorrow's route to via the Kapemuur to Oudenaarde!
Day 6 - Mechelen to Oudenaarde
The ride begins on easy bike paths with an informal regroup alongside a hops field.
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| Regroup near a hops field |
Easy riding along peaceful canal banks on the way to Geraardsbergen lull the tourist into a false sense of security, as the day's difficulties lie just ahead. The regroup is in the Geraardsbergen town square. The first extra loop of the day is to ride the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the have lunch. One option is at the cafe near the top of the climb with other limited options in the town square. With the heat building, and with no desire to tackle the climb, Deb finds a local bar stuffed with race memorabilia as the 'extra-loopers' head up the climb. Confused by the route instructions earlier in the day, a navigation error had me going up the 'stairway' along the actual climb. After ascending the stairs and realizing the mistake, there was no choice but descended the cobbles and complete that section in the saddle to the top!
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| Display board on the Muur |
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| Chapel at the top of the Kapelmur |
Cheers rang out as members of the tour, and unsuspecting riders not on the tour, reached to the chapel at the top. After a prayer of thanksgiving and some group shots at the top, we descended back to town. Stopping along the way at a Total convenience store and stuffing some chips and snacks into the pockets, it was an E ticket descent back to the town square to find Debby.
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| In the 'race bar' |
Reaching the square, Isacco helped secure the bike and directed me to the bar where Deb was waiting. We enjoyed the snacks, cold Hoegaarden Wit Beers and Coke Zeros, and all the race memorabilia throughout the bar.
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| Flemmish cobbles! |
Next to the bar was a Tourist Information center with more race exhibits, but alas, it was time to continue the route. With another 30km of riding to go and temperatures at or above 90 degrees, Deb wisely opted for the van to the hotel and I rolled out. Since today's ride would be just short of 100km, why not go one more time up the Muur, for a non-stop run to the top!
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| "Beer and cycling are religion in Belgium": Isacco Columbo |
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Rolling through town for the last time, this beer delivery scene confirmed Isacco's comments on Day 1 of the tour!
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| Optional cobble section |
The muur confusion earlier in the day applied to an optional cobble section just outside Oudenaarde where the Garmin track followed the paved road into town, but the route notes followed the optional cobble section through the village of Zegelsem. Steeply rolling (10% maximum grade) and covering about 3 Km it was quite a 'buzz' rolling and descending over the cobbles at speed. This section is considered easy in professional race standards! Happy to have it complete, and making a mental note to check the tightness of the S&S frame couplers in the morning, Oudenaarde, Ronde van Vlaanderen Museum, and came into view and this day's ride was done!
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| Secure and done for the day! |
We toured the very interesting Ronde van Vlaanderen museum on our own (entry covered by the tour) and enjoyed exhibits covering race history from the earliest races from before the WWI era to today!
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| Team car and bidon exhibit |
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| Winning race machines |
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| Molteni team car from the Mercxx era |
With legs tired from the days efforts, and a museum air conditioning system that could barely keep up with the heat, we didn't cover all the exhibits and retired to the hotel to cool off!
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| Someone that loves his job! |
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| Named after one of tomorrow's climbs! |
We
regroup later at the cafe adjacent to the museum for another tasting
led by Isacco before heading to dinner for the Frites and Mussels night (Belgian
version of the Ciclismo Pizza night) to cap off the day.
Day 7 - Oudenaarde to Brugges
Today's extra loop includes a lap of the final circuit of the Tour of Flanders including two classic climbs, the Kwaremont and Paterburg. But first, we need to get there!
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| Mural in the lobby of the Ourdenaarde hotel |
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| Heading out on a beautiful morning |
The route starts out pancake flat on bike paths and farm roads to the first stop at the foot of the Koppenberg climb. Not on the route, but worth a look the group stopped to take some photos.
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| First regroup of the day |
Needing to adjust my rear brake and check my S&S couplers, I took the opportunity to attend to some bike maintenance while the group rode off. Impossible to resist the siren call of the Koppenburg, the the Calfee headed up the cobbled classic while the Garmin chirped and flashed "Off Route!"
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| Fans line the route on this short, narrow, 22% climb! |
After the detour, its back to the bike path and press on to try and catch the group. Just as the non-loopers came into view, Alessandro and the van mark the turnoff for the extra loop that includes the Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs. The extra-loopers were already on the circuit, after a few turns, it was back onto the cobbles.
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| Half-way up the Kwaremont |
A few tricky turns at the top of the Kwaremont and the route descended to the Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat, which included signs commemorating winners of the race!
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| Previous winners featured on the road to the Patenburg |
The weather was perfect; clear, cool and calm! There were quite a few cyclists out on this Saturday morning enjoying parts of the loop, some in groups, others riding solo.
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| Paterbergstraat! |
The base of the Patersberg looks reasonable enough, just a cobbled ramp at 10-12%, but it tilts up to 20% in the narrow middle section before easing off near the top.
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| At the top of the Patenburg |
Emerging from the narrow section near the top, with cheers from the rest of the extra-loopers that were at the overlook at the top of the climb, it was great way to put this one in the bag. After lots of photos we headed down to the rejoin the main loop and regroup at the Flanders Field American Cemetery.
The group split on the descent and Isacco doubled back to check on the group. Pressing on to try to catch the main group before they reached regroup, and nearly missing it, if Debby hadn't been on the lookout to shout out "Steeeve!" We had time to tour the field, and decided to press on ahead of the group to get more kilometers in before the heat started to set in.
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| Improvised regroup spot |
The next regroup was at a bar in the village of Deinze. The bar was closed so we continued through the village looking for another. At the edge of town, and low on water, we doubled back and found a local spot open, with shaded outdoor tables.
It was a great place, the owner and his customers/friends/neighbors were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed some cold beverages and took a nice break. When they realized we were headed to Bruges, they recommended a brewery (turned out to be right across from our hotel) that we should visit. When asked to top off our water bottles, the bar maid rinsed them (in the beer class cleaner), filled them with water, and even added ice! Now that is hospitality! We would have liked to linger there all afternoon, but we needed to get back in the saddle to the next regroup and the Ciclimso picnic lunch in St. Joris.
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| Canal path to Bruges |
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| Isacco sets the pace! |
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| Entering town |
Stuffed from the fantastic picnic lunch in St. Joris, it was a good thing Bruges was only 15 kilometersm away on flat canal roads and bike paths. We arrived and settled in to our room and had a short walking tour before heading out for dinner on our own. It was a typical summer afternoon in the town square, packed with crowds like Disneyland on a holiday weekend! This was our second time in Bruges, and the walking tour provided a great reorientation.
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| Mass times at the Basilica of the Precious Blood |
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| Dinner on our own at Breydel De Comic |
We had two objectives for our time in Bruges, find the Breydel de Comic restaurant we enjoyed on our last visit, and attend Mass at the Basilica of the Precious Blood. We found the mass time, unfortunately, no Saturday vigil mass, and a Sunday start time of 11 am.
We were able to enjoy a great meal at the Breydel de Comic (it was packed) even without a reservation, and made plans to attend mass in the morning.
Day 8 - Bruges loop to Netherlands/North Sea
The final segment of the Ride Across Belgium is loop through the Netherlands to the North Sea and back to Bruges. The plan was to head out at 9 am, but the group would not be back in time for Mass at 11 am. We had ridden a good part of this route on a rental city tandem bike on our previous visit, and Deb's preference was to attend mass. In order to do both, it needed to be an early start, ride fast, and hurry back to Bruges. Deb says; " you have fun with that," so that was the plan!
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| Main square in Brugges |
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| Canal in front of our hotel |
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| Brugges canal in the morning |
Allesandro was at the bikes at 7:30 am and provided the route notes and map for the ride. Rolling through Bruges early Sunday morning was quite the contrast to the mob scene on Saturday afternoon/evening.
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| Obligatory windmill shot in the Netherlands! |
The roads were deserted making this solo run to the sea in cool morning air quite pleasant. Another benefit of leaving early was reaching the coast before the morning breeze coming from the sea built to a headwind.
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| Toe dip in the North Sea |
After dipping a toe in the water, then cleaning the beach sand from the shoes, it was a fast run on flat roads with a building tailwind back to town. Arriving back well ahead of schedule, there was time to grab breakfast before getting ready for mass.
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| Before mass in the Basilica |
This Basilica houses the relic of the holy blood, and before mass the relic is removed from its reliquary and placed on the main altar as part of the procession. After Mass, and before the relic is replaced in its reliquary, it is available to venerate. We were both very glad we adjusted our schedule to participate in these services.
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| At the brewery cafe recommended by our friends in Deinze |
After mass, we wandered through town and found the brewery cafe, and enjoyed a nice lunch in the shade overlooking the canal and our hotel.
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| Time to pack 'em up |
All good things come to an end, and with the riding complete, there was time to pack up the bikes, clean up, and get ready for our final beer tasting and meal as part of the tour!
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| Isacco explains yet another beer... |
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| ...while Alessandro photo bombs! |
We enjoyed our final beer tasting and meal with our group. Isacco suggested we stop at a place for a night cap. Deb again said, "you have fun with that," and I headed out for 'just one.' The bar was packed, hot, and the 'one' was a very strong one indeed!
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| This one beer nearly caused some real trouble |
Click here for GPS data
Day 9 - Head for London
We said our good-byes over breakfast as we all headed off in various directions. We took a cab to the train station to catch a regional train to Brussels, then the Eurostar to London.
Another fantastic Ciclismo Classico trip for sure. Since we had toured Belgium before (on our own and with another bike tour company), we hesitated to sign up for this tour. We are glad we did, while we had ridden in Belgium before, those rides could not compare to this Ciclismo Classico trip. Great routes, awesome accommodations, fun guests, and fantastic guides made this trip one to remember!
Steve Atkins
