Summer in Belgium?

The weather in the UK has been remarkable, occasionally a bit too warm, but we really can't complain. At Sporta Bike+, we've been fortunate to miss the European heatwaves that would have made cycling across the continent quite challenging. Instead, we discovered a fantastic mix of scenic cycling, adventure, and culture just across the channel as we explored Flanders. Known more for the Spring Classics, we believe it's equally amazing in the Summer!

Our Loop of Flanders

We recently completed our first 'own brand' point to point adventure and it was superb! We were blessed with 12 wonderful cyclists and got very fortunate with the weather.

Our route started in Lille where we left the cars and packed the van. Day 1 ended in Oudenaarde, but that was not before we had ridden the Roubaix velodrome and the cobbles of the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg and Eikenberg. It was an awful lot packed into just 60km.

ELSR rider Graham taking on the Taienberg

Day 2 also started with some cobbles as we cycled up the Taienberg to Tom Boonens legs and then on to the Muur van Geraardsbergen where we happen to meet the Lion of Flanders - Johan Museeuw, At this point, our luck ran out slightly as we had rain for about 90 minutes before a Sunny run in to the beautiful city of Ghent.

Ghent is a stunning city, but on a sunny Summers evening it really comes alive and we highly recommend it as a place to visit - on or off the bike.

Day 3 was the flattest 100km we can find in Europe with just a few bridges to provide some change of elevation. However, this did not detract from an amazing cycle into Holland and along the Dutch coast to the elegant seaside town of Cadzand Bad before heading south to Bruges where we stayed for our 3rd night.

Tynecot cemetery

Day 4 was a very special day as we headed south west back towards Lille. However, this was not before we visited numerous WW1 land marks including the sombre, yet inspiring, Tynecot cemetery. Our route took us through the Menin Gate at Ypres, before taking on the iconic cobbles of the Kemmelberg, before cresting the Messine Ridge and heading back into France to finish at our hotel in Lille.

The last day gives riders a chance to cycle into Lille or try out some Roubaix cobbles before heading back to the UK.

We could not have wished for a more fun and enjoyable 4 days - Belgium has so much to offer cyclists - particularly those interested in the history of both the sport and the region.

This is definitely a trip we will run again and one we would love to offer as a custom option to groups and clubs. As we might be forced to look for cooler options in the Summer, this is one we highly recommend.