Anyone been to Ghent/Wevelgem?

clashextra

There are six of us going over to Belgium next week to see the race,was just wondering had anyone on here ever been and any recomondations would be mucho appreciated.

amjon.

Ghent is lovely town, there are loads of resonably priced hostels. I have only ever been there for the regatta in May but looks like a nice spot for a night out. There are a few places that offer all you can eat ribs - a must.

michaelm

The kemmelberg climb is where it's at and the atmosphere will be fantastic. Highly unusual for a lot of races but you will get to see them climb it twice! While not quite in the same league as the Tour of Flanders or Paris/Roubaix this is the first time (as far as I know) that it will be at the weekend - it used to be on the Wed sandwiched between the two so I reckon the atmosphere will be right up there!

If you had a few hours to spare I would highly recommend a trip to Oudenaarde to the Tour of Flanders Museum - it's about 15 miles from Ghent. Some of the iconic climbs from the ToF (week later) are within a few miles of here also. May not be relevant but PM me if you need info on bike hire in the region.

eoghan84

Ghents a great spot -Ive been a few times and recommend the hostel. I was at the finish of Gent-Wevelgem in 2005 when Juan Antonio Flecha got passed out by Nico Mattan. I stayed at the line, where there was a big screen showing the whole thing and there was also a little criterium race on first in the town. It was really good, because the tension was right up to the finish.

You could try to see E3 Prijs the day before

brian2me

Gent is great spot, head to Foleys Irish Bar they will advise of where to go and see you straight, some great student bars in Ghent. Recommend a trip to Brugge 20mins on the train. Recommend drinking local beer Jupiler by the 1/2 glass (Lager) or try the Duvel beware its 8.5%. Best of luck -

smalltalk

Sorry thread hijack! @ michaelm(you seem to know the area) I will be in Oudenaarde on the Tour of Flanders Weekend but without transport (bike or car)Would I have enough time to walk from the RVV museum after the tour has passed through to the Koppenberg to see the climb.

Thanks

michaelm

smalltalk wrote: »

Sorry thread hijack! @ michaelm(you seem to know the area) I will be in Oudenaarde on the Tour of Flanders Weekend but without transport (bike or car)Would I have enough time to walk from the RVV museum after the tour has passed through to the Koppenberg to see the climb.

Thanks

This year's route is quite different to recent years in that it will pass the RVV museum at 12.30 approx - but go in the opposite direction to usual and head away from the Koppenberg, which it is not due to pass until 2.30, To answer your question then, yes you would have time as it is only about 3 or 4 miles but would not be a good option, keeping in mind you have to get back again! By far the best option is to get your hands on a bike and based on this year's route you could see the race up to 3 times and best of all - watch the concluding stages back at the RVV Museum - great bar with a wonderful atmosphere, only requirement you must drink a few glasses of Leffe also! If the gathered Flandrians realise you are Irish then expect a particularly warm welcome. Alas this will be the first year in 5 when I won't have the pleasure, If you need info on getting your hands on a bike - let me know though if you are just there on the Sunday it could be difficult. I usually get there on the Sat.

clashextra

Thanks for all the info lads, really looking forward to Ghent, from all accounts it seems to be a great spot. Michael what's the best way to get to the Kemmelberg? Would it be a good idea to hire bikes?

smalltalk

@michaelm Thanks for the info,RVV museum-Koppenberg-RVV museum bar sounds like a good idea!:D I'll pm you regarding the bike hire info.

michaelm

Where are you coming from? Nearest station is Ieper, which is accessible from Brussels- not sure if there is bike hire there but from memory it is about 5 or 6 miles to the village of Kemmel. Up until last year most Belgian railway stations did bike hire but have since stopped so not sure if it would be possible to get a bike in Ieper. The other option would be to hire one in Brussels and take it with you on the train (very small fee).

clashextra

We're staying in Ghent but might be a good idea to head across to Ipres early on the morning of the race and hire bikes there. I'll also be paying a visit to the flanders museum in between copious amounts of Haacht and Leffe! Thanks for all the info.

Sacred_git

I lived in Ghent for 6 months, its a nice town but pretty boring, the student strip kicks off mon - friday(excluding summer/holidays), lots of students pissed and all that, the weekends are boring as hell though, not much going on, need to head to some of the big clubs in the outskirts of the city!! Guess it will be ok for a few days, foleys irish pub is nothing to write home about, red light district there (like most of central europe) though and strip bars should you be into that seen ha Personally at weekends i used to head off to amsterdam or brussels maybe Antwerp too! But if there is an even on it might be good, the i love techno weekend is kicking in Ghent!!