Cycling in Belgium

The Red Shoes

Hey, would like to organise a week in Belgium this Easter or June. Anyone who's done this? Any recommended routes? Have always wanted to see Bruges and would be interested in seeing some WWI memorials.

http://www.gamber.net/cyclebel/

Any advice appreciated!

Cyclewizard

havnt cycled over there but can definitely recommend brugges.

Seanie_H

Great cycle network there. It's a mixed bag surface wise. Id have been happier on a hybrid but the road bike was fine all the same. Tarmac and gravel/trail. Generally the cycle paths are off street and off main routes.

They have a numbering system which can be a bit tough if you're not prepared. Basically you stick in the starting point and the destination. It will give you a list of numbers which you have to follow. When you come to a junction it will tell you to follow 33 to the next junction and take 45 for example. There doesn't seem to be any logic to the numbering so unless you have your numbers, it's impossible.

We followed that system from the French border to a town in South Belgium for an overnight. From there we headed another 120 km ish to Antwerp for a stay and then on to Rotterdam. The network runs through all the cities too.

Mucco

What type of cycling?

For Mtb (Flanders only, in Dutch):
http://www.bloso.be/sportpromotie/Natuursporten/MountainbikeroutesSite/mountainbikeroutes/Pages/zoeken.aspx
These are mostly forest tracks, so not hugely exciting.

For touring:
http://www.fietsroute.org/indexuk.php
This has an online cycle planner, which will give you the numbers mentioned by Seanie H

For road, try the Koppenberg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghhAWkM7weE#t=47

moggie123

I have an avid interest in all things ww1. I went with some friends to Ypres. I would recommend it as it houses the Flanders museum. We hired bikes there not because we love cycling (and we do )but because it was the most efficient way of seeing the surrounding ww1 sites tyne cot cemetery ,passendale, trench sites etc....Do not miss Menin Gate last post in Ypres. Very very moving. Many of the roads were really for bikes only and other road's. had bike lanes separated from car traffic .Bike hire was about 10 euro a day for dutch style bikes. Belgium is super bike friendly .I believe there is a train to Leper (Ypres),which you can take bikes. Hope this helps

Cyclewizard

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/best-cycling-holidays-in-belgium-39796/

bambergbike

http://inrng.com/2014/01/schelde-river-path-fietspad/

theotherone

Found the area around Liège interesting for road cycling. Rolling hills and lovely small villages. Lovely country.