Cycling in Flanders 28 July-31th July 2023
Cycling in Flanders – Weekend
LODGING
**** Boutique Hotel in Oudenaarde !
This modern boutique hotel is situated in the center of the historic town of Oudenaarde with its gothic town hall and Belfry and numerous bars and restaurants.
Oudenaarde is even more known as the gateway to the Flemish Ardennes where you find all the Bergs (hills) and cobbles of the Classic race ‘De Ronde van Vlaanderen’. Within a couple of minutes you find a true cycling theatre of dreams!
The hotel offers cozy and spacious rooms and an outstanding buffet breakfast in the morning.
The bikes can be stored in the secured bike storage. A bike wash is also available.
In the morning a buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant of the hotel.
CYCLING:
Where?
You find yourself in the heart of Flanders and its cycling culture. Mythical climbs like Koppenberg, Kwaremont, Paterberg, Kemmelberg or Muur are all within easy reach and suited for all levels. Another gem are the routes from the classic Gent-Wevelgem, better known as ‘In Flanders Fields’ which takes you back to some historic routes along the battlefields of WW I, the famous Plugstreets and of course the notorious Kemmelberg.
Along the route you find plenty of cycling bars and terraces to enjoy a coffee in the sun – it never rains in Flanders 😉
Level?
We decided to make this trip available for all levels but especially for beginners and intermediate cyclists in order to let you taste Flanders cycling heritage at its best.
distance : between 65 and 92km
altitude gain : between 600 and 1190m
cyclists : beginners to intermediate; average 23 à 25km/h – plenty of possibilities for photo and or coffee stops.
Program day by day
Day 1 | Thursday 28/07/2023
Arrival
Arrival day at the hotel in Oudenaarde.
In the afternoon pick up of the rental bikes if rented near the hotel and afterwards meet & greet with your local guide and information about the routes, timing and general information.
Dinner at leisure in the hotel or in one of the many restaurants of Oudenaarde.
Day 2 | Friday 29/07/2023 : ‘RONDE’ Flanders Ride
Buffet Breakfast in the hotel.
Start of the final 65 or 100 km of the classic Ronde van Vlaanderen. We tackle some of the famous Bergs/hills that can be found in the final of the ‘Ronde’ like Taaienberg, Hotond, Kwaremont, Paterberg and the grueling Koppenberg. Along the route we have some time to take a coffee or have a small snack.
Après bike possibilities in Oudenaarde in one of the many cycling cafés of the city.
distance: +/-65 km
altitude gain: +/-1000m
Day 3 | Saturday 30/07/2023 : ‘MUUR’
Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Today we tackle the iconic Muur of Geraardsbergen, a legend in cycling featured in the Ronde but also in the Tour de France of 2019.
After the Muur we enjoy a coffee in a cycling café, home to the official supporters club of Remco Evenepoel, at the foot of the Muur.
In the afternoon free time or you can enjoy a visit to the Museum Ronde van Vlaanderen just 2 minutes from the hotel or you can ride along the river Schelde to Ghent, a flat ride for about 30km one way.
Dinner at leisure in Oudenaarde
distance : +/-75km
altitude gain: +/-700m
Day 4 | Sunday 31/07/2023 : ‘IN FLANDERS FIELDS ‘
Buffet breakfast in the hotel in Oudenaarde. Check out and drop off your luggage in the locker room of the hotel.
Short transfer with minibus to the region near the famous Kemmelberg. Fabulous ride through this region known from the classic Gent-Wevelgem. We frequently cross the border between Belgium and France. We pass along a short stretch of gravel called the Plugstreets in the middle of the first World War battlefields before tackling the Kemmelberg. We end our day in the village of Kemmel and enjoy a beer in the local cycling café.
Back to Oudenaarde and the end of our service. Possibility to have a shower in the hotel.
distance : 92km
altitude gain: 1300m
The Cycling in Flanders package includes:
– 3 nights in a centrally located 4* Hotel in Oudenaarde
– 3 x buffet breakfast
– Meet & greet upon arrival + 3 guided tours for beginners and intermediate cyclists
– Water for the drinking bottles before the start + 1 extra ravito on day 2
– Entrance ticket to the Ronde van Vlaanderen museum
– Transfer from the hotel to Kemmel and back for the Gent Wevelgem / In Flanders Fields’ ride on day 4
– 24/7 assistance of your local guide; on the spot or by phone
The package does not include:
– Transport to the destination
– Transfer from airport to the hotel and back (possible through our services)
– 4 day carbon rental race bikes (Specialized Roubaix or Ridley Fenix SL) – 50€ per day + guarantee to be paid on the spot
– Energy bars and gels
– Drinks during coffee stops or during après-bike
– lunch and dinner
– Non-mentioned activities
– Local city tax to be paid at the reception of the hotel upon arrival (+/-1€ pp/night subject to change)
– insurance