The Belgium Triangle Tour Description

 

Hull, Zeebrugge, Brugge, Ypres, Ghent,  Zeebrugge Hull.  3/4/5/6th July 2015  &  24/25/26/27th July 2015          

Daily distances: 45, 50 & 40miles, easy pace, no hills.  

£350 per person (based on two sharing a room/cabin)

 

The Belgium Triangle Tour is an easy paced three day, four night trip. It starts at the Hull P&O terminal on Friday evening, from where we cross to Zeebrugge by overnight ferry.

 

Saturday morning we pedal first to Brugge for an up market coffee in the town square, or a rather less expensive one just off the tourist trail. Then we travel South West through some woodland and out along very quiet country roads and cycle-paths.  We like to stop by a lake for a cheese and wine picnic if the weather is with us. Then it’s on to Ypres in time to check in at our hotel, have a shower and walk out to witness the last post ceremony at the beautiful Menin Gate.  In the evening there’s plenty of time to stroll around the stunning old town and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants. Actually, the “Old Town”, though it looks ancient, dates back no further than 1918! It was razed in the first war.

 

On Sunday morning we leave Ypres through the Menin Gate and call in at the famous and very moving Tyne Cot cemetery. Feel free to stop off at the Passendaele museum and the Canadian Memorial too as we make our way towards Ghent. Further on we recommend stopping by the canal for a beer. We should arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon giving plenty of time for a stroll around the magnificent old city and have an enjoyable meal out.

 

On Monday morning we have another easy ride down the canal side back to Brugge. There’s plenty of time to squeeze in a more sedate look around this lovely town this time, perhaps enjoying a canal cruise or just a quick peep into the lace or chocolate shops. After that we might gather together for a last picnic on the grass by a windmill. We only have to make the final 8 miles to the ship at Zeebrugge before the 5.30 boarding deadline. The overnight crossing takes us back to Hull to arrive around 8.30 on Tuesday morning. Pedal home, or throw the bike into the car, the choice is yours.

 

What’s Included?

Return Ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge. Cabins and breakfasts are provided on the ships to and from Belgium. This leaves folks to choose in which of the onboard restaurants they wish to dine in the evening. There are bars and a “show Lounge” for entertainment. Cabin upgrades on the ship can be had for extra if available. Accommodation is in hotel or guest house, depending on numbers. Breakfasts are provided in both Ypres and Ghent but again we thought you’d like to explore and eat out for the two evening meals. Price quoted is for a twin room, but doubles, triples and singles are also possible for a slight adjustment in price.

Lunches are NOT included but are easily and cheaply gleaned from spar shops or cafes en route. Evening meals are NOT included in the price.
               

Further Details

The pace is easy (we are on holiday after all), and the terrain is flat (it’s Belgium) and although we cover about fifty miles in a day, we have all day to do it.

The best bike for the job is a Tourer or Hybrid, ideally with 700c wheels shod with puncture resistant tyres of 28mm section. Mudguards might be of benefit, though lights aren’t necessary. Cycling helmets aren’t a requirement but if you want to wear yours please feel free. Panniers are necessary as you will need somewhere to store your overnight gear. Please take a bike lock and use it. There’s no back up truck to transport our gear or to take our bikes should they go wrong. But the Tour leaders Don and John will gladly help with punctures, breakages and adjustments.

 

GPX files will be made available to everyone before the trip starts. These can be downloaded to your mobile phone and displayed on a navigation app like Track Browser Plus. Then you can instantly see where you are and where you need to be. You’ll need battery power and a signal. But if all that was Dutch, don't worry, you can pedal along with one of the tour leaders.

 

We also recommend to everyone that we each download a typical Friends Locator type app so that everyone can see where everyone else is. Again, don’t worry if that last bit was Dutch; it’s not necessary, merely useful to have.

 

The cost of the trip is £350 payable a minimum of four weeks before we go. But it’s first come first served, and places are limited. Everyone who joins the trip is requested to complete an entry form.

Please email CynthiaBagwash@gmail.com or text Don on 07462 692842 to find out more.