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  • Sunday, 22 December 2024
Cycling Through the Heartland of Flanders: A Journey into Belgium's Rich Cycling Culture

Cycling Through the Heartland of Flanders: A Journey into Belgium's Rich Cycling Culture

The Belgians embrace cycling, but for the Flemish, it's nothing short of a devotion. In Flanders, cycling is more than a sport—it's a way of life, woven into the fabric of the culture. The landscape is crisscrossed with dedicated cycle routes, entire towns halt for road races, and sculptures of bicycles adorn fields, paying homage to this two-wheeled passion.

 

Flanders, often referred to as the heartland of Belgian cycling, boasts a cycling culture that runs deep. The constant hum of the oiled chain on metal cog is the soundtrack to daily life, a testament to the endurance built through years of battling the harsh winds and rains that sweep across this flat terrain during colder months. The cyclists from this region, known as Flandriens, are revered as some of the toughest globally, navigating both the unpredictable weather and the notorious cobbles.

 

The undulating cobbles, locally known as pavé, are both a source of agony and allure. Contrary to the smooth glide of tarmac, these geometric blocks, some in place for centuries, offer a punishing and unforgiving ride. Yet, it's precisely this harshness that appeals to cyclists, linking these sections to classic spring cycle races like the Paris-Roubaix, where riders are tested on these teeth-shattering paths.

 

Embarking on a cycling adventure in Flanders requires facing the dreaded pavé, but fortunately, the choice is yours. Flandrien Hotel in Brakel, our cycling haven, provides not only locked bike storage and maintenance tools but also an atmosphere steeped in cycling history, adorned with classic racing bikes that evoke nostalgia for gear enthusiasts.

 

Our journey takes us through the legendary Muur van Geraardsbergen, a winding and rough-cobbled route notorious for its steep gradients. As we conquer this cycling feat, the reward is a picturesque descent into the serene countryside, passing fields and quaint villages. The day concludes with a well-deserved rest at Flandrien Hotel, where stories of triumph and camaraderie unfold.

 

The adventure continues with the 102km yellow route, centered around the cobbles. These sections, some extending up to 2.5km, challenge riders to endure the relentless shaking that threatens to loosen water bottles and chip teeth. The occasional smooth stretches feel like a luxurious reprieve, reminiscent of sinking into silk sheets after a day of exertion.

 

While some may opt to avoid the cobbles, for others, it's an essential part of the Flandrien experience. The resilient riders emerge from this cycling odyssey with tales of conquered pavé and an appreciation for the unique cycling culture that thrives in Flanders.

 

As we explore the charming routes of Flanders, cycling enthusiasts can discover more than just challenging terrains. Scenic routes like the Ypres Salient, Ghent château route, and Flanders coastal route offer historical and picturesque perspectives, providing a well-rounded cycling experience in this cycling haven.

 

In the end, our journey through Flanders, with its cycling culture deeply ingrained in every cobblestone, leaves an indelible mark. The echoes of chain whirr and the tales of conquering the pavé resonate, making Flanders not just a destination for cyclists but a pilgrimage to the heart of cycling passion.

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