Bike Belgium offers the best in cycling vacations paired with world-class professional races during the Spring Classics in Belgium every year. We are committed to offering exceptional customer service, quality routes, and exhilarating racing. Riding in Europe is truly a unique and it will leave you begging for more. Bike Belgium trips include van support, knowledgeable guides, distinctive lodging, cultural day trips, and professional racing in conjunction with the Spring Classics professional races. Join us on one of our upcoming adventures. To find out more about current cycling trips visit the Tours page.
With small group sizes we are able to focus on our clients and give you exceptional customer service and customize them depending on group needs during your cycling vacation. Maximum group size is approximately 14 participants.
Tours for 2008 are being booked now for the Spring Classics races to the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) and the world famous Paris-Roubaix, both in April. Sign up now and join us in Belgium for some unforgettable riding and professional racing. Private tours are also available with ten or more people. Please contact us for more information.
Memorable Moments from 2007
In April 2007 we spent a fabulous week in scenic Northern Belgium. Our action-packed cycling vacation was spent in the majestic fast-paced city of Brussels in addition to leisure, quiet country roads of the Flanders region. Many miles were spent in the bike saddle riding through scenic unspoiled terrain, on rural roads, and famous cobblestone climbs.
A sunny spring afternoon in the magnificent Grand Place in Brussels was the ideal time to wander around the historic city center. While walking through the town square vicinity we spotted numerous chocolatier shops while gazing at distinctive architecture. The irresistible aroma of fresh Belgium waffles filled the air and found us in line for the sought after national fare. Strolling through the town square was the perfect way to adjust before getting on our bikes later in the day. As the day winded down we found our way to the underground train station and rode the local train to the Eddy Merckx station which was the last stop before arriving at our hotel. Our hearts pounded with excitement as we starred at Eddy Merckx’s famous hour record bike on display at the station.
Late in the day we tuned up our bikes and headed out on a casual warm-up ride as we cycled through the outskirts of Brussels and into the picturesque countryside/towns. After a large pasta feed at a quaint restaurant and a sampling of local beers we all had a smile on our face. It was the perfect end to the day.
The Tour of Flanders Cyclosportif ride required an early start but everyone was eager to awake. The high-energy atmosphere was contagious. The bikes were quickly loaded, bottles filled, and gear packed in the van. More and more warm layers were added as we kept peeking out our hotel window even though it was still dark. The excitement grew. We ate breakfast on the way to Ninove where we met 18,000 other cyclists who were also anxious to start riding the race course for the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Upon arrival we picked up our packets and debated over what gear to wear and what to leave behind. There were many questions racing through our minds. Will it be windy? Will it rain? Will we ever see the sun? Bear in mind it is spring time in Belgium! Soon after we started riding our bikes, we were in a sea of color. No matter how fast or slow we went there were always colorful jerseys surrounding us during the entire 140 kilometer route.
After riding several kilometers we left the populated town and soon entered the lush green Belgium landscape. Large trees lined the narrow roads. Rolling hills, farmlands, and the occasional windmill could be seen from the bike. The cobblestone stretches of roads ended as quickly as they began. The locals were lined up along the cyclosportif route for hours cheering on thousands of cyclists. The cobbles were worn; the climbs were steep albeit short. The flat stretches were bumpy leaving us with a sensation of being hit on the helmet with a hammer.
The tempo was brisk but with 18,000 fellow cyclists it was easy to find a comfortable pace with other riders.
The following day was spent viewing the Ronde van Vlaanderen at the top of the Bosberg climb. There's always high energy at the Spring Classics when the local Belgians are cheering with their large patriotic flags, drinking plentiful dark beer, keeping hot grills loaded with delicacies, and demonstrating passionate enthusiasm. The electrifying sound of helicopters hovering overhead added to the excitement. At the top of the Bosberg we saw the speeding heard of lead cars pass by, the caravan of photographers, people scrambling for the best viewing position, leaders attacking, and the stragglers riding by just happy to be at the top of yet another climb. After the riders raced by, eager spectators were fighting for a glimpse of the finish on small tv’s in an overcrowded pub. The energy was uncontrollable.