This is a sample itinerary of what you can expect on the Flanders in the Spring bike trip. It may be changed at any time due to weather and race dates among other reasons.
Day 1: Morning arrival in Brussels, Belgium. Upon early morning arrival at the airport, bike and gear transport to our selected accommodations near Oudenaarde for your stay. Assemble bikes and take a casual ride, approximately 15-20 miles.
Day 2: After breakfast at our hotel, we will ride to the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cycling Museum, approximately 40-50 miles. Explore the famous interactive museum then break for lunch in the on-site cycling cafe. Explore the historic town square and take an optional one-of-a-kind brewery tour in the land of the world's best beer.
Day 3: Climb the Cobbles! Ride with 18,000-20,000 other cyclists in the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclosportive including up to sixteen climbs! Choice of distances range from 45 to 160 miles. This is an unsupported ride, however there are rest stops available from the organizer along the route. This ride is unlike anything you have ever experienced. For those daring enough to challenge themselves on the full route, an early morning transport to Brugge will get you to the start line before its even light out. We will have an assigned meeting place at the festival near the finish to regroup and have your bike washed.
Day 4: Day off of your bike to watch the 2012 Tour of Flanders. Mingle around the start town of Brugge before watching the neutral roll-out. Transition to our first prime viewing location on one of the climbs to watch the pro's fly up the hills that you were struggling on just the day before. You will get to watch the race in three tactical spots before we find a quaint pub to have dinner in.
Day 5: After breakfast we will ride our final ride in the Flemish countryside, appromimately 50-55 miles and relax at our final group dinner. Optional brewery tour and sight-seeing are scheduled.
Day 6: Early breakfast, wrap-up and goodbyes, and transport back to the Brussels, Belgium airport for morning international flights, unless you are staying with us to watch the 2012 Paris-Roubaix and Grote Scheldeprijs.
Inclusions
- Entry into the Tour of Flanders Cyclosportive
- Ronde van Vlaanderen Cycling Museum
- Guided Brewery Tour and beer samples
- Knowledgeable guides and staff who have a passion for cycling
- Local English-speaking guides
- Van support during rides, stocked with snacks, and bottled water
- All lodging, double occupancy
- Standard European breakfast each morning
- Traditional Flemish dinners and lunches (except where otherwise noted)
- Transportation to and from the Brussels, Belgium airport
- Transportation of luggage, gear, and bikes during the tour
- Secure storage of your bike when not riding it
- Small group size to make your trip comfortable
- An abundance of Belgian culture
Exclusions
- Airfare to/from Brussels, Belgium
- Gratuities for guides and leaders
- Single Supplement (when available)
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
Traveling With Your Bike
We recommend that you bring your own bike on vacation, however if your airline will charge you an excessive amount, you don't have a bike box, or you don't want the hassle of traveling with your bike, a road bike can be rented in Belgium. If you are interested in this option please let us know when you sign up. Many times the rental fee will be about the same as the airlines charge to travel with your bike.
What To Bring
Weather in Belgium in the spring can be quite chilly. Please bring the appropriate riding gear for all weather conditions including rain, cool temperatures, and brisk winds. All mileage is dependant on weather conditions. Besides a cowbell for cheering on your favorite rider and a pair of comfortable walking shoes, you may want to check out our travel tips for advice, training tips, and a packing list for other recommendations. A helmet is mandatory on all rides.
When To Register
In order to receive the best pricing and reserve your spot, please sign up now. There is still room left for the 2012 Flanders in the Spring tour. Trip Insurance
Although we do not require the purchase of trip insurance, we strongly recommend it for your cycling tour. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any travel expenses that you have paid, and cannot obtain a refund for. If your flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight what will you do? If you travel with your bike and the airlines damage it, what will you do? If your bike or helmet is missing and you can’t participate in the tour you signed up for, what will you do?
The right plan will also reimburse your costs for work-related cancelations and provide medical coverage anywhere in the world. Even if you have your own health insurance in the United States, you won’t be covered internationally. This alone is an excellent reason to inquire about trip insurance. For around $200 you can insure your trip and have peace of mind while traveling. If you choose not to obtain trip insurance you will need to sign a waiver that you assume any financial loss you may incur, which may be higher than your original trip fee. Call us at 720.295.0758 and we can give you a quote over the phone.