In a nutshellFor the last couple of years we've had a gaggle of riders partake in the delights of the Netherlands for a weekend / long weekend / week. The Strangler made an excellent suggestion that this should be an annual event
and so here we are planning the next instalment.
Due to popular demand, riding distances will be kept much shorter this year. Circa 100km per day. That'll surely please a lot of folk, and provide time for more sightseeing, or sampling the local gastronomical delights (by the way, gastronomy covers both food and drink ... you learn something new every day!).
Proposed dateHistorically this has been a mid-September event, so I am proposing getting across the channel late on Thursday 12th Sept, and a return late on Sunday 15th Sept (back in Harwich at 6:30am Monday morning). If that is suitable for the majority, then those who wish to make a longer trip can either extend at the start, or at the end.
Proposed routeNow this is where it gets interesting. You see, a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk with bicycle costs just £15. Bargain! Plus there are lots of sailings to choose from.
So the thinking was to do a circuitous route from Dunkirk up to Hook, which is 300km approx. In Belgium there is a network of long distance cycle paths, which would be a good resource to start with. Details are at
https://www.groteroutepaden.be/en/pagina/213-256/route-overzicht.html.
Getting to DoverFor those with time on their hands, cycling down to Dover would be an option. With a bit of meandering, a 200km route would be possible from mid-Essex. Then a Thursday evening sailing and lodging somewhere close to Dunkirk for the night.
For those with less time, you can cycle quicker to Dover, or perhaps take the train. A Thursday evening sailing might appeal, but there's also scope to get an early Friday morning crossing and meet up in Dunkirk ... or if you miss the departure of the peloton from Dunkirk, then meet up a bit later in the day.
Thoughts?Nothing is yet cast in stone, so please do advise if any of these arrangements can be improved upon.