The following is the outline plan for the trip across to Belgium / Netherlands in September. Not quite the 'C' loop I was expecting (in order to cater for a shorter optional route on the Friday). This is documented for feedback before we confirm arrangements.
So please don’t book anything just yet. If you have comments on the outline plan, please respond either directly or via this thread by the end of Sunday 28th July. I will then look to solidify the arrangements and post the confirmed details before the end of July (ie early next week).
Thursday 12th SeptFor those able to travel on the Thursday, an outline plan would be:
Train - St Pancras to Dover Priory - 17:20 to 18:39 - £33.80
Ferry - Dover to Dunkirk - 20:00 to 23:00 - £29
Hotel - ibis Dunkerque - £65 (single)
Lots of train options available. Check-in at the ferry terminal closes 45 mins before the sailing, but 60 mins + is recommended as an arrival time.
The ferry takes 2 hours.
The ibis has a 24hr reception and garage parking.
Friday 13th SeptFor those travelling on the Friday morning, an outline plan would be:
Train - London Victoria to Dover Priory - 08:42 to 10:39 - £39.60
Ferry - Dover to Dunkirk - 12:00 to 15:00 - £29
Cycling - Dunkirk to Bruges - 2 routes proposed:
Route A - 75km - a pleasant and relatively direct route for those catching the ferry on the Friday, and for those wanting a shorter ride.
Route B - 130km - a longer route taking in the sites around Ypres and other locations.
Both routes will use the Flanders Cycle Route as a basis, but heading in different directions out of Dunkirk.
Hotel - a few options at
https://cyclefriendlyhotels.comSaturday 14th SeptCycling - Bruges to Antwerp - 1 route proposed:
Route A - 100km - based on the Flanders Cycle Route, via Ghent. Might add one or two optional detours to make the morning or afternoon routes a little longer and with additional points of interest for those wanting more time in the saddle.
Hotel - a few options at
https://cyclefriendlyhotels.comSunday 15th SeptCycling - Antwerp to Hook of Holland - 1 route proposed:
Route A - 115km - route based on experience from past couple of years
Ferry - Hook of Holland to Harwich - 22:00 to 6:30 - £44.50
Other mattersBased on the above outline, I will put together proposed routes and identify points of interest and places to get food / water along the way. I’ll also check other hotel options, although by using larger cities it does provide the opportunity for people to sort their own arrangements and regroup in the morning.
This isn’t an organised tour. In previous years we have all ridden together, and some riders extended the ride to go further over more days. I would hope we are riding together in one or two groups, but I should emphasise that everybody should be prepared to be self-sufficient, arranging their own travel, accommodation, navigation device, and insurance.
The theme this year is to explore new areas in Belgium, with time to enjoy some nice food and beverages along the way.
Depending on feedback, I will aim to confirm the outline details early next week so that people can book their travel and accommodation. The routes may take a little longer as I expect a few iterations before the precise route is finalised. I would hope to complete that in the next few weeks though.