tentative strong interest here. Looking at train fares yada yada ...
I've just heard that the start is 1400h (2pm). That's ... unusual!
So I guess 5pm finish. Which is nice in some ways, as it means a relaxed evening, eat/drink/shower/craic/bed in some proportions according to fatigue level. No travelling to bother with.
EDIT: With such a late start, I could get there by train from Oxfordshire on the day! But that seems a bit stressful, and I note it's just outside Ghent:
So I reckon staying in/nr Ghent* the night before, and doing some grockle-ing/carbo-loading in the morning looks like a nice plan. It would be lovely to share a litre and chips with fellow randonneurs, if things work out.
Maybe a siesta too ...
If anyone has space in a car to rent, let me know; otherwise train looks by far the best value/ least stress/ affordable route.
* I hostelled there on the way back from HCH2013; but I had heatstroke, and didn't enjoy my stay at all. So hopefully September will be better.