Ride Director Comments

This tour is full and we have a long wait list. We are considering running a second section, but prior to this one (starting around 8/15). If you are interested in a second section, go ahead and get onto the wait list for this tour or email the ride director. This tour has been scheduled so that it could be run back-to-back with: The “Other” Netherlands: Cycling North Brabant & Friesland Provinces, from August 18-30, 2026. That tour drops participants at Schipol airport (Amsterdam) late morning on 8/30 and they could catch a train to Leuven from there on 8/30 or 8/31. The train takes 2-2.5 hours with one stop in either Antwerp or Brussels.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW
The region of Belgium known as Flanders is the setting for this tour, starting in Leuven in the east, and then onto Mechelen and Ghent in the central area along the Schelde. The tour heads south to Oudenaarde (home to the Tour of Flanders and a cycling museum), and finally ending in the fairytale town of Bruges in the west. Flanders is both a paradise for cyclists and hallowed ground for the cycling-race enthusiast, home of the legendary Eddy Merckx. There are a range of route options in each location, from relatively flat or rolling terrain through picturesque villages and artistic cities to cobbled climbs. You can ride all or part of the Tour of Flanders route or opt for easier rides like the “Brewery Route.” The mandatory rides are relatively flat or rolling, most following the Lange-afstand Fietsroutes ("LF"). In addition to the amazing cycling culture, you will experience scenic canals, historic architecture, abbeys and cathedrals, bustling markets, the art of Flemish masters, and of course food and drink: beer, frites (fries), waffles, and chocolate.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Vaccinations for Covid are recommended, but not required. Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

RIDE RATING
This ride is listed as 1B, but ride options will be offered ranging from 1A to 3C or more. The routes on the mandatory riding days (when we move locations) will range from 20 to 50 miles and will be generally flat or rolling. On average, mandatory rides will be 45 miles with less than 1,500 ft of elevation. For most rides, the maximum grade is 6% or less, but routes of 11% or greater grade will be available in a few locations. As we will have multiple fixed locations, riders not only have the option of a variety of rides, but can opt to take a day off the bike and visit local museums/attractions.  There will be options in some locations to take a train to shorten the route or just enjoy a day of sightseeing.  

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY 

• Mon 8/31: all arrive in Leuven
• Tue 9/1: rides from Leuven
• Wed 9/2: ride to Mechelen (22 mi)
• Thu/Fri 9/3-4: rides from Mechelen
• Sat 9/5: ride to Ghent (~50 mi)
• Sun/Mon 9/6-7: rides from Ghent (also a great place to take a day off the bike)
• Tue 9/8: ride to Oudenaarde (30 mi)
• Wed/Thu 9/9-10: rides from Oudenaarde (Ardennes, Wallonia)
• Fri 9/11: ride to Bruges (45 mi)
• Sat/Sun 9/12-13: rides to the coast and inland from Bruges
• Mon 9/14: all depart (train to Brussels or elsewhere)

WEATHER
Fall is one of the best seasons to visit Belgium, with nature at its beautiful best and a lack of tourists. Weather in September is typically quite pleasant with an average high temperature of 67°F and an average low temperature of 52 degrees and average rainfall of around 2 inches. Early September can be warmer with high temperatures in the upper 70s.

ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a visa waiver for short-term stays in Europe, and will be required for most travelers to the EU, including Americans and Canadians. It has been in the works for almost a decade and the roll-out date has again been delayed. It will not be implemented until the EU completes its Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals. The EES is anticipated to be functional by the end of 2025, but that is also uncertain. If ETIAS does roll out before the tour, the leadership team will be in contact with participants. More information can be found here: https://etias.com. 

LODGING & MEALS
Enjoy 4-and 5-star hotels, many in historic buildings, such as in Leuven where the hotel is adjacent to a former beguinage. In Oudenaarde, we stay at the cycling-themed Leopold Hotel across from the Tour of Flanders museum. We end the tour at the historic 5-star Duke’s Palace in Bruges, former residence of the Burgundian aristocracy.

• Begijnhof Hotel in Leuven (4-star: https://bchotel.be/en/home-2
• Hotel Vé in Mechelen (4-star): https://www.hotelve.com/en 
• Hotel Harmony in Gent (4-star): https://hotel-harmony.be/en/home-2  
• Leopold Hotel in Oudenaarde (4-star): https://www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com/en/
• Duke’s Palace in Bruges(5 star): https://hoteldukespalace.com 

Breakfast will be provided at each hotel. There will be four group dinners. Happy hours will be provided most evenings (at least 8). Restaurants are available within walking distance from each hotel, where you can sample local beers and cuisine. Coffee and lunch stops are available along the routes. We use the Preferences in your Profile to try and accommodate your special medical and dietary needs, so make sure those are updated and you indicate if there is any type of food you will NOT eat. Very few hotels allow a group to order off the menu and some insist on serving only one main dish, with accommodations only for vegetarians and allergies. Vegan meals may be difficult to obtain.

LOGISTICS
The tour starts in Leuven before dinner on Monday August 31, 2026 and ends in Bruges after breakfast on Monday September 14, 2026. Ride participants can fly into Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris and take the train to Leuven. At the end of the tour, you can take the train to Brussels (takes ~30 min), which is a major transportation hub, or another city such as Amsterdam or Paris; you could fly home from there or head to another location in Europe.  We will have a van driver whose primary role will be to transport luggage and supplies. While it will be available to assist with any emergencies, it will not serve as a SAG vehicle and participants are expected to complete all mandatory rides. BAC rides are designed for serious cyclists who are able to ride independently.

BIKES AND BIKE RENTALS
Bike rentals will be available and we intend to arrange a group discount with a reputable bike shop, but all participants are responsible for and must pay separately for their bike rentals. Rental bikes will be delivered to our first location in Leuven and picked up at the completion of the tour in Bruges. Road bikes are recommended and most riding surfaces are paved, although expect some cobbles. A tire size of at 25 or larger, preferably 28, are recommended. E-bike availability may be limited and riders need to be able to complete the entire ride on a single charge. The Ride Leaders will send additional information to those participants who are interested in renting bikes. A maximum of 2 tandems can be accommodated by the van. If you plan to bring a tandem, please notify the ride leader when you apply for the ride.  Also, if we have a large number of bike boxes, there may be an additional fee for transportation.

COST & ADMINISTRATION
Cost estimate is $3,400 per person. Cost includes double occupancy for 14 nights; 14 breakfasts; 4 group dinners; at least 8 happy hours with drinks and snacks; daily route review, maps, cue sheets and sightseeing information; and luggage transfer on 4 days, as well as at least 2 special tours/excursions (e.g., chocolate-making, museum). RwGPS tcx files will be provided; navigation devices are mandatory, but it is up to the rider to know how to use his or her device before the trip begins. The initial deposit is $1,200, with the second payment of $1,200 due December 1, 2025 and the final payment of $1,000 due April 1, 2026. The cost is estimated based on $1.15 per Euro. Depending on currency exchange rates, as well as possible hotel rate or tax increases, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until (December 1, 2025) to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $1,250 solo supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.  

The solo supplement payment of ($1,250), is due by December 1, 2025 and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle:

• In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org
• Initiate a payment
• In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org or Ernie Coose erniecoose.bac@gmail.com. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego,CA 92193.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

SIGN-UP
To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is a $100.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.