The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Belgium: Cuisine Culture 2026

August 31st to September 14th

Ride Director: Bridgette Martinez
Ride Co-Director: Philip Spadaro
Ride Driver: Jose Martinez
Report by: Debbie Simpson

Belgium by Bike — Over 400 Miles of Bikeways, History and Charm

What an incredible way to experience Belgium! Over 400 miles of cycling through picturesque farmland, peaceful canals and historic towns, with abbeys, windmills and church towers appearing around unexpected corners. Belgium's extraordinary cycling infrastructure was perhaps the biggest surprise. Bikeways were everywhere, integrated into streets, sidewalks, canal paths and countryside. Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists shared space with remarkable ease, and car horns were almost nonexistent!

Our adventure began in Leuven at the charming Begijnhof Hotel, beside the historic beguinage, once home to communities of lay religious women, and within walking distance of the city's attractions. Our first rides introduced us to the surrounding farmland, abbeys and exceptional bikeways. We even discovered cycling legend Eddy Merckx's hometown and a mural honoring his contributions to the sport.

From Leuven, we cycled 20 miles to Mechelen, where guided walking tours and paired chocolate and beer tastings complemented the historic architecture. One memorable ride followed canals, included a ferry crossing, and took us past farmland, a market serving Belgian waffles and the historic Het Anker brewery for lunch. A train excursion to Antwerp offered magnificent architecture and a chance to explore its diamond district.

Our journey continued with a 50-mile ride to Ghent, two ferry crossings and lunch at a family-run Turkish deli. Ghent became a favorite, with lively canalside streets and buildings beautifully illuminated at night. A 42-mile countryside ride brought more discoveries: a centuries-old windmill, roadside farm stands and charming cafés.

Next was Oudenaarde, in the heart of Tour of Flanders country. We visited the cycling museum and rode rural routes past sunflower fields, windmills and historic churches. The area's famous cobblestones and Tour of Flanders climbs, including Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, offered more demanding options for stronger riders. We also encountered a street honoring the race's history.

Despite the total mileage, the generally flat terrain and extensive bikeway network made even longer days surprisingly manageable. Optional hills and cobbled sections added challenges for those seeking them. Downloading Ride with GPS routes beforehand made navigation easier, particularly entering and leaving cities or handling occasional detours.

Our final destination was magical Brugge, reached after a mostly flat 40-mile ride and a rainy final stretch. Imagine arriving at the magnificent five-star Duke's Palace Hotel soaking wet in cycling gear, then enjoying a glass of wine beside the Lake of Love in warm sunshine that same afternoon! Our final ride ventured into the Netherlands and along North Sea beaches—a beautiful, if windy, conclusion.

Accommodations were exceptional, with four- and five-star hotels and breakfast provided each morning. Cafés, restaurants, markets and breweries made food stops a pleasure. Even a simple coffee felt special, served in a proper cup with a little cookie! And Belgian beers often arrived in glasses designed specifically for their brands.

Bridgette, Philip and Jose made the trip feel effortless. Their behind-the-scenes planning meant we could simply show up and enjoy ourselves without worrying about hotels, excursions or logistics. Daily route options suited different interests and abilities, while the balance of riding, sightseeing and downtime left plenty of time to explore.

If you're considering this trip, do it! You'll come home spoiled by Belgian bikeways and wonderful memories! For an added treat, here is a link to the YouTube channel of one of our group members showcasing our wonderful experience! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL-t3BOOwqao