Having recently moved to the Netherlands from the US, I am in the process of scoping out new places for training weekends this spring and was told the Belgian Ardennes are great cycling country. Be interested for info from those who have ridden there about the best town to base out of, good but affordable hotels, best routes, etc.
thanks,
Jack
BUMP - Finally got a car and am headed down to the Ardennes for the first time this weekend for 3 days of riding in prep for Quelle Roth. Got a place to stay in Durbuy (sp?) and have read alot generally about the great riding in the area but have not been able to find anything on specific routes or loops in the area - looking to do 100-160k a day depending on the weather and how my legs handle the hills. Do not know the area at all so any suggestions of good loops/routes/roads/climbs to ride would be most highly appreciated!
thanks,
Jack
Look at this site: http://www.sport.be/cyclingtour/tilffbastognetilff/2009/nl/parcours/
It’s great!
Best Regards
Jos
You can also ride the “bordjesroutes” :those are touristic car routes marked by permanent signs.they go on quiet backroads for most of the time.
i think the website is www.bordjesroutes.nl.
You can also find the heightdifference and where there is a sign missing on a crossing.
however if you come from the north (holland) it is also very nice to ride in “Nederlands limburg”, i find the roadquality a bit better but it is not so easy to find the way,you ride a lot on the roads of AMstel Gold race (the only dutch World Cup Race).
if you have more questions, just ask, i live in Belgium…
have fun,
Tom
Durbuy is a bit of a tourist trap, but that might have some advantages. The riding within that area should be outstanding (you are almost on the Liege-Bastogne-Liege course). Don’t go ride in the flatlands of the north IMHO. A few pointers:
- get Michelin maps and, as much as possible, stay on yellow roads, red if you must. You will get “lost” but this is not Nevada.
- refuel exclusively with local products: patisserie, cheese, and trappiste beer (Rochefort.) Watch for store hours/days there are few, but bars will be open.
Thanks to all for the info. Re Limburg - last two weekends I have went riding there and it is really amazing - good roads, lots of cyclists everywhere and tons of cool climbs. Hoping for more of the same this week - and no rain, please!
thanks again,
Jack
jealous!