Armistice Day 100th Anniversary Ride 2018 - Calais through France and Belgium to Ypres

[bikeman66]

Hi all,

I know this is two years away yet, but as it is Armistice Day, and as it is a subject which resonates deeply with me, due to my grandfather's service and experiences at the Battle of the Somme, I'm trying to assess potential interest in a ride from Calais, through northern France and Belgium, to Ypres on 11th November 2018, to mark the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent.

It's a ride of around 90km, and would take around 4.5 hours. Obviously, no-one knows what the weather will be doing on that day, but if it was a cold, crisp, sunny morning, as it is here on the Isle of Wight right now, it would be perfect.

I guess it would mean an early start, but to arrive at Ypres in time for the two minute silence would be fitting.

Would be glad to hear your thoughts on this.

 

[Brandane]

This sounds like a great idea, and if I lived anywhere near the south or south east then I would be putting my hand up as a definite participant. As you say, 2018 is 2 years away and who knows what I might be doing then, so I am still throwing my name in the hat as "remotely possible". A word of caution though; if I do attend you can kiss goodbye to any thoughts of a "cold, crisp, sunny morning". It will be cold, wet, with a full on headwind. See avatar!

 

[bondirob]

Why not 2017?

 

[Theseus]

Why not 2017?

Because it wouldn't be the 100th anniversary of the armistice of 11 November 1918

 

[bondirob]

Because it wouldn't be the 100th anniversary of the armistice of 11 November 1918

Sorry my mistake been on nights and I'm very tired

 

[gasinayr]

did you not see Countryfile on BBC1 last night. They were covering a similar ride
Try to watch it on catchup

 

[spen666]

I cycled to Ypres this summerfor the last post ceremony. I cycled from Dunkirk having got the ferry from Dover. It was an easy and very pleasant ride

 

[robgul]

did you not see Countryfile on BBC1 last night. They were covering a similar ride
Try to watch it on catchup

That was riding to the SOMME which is in France south and shade west of Calais - Ypres is in Belgium.

Ride sounds interesting, we've been to Ypres twice with the club's annual cycle tour (2012 & 2016) - I'd already been thinking about 2018 and November - if we did then I'd be booking the B&B we stay at sooner rather than later. 2014 with remembering the start of the war was busy in Ypres with room prices being driven up.

Rob

 

[bikeman66]

did you not see Countryfile on BBC1 last night. They were covering a similar ride
Try to watch it on catchup

I sure did see Countryfile. If I could get Helen Skelton to come along...............

Seriously though, it did look like a great route, although obviously they went to the Somme memorial at Thiepval rather than Ypres. Wouldn't be against riding to the Somme memorial instead though.

 

[videoman]

Wife and I could be interested but she would need to get a bike first!

 

[jay clock]

I could see this becoming massive. I might register www.millionvelo.com or similar