HobbesOnTour
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Have you had a look at https://cycle.travel/ and played around with it?OK, maybe I should edit the route slightly then? Possibly first day Calais to Brugge, second Brugge to Ghent, third Ghent to Brussels, and then return in land in 2 days?
I plan to bring only minimal baggage, and arrive in Calais in the afternoon, starting the ride to Belgium early the next morning. I will post social media updates but only once I have reached each destination so not much time taken up.
I have been cycling in the gym, albeit intensive sprint training because I can't afford the time to spend hours on the cycling machine in the gym, however when I'm back home in Devon I used to cycle quite a bit.
I agree! Note the bike I plan to use is my father's hybrid bike which I have used many times before.
I think you may be right, I might have to stretch it over a longer time period to enjoy each place I visit. Could you suggest an inland route back from Brussels which I may be able to complete in 2 days? And I will try to plan it so that I have time to spare.
Many thanks
Calais to Brugge is 120 km That's a good distance if you're travelling light.
Brugge to Ghent is only 45 km Gives lots of time to relax and sightsee.
Ghent to Brussels is 65 km Again, easy enough and gives time for exploring Brussels.
Brussels to Calais via Ieper/Ypres is about 230 km. That;s doable over 2 days and it's possible to avoid cycling any of the way you have already covered.
https://cycle.travel/map/journey/88939
The area around Ieper/Ypres is full of WW1 history if that's your thing and worth spending time in.
If I was you I'd be spending as much time as possible on a bike, preferably the one you'll use. It's less about fitness and more about being comfortable. There's a difference between going cycling regularly and riding for up to 8 hours day after day.
Have you thought about navigation? I mean how will you follow whatever route you choose? Do you have a gps device? Phone? or maps? I have the OSMand app downloaded on my phone as an emergency back-up for navigation. It shows you where you are, will direct you to your destination (offline). Alternatively, you can download the gpx file from cycle.travel and follow it on Osmand. A bit clunky, but good. Your first 5 maps are free so that will cover France & Belgium.
Check the hostels you plan on using will have secure parking for your bike, especially in Brussels.