Ypres and WW1 Routes

[man in black]

Now after my Paris ride, I have the bug even more to go touring.

I am looking to go mid to end of August travelling Dover to Dunkirk then on to Ypres, Menin Gate and visit places of interest in the area. I can do this over a week or so.
If any one can give me advice and routes maybe then can share so I can start to prepare, or if anyone fancies to come along with me.
Not sure on camping, like my comforts too much, so b&b recommendations would be great too.

Many thanks in advance

 

[Broadside]

I've just recently come back from 3 days of riding around Belgium, it is a great place for riding. Ypres is very nice and worth a visit, also worth putting Tyne Cot cemetery on your list if you're in to that thing. I found the north of the country fairly flat, so if you want some variety head for the hills around Oudenaarde, and ride a route to include the cobbles around Koppenberg and there is some nice countryside around Knokteberg. If you happen to be anywhere near Tielt there is a bar as you come in to the centre which has tables and chairs outside with a bike stuck to the wall, they are very cycling friendly, in fact they are cycling crazy with Eddie Merckx signed jerseys everywhere, they are lovely people in there.

 

[robgul]

From Ypres there is a very well signed route that takes you around lots of the key WW1 sites - we did it in 2 halves over 2 days (got roughly half way on day 1 and then rode direct to our hotel/B&B in Ypres, following day retraced to the signed route and did the rest back to Ypres. A great trip. Maps etc are available - it's called the Peace Trail http://www.fietsroute.org/Cycling.php?fietsroutes=The_Peace_Route ... and there's a good book written by Major & Mrs Holt - see http://www.guide-books.co.uk/ypres-leper.html A must is the Cloth Hall in the centre of Ypres.

... we did it in 2012 as a club tour - and plan to ride again sometime .... I'm even tempted to join you (but camping isn't for me!)

If you want to PM me I can probably find the itinerary from our trip (Calais - St Omer - Ypres - Gravelines - Calais - using the Eurotunnel Bike Service)

Rob

 

[man in black]

The peace route looks perfect thank you, I have just ordered the book ' Before Endevours Fade' looking more into it seems the book to have!

 

[robgul]

I think you'll find the whole WW1 thing very moving when you see the trenches and graves etc ... when we went one of our group found a realtive's grave at Tyne Cot.

... and I remembered - we stayed at a B&B in Ypres called Hortensia, about 300 yards from the main square - excellent with secure bike storage etc.

Rob

 

[man in black]

Thanks for the b&b info Rob, would it be best to stay here for a few days as a base and cycle the routes?
Cheers
Tony

 

[robgul]

Yes - we stayed 3 nights and did the Peace Route in 2 days.

Rob

 

[man in black]

All booked B&B Hortensia, Arrive Saturday 29th August for four nights, many thanks for your help.