Just loaded up and off to Belgium for the weekend. Probably the easiest of the Europeian trips you can do. Down to the Channel Tunnel (230 miles from me) then 75 minutes in Flanders Fields.
Belgium is a nice country although I have to admit it's many years since I have been. We used to go quite often when we lived overseas. Is it business or pleasure your trip?
That is a nice trip ... Did Flanders, Menin Gate, war graves etc 3 years ago ... very moving.
Did the WW1 sites. 700 miles door to door in 72hours two up and the bike did not miss a beat. Was with 4 other bikes and the Kawasaki just did the miles effortlessly.
No more than one would expect from the best bike out there ;D
Very nice but to really experience Belgium you need to go further.
The NW is VERY flat and as there are villages/towns every couple of miles it makes for SLOW progress.
But if you bite the bullet and spend 2 hours on the motorways from Dunkerque/Calais to Namur, you are on the edge of some awesome biking roads.
The Ardennes have long twisty roads going through beautiful scenery.
The only negative is that the road surface can be a bit rough in places.
If you see a sign saying "Route Degradee" get ready for a sore arse.
If you see "Route Tres Degradee",..... find another route. ;)
From Namur you can head East to the German border and the Eiffel mountains, SE towards Luxembourg, or South along the Meuse/Semois rivers.
It's all good and away from the main roads and big towns the traffic is minimal.
On a dry day it's motorcycling nirvana. ;D 8) ;D
Hi Boomer,
I agree. But the trip was really for the WW1 history which I am interested in. I have ridden through Belgium for Holland and Germany, and if you want just biking you are spot on. I wanted to combine two passions. Also had one day off the bike so we could just do Ypres and the Flanders Field Exhibition. Anyone who has not done Europe (We all have to start someplace) then Ypres is probably so easy, you cannot go wrong and you are not too far away from the ports to get back if you need to. It also will not cost you an arm and a leg, and it is possible to do a two day trip if you want to, as a taster.
I want to do the Ardennes, so may pick your knowledge next year.
Thanks for the tips.
Hi Rippers,
No problem, just let me know when you want to know.
For Military history buffs check out Bastogne. (Historical centre)
Also museums in La Gleize, La Roche en Ardenne and in Diekirch, Luxembourg.
There is a King Tiger tank in La Gleize, a Panther in Houffalize and Shermans just about everywhere.
For lovers of old buildings check out Dinant, Huy, Rocroi (France), and Luxembourg city.