Belgium cycling-but not for me

[shootingstar]

Thanks for the site, paperv.

Keep in mind, the purpose of his trip is to examine European cycling facilities and cycling routes for commuters and stimulating local tourism/economy. He does discuss and show people here what he finds in Europe.

He will be in Brussels near the beginning of his trip, then he will head eventually to Amsterdam with stops along in Belgium before returning to Canada from Paris.

He will be cycling with weight of his baggage..which includes his laptop on his back (I wish he wouldn't... but it's safest for his computer.) plus his panniers. I know he isn't the sort of cyclist that is thrilled to do a large chunk of a route on cobblestone and if he has a choice to be on a smoother road, he will choose that.

By the way, the only cobblestone road areas I can think (and where I've been and have cycled) in Canadian cities, is central old historic areas of Montreal, Quebec City and a small courtyard areas in historic areas in Toronto. Vancouver doesn't have any cobblestone areas..

[papaver]

he'll be just fine. You know there are lots of routes in our country (as well as in holland). There are 1.9 million cyclists (commuters not included) in Flanders alone (dutch speaking region of Belgium). That's 1/3 of all inhabitants.
Wherever he goes, he can go to the local tourist office and ask for cycling roadmaps. Every village has at least one route.

Oh and the site i gave you earlier with the numbers, that will be just perfect for him. Holland is working on such a system too. It's really handy.

And this one... and hey... it's in English too. LOL

http://www.fietsroute.org/indexuk.htm

[Thorn]

Awesome site, papaver! What a great use of mapping software and a great way to encourage cycling. Oh to have just 1/2 that many routes...

[papaver]

Awesome site, papaver! What a great use of mapping software and a great way to encourage cycling. Oh to have just 1/2 that many routes...

It's our national sport. You know, it's healthy, it's perfect for kids, adults, and older people. My parents are in their mid seventies and they still cycle every day. At least 35 kms per day (exept when the weather is too bad).

It just comes natural to us, first you learn to walk and then you learn to ride a bike.

[Tri Girl]

I want to live in a country like that. I may have to become Belgian.

[Reesha]

This thread makes me miss Belgium like MAD!

When I lived there I wasn't really a 'cycling' for pleasure lass yet... still was a cycling for utility girl as I had been through most of my youth. I don't think I had any real appreciation for the sheer volume of bike safe routes. I remember before school started up in Brugge that we did some really nice rides to Knokke-Heist and Sluis, NL but it's been ten years and the memories are distant. I remember pulling ourselves across canals on a cable-guided raft too! So neat. Damme was also a favorite place to ride to as well.

Anyway, I think a bike tour of Flanders and the Netherlands is in order... maybe that will be my next vacation, although my mom wants me to go to Australia and stay with her friend in Sydney for a month. She's got three teenage boys and has always wanted a daughter! Also, I probably need a touring bike first... all in good time!

[Reesha]

Also, shootingstar, how did your partner find Belgium when he went?