|
|
|
 |
|
Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
|
| Beer, Bikes and Belgium - Belgium and the Netherlands |
| Dates: |
Sept. 17 - 24, 2012 |
|
| Length: |
8 days / 7 nights |
| Location: |
Belgium and the Netherlands |
| Pace & Distance: |
30-50 miles a day depending on interest and fitness level. A unique trip for any moderate-level club rider. |
| Group size: |
8 minimum, 16 maximum |
| Cost: |
$3,700 (USD) per person
See pricing details |
| Itinerary: |
Trip highlights: Experience ancient cobblestones as you ride part of the Tour of Flanders route and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege course. Enjoy local cuisine and sample a number of regional Belgiam beers during frequent brewery tours. As a special bonus watch the UCI Road World Cycling Championships in the Netherlands! View detailed itinerary below.
 Download a printable PDF of the itinerary
|
 Finish Line Cycling's deluxe beer and bike tour is geared to the cyclist who is passionate about the Spring Classics and also enjoys a good, hearty beer after a long ride. Ride through the Belgian countryside and learn more about the beer in your hand during one of many brewery tours. Our signature beer and bike tour includes a number of brewery tours, plenty of bike rides around well-known cycling regions, information about brews, and lots of Belgian culture.
If you enjoy watching the muddy, rainy Spring Classics you will appreciate riding in the mild weather September has to offer. In 2012 you will also be treated to watching the Men's UCI World Championships team time trial in the Netherlands.
Ride some of the best terrain from legendary Spring Classics races such as the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem, and Fleche Wallonne. Mileage varies and is best suited towards the intermediate or advanced cyclist and beer enthusiast.
|
BEER, BIKES AND BELGIUM TOUR
Detailed Itinerary
|
|
DAY ONE
|
 Upon early morning arrival at the Brussels Airport, transport of bike and gear to our hotel accommodations in Oudenaarde. Group introductions, assemble bikes, settle in your room, and have lunch. Warm-up ride of approximately 20 miles at a casual pace, followed by a large welcome dinner including a gastronomical affair, with distinctive Belgian cuisine.
|
|
|
 After breakfast we will ride part of the Tour of Flanders race route, including the legendary Koppenberg, Kwaremont, Paterberg climbs. Even though there are a number of climbs today, they are all very short and manageable. From the base of the climb you can see the top and it’s ok to walk with your bike! Many have smooth pavement while others are rough and cobbled. Get a true sense of what the pro’s feel when they race up them. We will stop for lunch in a small village along our route for the group to look around and eat lunch at your own pace, wherever you’d like to. We will regroup before heading back to Oudenaarde. Approximately 40-50 miles of riding with a longer mileage option. Visit the Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cycling Museum. Later in the day we will relax during our first local brewery tour at regional brewery before heading to dinner. |
|
|
|
|
|
Short, easy ride in the morning of approximately 20-25 miles before we head to the Netherlands to watch the UCI Road World’s Cycling Championships. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a cowbell to cheer on the world’s best cyclists. The Elite Men’s Individual Time Trial will finish on top of the Cauberg, a steep climb with a max gradient of 12%. This famous hill is also used in the Amstel Gold Spring Classic race every year. We will watch the final kilometers of this 45km time trial with thousands of our newest Dutch friends. Group dinner after the awards presentation where we can discuss techniques and efforts of the elite riders we just watched battle it out to the finish.
|
|
|
 Breakfast in our new hotel, then bike ride on a section of the Liege Bastogne Liege route. More hills today but still a moderate ride, averaging about 40-50 miles. Some cobbles, some climbs. Another brewery tour is on the agenda for the afternoon. Enjoy the differing landscape of the Liege Province with the lush green forests of the Ardennes, narrow roads, and peaceful countryside. Dinner in the heart of Liege. |
|
|
|
 Day off of bike to explore on your own in the historical district of Liege, or optional bike ride will be planned. Stroll along the Meuse River, ride around the university grounds, visit St. Lambert Square, tour the art Museum, or take pictures of the Palace of the Prince-Bishops. The options are endless in the 1,000 year old city but don’t forget to buy some chocolate. For those who would like to get a few more miles in we will organize a ride leaving in the morning immediately following breakfast, and continue riding another portion of the Liege Bastogne Liege course. We will all regroup for dinner late in the day.
|
|
|
| Ride near Liege on flat roads with moderate hills, approximately 40 miles with longer options available. For some cross training, climb the 400 stairs of Montagne de Bueren up to the Citadelle. Bring your camera for the best panoramic views of the city. We will visit another distinctive brewery to taste more local brews.
|
|
|
 After an early breakfast we will head to Marché de la Batte along the Meuse River in Liege. The market is one of the longest in all of Europe where fresh produce, clothing, and food are the center of attention. You will have a chance to pick up some snacks to eat while watching the race later in the day. After our stop we will continue on to Maastricht, in the Netherlands to be in the start town for the UCI Road World’s Cycling Championships. Today is a day off our bike as we get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the long 267km Elite Men’s Road Race. After the men leave town, we will head out along the race route to watch the five laps they complete before a winner is declared. Afterwards we will pack gear and bikes and have final dinner as a group.
|
|
|
| Breakfast at the hotel, goodbyes, then morning transport back to the Brussels, Belgium airport for early international flights. |
|
|
THE FINE PRINT
Pricing
$3700 double occupancy
$500 single supplement
$375 road bike rental (if needed)
The minimum number of riders required to run this tour is eight
Trip Inclusions
- Experienced guides and knowledgeable staff who have a passion for cycling
- Local English-speaking guides
- Van support during group rides
- Bottled water and snacks while riding
- All lodging (double occupancy)
- Standard European breakfast every morning
- Hearty dinners at local cuisine (except where otherwise noted)
- Transportation to and from the Brussels, Belgium airport
- Transportation of luggage, gear, and bikes during the tour
- Mechanical support and assistance assembling your bike
- Secure storage of your bike when not riding it
- Entry into brewery tours
- Small group size up to 16 people max
- An abundance of Belgian culture
- Airfare to/from Brussels and Belgium
- Gratuities for guides and leaders
- Single supplement (when available)
- Miscellaneous personal expenses not included
Traveling with your bike
We recommend that you bring your own bike on vacation, however if your airline will charge you an excessive amount, you don't have a bike box, or you don't want the hassle of travelling with your bike, a road bike can be rented in Belgium. If you are interested in this option please let us know when you sign up. Many times the rental fee in Belgium will be about the same as the airlines charge to travel with your bike.
What to bring
Please bring the appropriate riding gear for all weather conditions including rain, cool temperatures, and brisk winds. All mileage is dependant on weather conditions. Check out Finish Line Cycling's travel tips for advice, training tips, and a packing list for other recommendations. A helmet is mandatory on all rides.
Cancellations
Finish Line Cycling lists booking conditions and the cancellation policy on their website at http://www.bikebelgium.com/terms.aspx
Registration
In order to receive the best pricing and reserve your spot, please sign up by the following date:
January 15, 2012 - Early Bird Registration
May 30, 2012 - Last chance for Cascade special pricing
July 30, 2012 - If room available
Sign up online through Finish Line Cycling: www.bikebelgium.com/cascadebeer.aspx
|
|
|
|
Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle the hills? Join Cascade Ride Leaders this spring in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
|
|
|
|
