Riding in Flanders - battlefields and memorials

pottssteve

Hi All,

I'm considering bringing a group of students to the Ypres area to look at WW1 history. I'd be interested in doing a tour using bikes as I think it gives a much better feel for the area and also if the weather is bad, an impression of how hard it was for those fighting there!

Has anyone ridden around the area and if so, are there any tour groups that you would recommend who could put together a package including hotels, guide, bikes etc? There are a couple on the internet but a personal recommendation would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

mac111051

you can hire bikes from here http://www.jeugdstadion.be/E/fietsverhuur.php
another usfull site here http://www.fietsroute.org/indexuk.php

pottssteve

Thanks, I will check these out.

Steve

salsarider79

If your going near Ypres then it worth contacting Talbot House as this was 'everyman's house' in WW1 and still in almost original condition. It has a beautiful chapel in the attic which was used by founder Rev P B 'Tubby' Clayton to offer solice from the front line and where he lead services to men who went to the front shortly after and never came back. Its a powerful place and not far from the Menin Gate where they play the last post every evening at 8pm. Its a very powerful place to visit. Worth googling both....Oh, and there was Sansen bakery directly opposite who did some amazing chocolate croissants. Makes a tasty, if not necessarily healthy breakfast....
I'm thinking of doing a WW1 battlefield tour. Be interested to know your route, where you went, etc, etc.

andrew_s

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19623611#p19623611]salsarider79[/url] wrote:

If your going near Ypres then it worth contacting Talbot House ... Its a powerful place and not far from the Menin Gate where they play the last post every evening at 8pm.

Talbot House (Toc H) is in Poperinge, 8 miles along the road from Ypres and the Menin Gate.