tour of flanders
ram038
Posts: 187
Planning on going to see the Tour of flanders in April I have never been to see a road race before so am a wee bit unsure of best way of going about this. has anyone been to see the the Tour and can recommend a good cheap hotel and travel arrangements and where the best spot to see the race would be? any advice would be appreciated. I don't drive a car so public transport information is needed.
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(http://www.sport.be/cyclingtour/rondeva ... /2008/eng/)
b) ride between vantage points during the race. Oudenaarde is a good base, close to a lot of the cobble action.
Manchester Wheelers
How hard is it on the bike - should I take my winter bike or my new carbon pride and joy (not been out since October)?
Gearing for the short climbs. I run 50/34 and 12/23 and was thinking of going to 12/27 or is that overkill for these short climbs?
Was reading that GP 4 Seasons 25mm are the tyre of choice for the cobbles, any views?
Cheers in anticipation
The possibility of congestion of some of the climbs means that it's important to keep the momentum up, so if you feel you'll do this best with a 27, go for it. Another reason might be that, if it's wet, you'll want to stick in the saddle to keep traction.
On tyres, I used 23mm and didn't notice myself slipping between the cobbles and would use them again. The cobbles seemed to be more about technique rather than width of the tyres i.e. head down and charge like raging bull
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
Yes - I got round on 39x26 bottom gear. The climbs are fairly short. The worst thing is the traffic jams that stop you rather than being unable to ride up. Once you get stopped on the Muur it's very hard to get moving again as it's 1-in-5.
25mm tyres are less likely to pinch flat if you hit a big pothole or cobble and you can run at lower pressures accordingly which will give you better grip which is a big advantage if it's damp. Used the 24mm Vittoria Paves myself which were fine.
beginning to get worried that I will not be able to take my bicycle on Eurostar. On their site they say the bag should be no bigger than a normal suitcase but do not specify exact dimensions. I assume all bike bags are roughly the same size, has anyone had any problems taking their bike on eurostar. i am faced with the decision on wether to go to the station without my bike or take a chance of not getting to Brussels. HELP
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12561657
I live in Brussels and will probably go on the train to Gerradsbergen on Sunday morning (the Belgium railways site is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it- the route planner is at http://hari.b-holding.be/Hafas/bin/query.exe/en?). I'm currently without my bike (
I was wondering though if Oudenarde would be better for watching, as it gets the race twice?
Let me know if you have any Brussels-related questions.
I will be staying close to Midi can you recommend any good pubs in the area. i have Friday to waste any good bike shops in the area and touristy places to go?
Hummm... not sure about anywhere right by Midi. I recommed some nice bars at Place St Gery, which is near the Bourse in the center (get the premetro). Also around Rue du Midi south of the city center or around Grand Place.
Brussels is surprisingly poor for good bike shops (there are actually surprisingly few cyclists in Brussels, probably something to do with the Brussels drivers :? ). As for tourist things, there is quite a lot, so depends what you want. the art gallery is renownded, quite nice round there and the Royal Palace. The Mannekin Pis is kind of a waste of time. Probably best just to read a guide or head to the TIC, and see what interests.
I agree about the lack of bike shops in brussels. I work in sint-stephens woluwe and there is nothing near by whatosever.
Close to my home nr Gent they are everywhere....
It's the size of a UK supermarket! :shock:
P.S. They don't take credit cards though so you'll need cash.
Manchester Wheelers
you better now?
I'm still with lurgy! Going to docs this afternoon.
Good luck on your weekend
And how well di dthe Kwak flow on Saturday night?
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
I only did the 140 so my first climb was the Molenberg. I don't think I have ever so seen so many people fall off...
I was pleased I chose to use my MTB on slicks as the climbs were so slippy and heavily congested there was no way I would have cycled up on 41/26. Once anyone had been forced to stop on the climbs with cobbles there was no chance of re-starting as you had to have your full weight on the saddle to have any grip from the rear tyre.
Damn cold in places too. Should have taken a waterproof jacket with me. (stupid decision).
The Paterberg, final climb of the day is about 10 Km from Oudenaarde... it is a shame that the final climb is likely to be a bottleneck with cyclists slowly walking to the top. My advice is to start very very very early (be at the start and ready to go one hour before the official start) and go like the wind or very very late and go slowly to avoid the crowd. Failing that, prepare to walk up the Koppenberg, Paterberg and if really unlucky even Molenberg and Taieeneberg...
The other muurs are easy and hopefully even the lardy Mamils will be able to go up without obstructing the way