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The 2013 Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaandaren – RvV) is to take place on 31st March.
A club trip is planned for that weekend, taking in the very popular Sportive event the day before (Saturday).
The plan is as follows:
Thursday 28th March Ferry from Hull (evening sailing) to Zeebrugge.
Friday morning transfer to B-Hotel in Kruishoutem, about 7 miles from Oudenaarde – the start of the women’s RvV and the Saturday Sportive (140km version – the full route is 260km from Bruges). Various organised routes for a ride, or a rest day if preferred. Steakhouse dinner in Kruishoutem can be booked.
Saturday – Sportive (140km or 90km versions) Meet in Oudenaarde after for drinks – return to Kruishoutem for steakhouse dinner.
Sunday – ride to Oudenaarde to watch professional men & women’s races. As in 2012, the RvV finished in Oudenaarde with the race passing over the climbs of Oude Kwaremont and Patersberg three times in the closing stages, giving plenty of opportunities to see the race.
Monday – short ride out; various routes will be available. Monday evening ferry from Zeebrugge to Hull
Tuesday – morning arrival in Hull and return home.
All members (and families) are welcome. We are aware its Easter weekend, so people may not want to be away from their family. Whilst the itinerary is set up for those who want to ride and watch professional cycle racing, there is nothing to stop folk doing as much or as little as they want. The picturesque cities of Brugge and Brussels (is Brussels really picturesque?) are short car journeys away, and the battlefields of Flanders are a popular venue.
To give as much flexibility as possible, we’ve decided to allow members to make their own transport arrangements. Clearly, it is more cost effective to travel 3/4/5 to a car, so any individuals may want to let me know they want to come and I will co-ordinate the groups – some may want to shorten the trip by travelling on Friday rather than Thursday, again let me know.
Ride routes for Friday, Saturday (for those not riding the Sportive) and Monday will be provided closer to the event. There will be alternatives for those wanting an easier ride + the ‘Heroes’ rides. No rider will be left behind on any of the events – except the Sportive, which as you will know will qualify for Club Standards awards. There was a mountain bike route for those interested in mountain biking.
Indicative costs.
Ferry = c£150-160 pp incl meals.
Hotel = c£130 pp (4 nights B&B – discount possible if enough people coming – full amount payable on arrival)
Sportive = cEur 40 (last year, Eur 5 refunded on completion) – booked through website published in Nov ’12. Website details tba.
The ferry is filling up fast – probably because its Easter – so please let me know by 30th September.
Michael Vennard
michael5@ymail.com