4 cycling loops from Leuven!
Leuven is the cycling city par excellence: compact, cosy, and all the sights are within cycling distance of each other; it’s the ideal mode of transport for exploring the city and soaking up the ambience. But also for exploring the wider region because you’ll find a special, green, rural region beyond the city’s walls where there is so much to discover.
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Dive into the forest pool! - Leuven (route)
Escape the city and get lost in the forest. Just outside Leuven, you can disappear completely into the green mists of the Heverlee Woods and Meerdaal Forest. Along the way, you will find inviting sidewalk cafés, a play area with the craziest climbing and clambering equipment, and the most beautiful abbey site in the Low Countries.
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Alluring Voer - Leuven (route)
The river De Voer takes you on a trip along princely castles, a thousand-year-old church with an imperial secret, ducal hunting grounds, and a royal museum of Africa. A surprisingly green tour with noble allure.
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About rock gods and other saints - Leuven (route)
The car-free towpath along the Leuven-Dijle Canal leads you away from the city, to one incredible stop after another. You can expect to uncover a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history, the life of Father Damien, and an impressive medieval castle keep.
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The tastes of the Hageland - Leuven (route)
The Hageland, a hilly, green region where the vines catch the sun on the southern slopes, lies to the east of Leuven. You pedal all the way to the gates of the sturdy moated castle of Horst. Along the way, you can virtually taste the sacred tranquillity of the beautiful Vlierbeek Abbey, and actually taste the delicious beers and the authentic Hageland wine.
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Faluintjesroute in Aalst (Belgium)
The Faluintjesstreek is an old geographical area between four municipalities, which are now part of the city of Aalst: Baardegem, Herdersem, Meldert and Moorsel. This quiet area east of Aalst has lots of green, and small unpaved roads through the nature. There are some gravel spots on the route, but don't let that deter you. After all, you don't want to miss out on the beauty of this part of Flanders.
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Ros Beiaardroute in Dendermonde (Belgium)
Where else can we ride a Ros Beiaard (litteraly: Horse Carillon) route than in Dendermonde? This bicycle tour of just under 50 kilometers starts and ends in the city where the Dender flows into the Scheldt. The city has thus not stolen its name. The route takes you through the beautiful Dender region and Pajottenland. We pass for example Opwijk, just south of Merchtem, and Buggenhout.
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Grimbeertroute in Lokeren (Belgium)
This cycle route goes through the heart of the Waasland region, starting in Lokeren. The route was named after the nephew of Reinaart de Vos (Reinaart the Fox), a medieval epic animal poem set in this region. Lokeren is a small center town where you can stay a while after the bike ride for something to drink or eat. The route doesn't always go on paved roads, but is certainly rideable.
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Tibeertroute in Temse (Belgium)
The Tibeertroute starts in Temse where you can easily park your care or come by train. This route is really unique as it follows the beautiful Scheldt river for a while, but also crosses the countryside in the eastern part of the Waasland region. A wonderful combination. Temse itself is a nice cozy little village along the Scheldt where you can stay for lunch or diner at the end of the route.
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From Ghent to Waasland (Belgium)
The starting point is the municipality of Sint-Amandsberg in Ghent. The cycling route starts in the heart of this municipality next to the well-known Santo Campo, where the most famous citizens of Ghent are buried. An impressive cemetery. The city hall is also a beautiful building. Be sure to walk around in this beautiful town!
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6 steps away from a beautiful cycling route! (tips)
There are many exsisting planned cycling routes that are of very high quality and reliability. But it's also fun to plan your own cycling route where you can express your specific preferences. Would you like to pass by specific spots or would you like to lengthen or shorten the route?
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West Flemish Hilly Route (Belgium)
We are in the beautiful Heuvelland region in Belgium. The name of this municipality says it all: it's quite hilly here. This region is beautiful to cycle through, although you have to conquer some altitudes, but the numerous views are definitely worth the effort. The roads are good and quiet for cycling. The region brings back many memories of the First World War, but the Cold War is also present here with the bunker under the Kemmelberg. Definitely a must to visit once.
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Hopsroute in Flemish Brabant (Belgium)
We are in an old hop region northeast of Brussels and right next to Aalst. The various villages in this beautiful rolling landscape, such as Affligem, Asse and Opwijk, have a real tradition here. The beer of the Affligem Abbey is excellent and well known. The abbey cheese is also incredibly delicious and tastes all the better after a long bike ride. We start and end our ride at this beautiful abbey, where you can quench your thirst at the source itself after a nice bike ride.
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The land of grapes and marl (Belgium)
We start this route at the Land Commandery of Alden Biesen: a beautiful castle of the Teutonic Order in Belgium. It is very worthwhile to visit this castle before or after the bike ride! The route will pass several castles hidden in the beautiful nature with of course some important fruit and wine estates. The route also goes through the marl region. You can even visit the marl caves underground.
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Fruity landscape in Limburg (Belgium)
This route explores the beautiful Haspengouw, the fruit region par excellence in Flanders. With 340 altimeters over 62 kilometers, we call this route an average ride. There are no real hills or mountains, but you cycle through an undulating landscape.
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From Brussels to Pajottenland (Belgium)
We start in Anderlecht near the Erasmus hospital on the Lenniksebaan. Here there is plenty of parking space and easy access from the 'ring' around Brussels. We drive southwest through the Pajottenland until we reach Congoberg, a nice viewpoint to the north, as you can see on the picture. We return to Anderlecht, our starting point, parallel to the outward journey.
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Conquering Flanders Classics (Belgium)
We leave for this challenging ride in the heart of Flemish cycling: Oudenaarde. On the south side of the city there is a free parking lot where we start the cycling tour. In the beginning we leave the mythical Koppenberg aside for a moment and we ride between the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg to the first real hill of the day: the Hotond. Not much later comes the Taaienberg.
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Refreshing grapefruit smoothie
After a long bike ride you can long for the perfect thirst-quenching drink. Search no more, we have found the perfect drink! This non-alcoholic drink combines the perfect taste combination for your thirst with the numerous health benefits of grapefruit.
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How to brave the cold winter on a bicycle?
Winter miles, summer smiles is an important law in cycling. Indeed, by not stop training in winter, summer rides become a lot more pleasant. But that is easier said than done. It is not always pleasant to go cycling in winter. It often takes sheer willpower to get out on that cold, gray Sunday. However, there are several tips to make cycling during a cold winter ride a lot more pleasant and especially warmer. That's what this article focuses on.
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How to get and keep your bike spic and span during the harsh winter months
Winter has been in the country for a while now and has already made itself keenly felt. True seasoned cyclists don't let this get to their heart and head out on the weekends anyway. The cold and wet winters don't just plague our endurance, they can also get your bike pretty dirty. To prolong the life of your bike, or at least the different parts, it is important to keep it clean. And that means cleaning... There are better things to do, especially after a cold ride. But there's no getting away from it.
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Which type of smartphone holder for cycling?
Smartphones are developing at a rapid pace and are getting more and more features so that all the tools for everyday life can be found in one device. Navigation capabilities are already well established in smartphones. A handy tool for navigating while cycling, and by extension during a cycling vacation.
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4 bike lock options to keep your bike safe on a bikepacking adventure
It's impossible to keep an eye on your bike 24 hours a day on a bikepacking trip. There is always an unguarded moment and a bike theft is quickly done. There is nothing worse than being stranded without your bike during a cycling vacation. Therefore, it is advisable to take a bicycle lock with you on cycling vacations. As always, there are different types on the market, but for a cycling vacation or bikepacking, it's best to look for real lightweights that still offer sufficient security. In this article, we go over the different types of bike locks, indicating that chain locks are usually the best choice for a bikepacking adventure.
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5 things to look out for when buying a used bike
Bicycles are clearly in demand. As a result, most bicycle stores nowadays have to contend with long delivery times. That is why it is interesting to look for a good second hand bicycle. But beware, even on the second hand market there is scarcity, so good bargains are quickly gone. Moreover, you do not want to be cheated. That is why it is important to take your time and to research and test each bike thoroughly. In this article we list some important elements that you should definitely pay attention to when you want to buy a used bike.
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How to make sure you have enough drinks with you on a bikepacking vacation?
While cycling, it is important to stay adequately hydrated. That is why you better take enough water, or other drinks, with you for the road. This is not always obvious since panniers often take up a lot of space. Especially when your traditional bottle cages have had to make way for a frame bag. Not to worry, because there are inventive solutions for this as well. Bikepackers are very creative in attaching luggage and other material to their bikes.
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Why you better invest in a maintenance stand for your bike!
To make it easier to maintain, repair or mount your bike, it is useful to invest in a mounting or repair stand. It is not always easy to convince yourself to keep your bike in order. Especially after a nice but tiring ride and the prospect of cleaning and maintaining your bike. By purchasing a stand you lower the threshold for taking good care of your bike and maintaining it. This way the material lasts longer and you cycle every ride with a smoothly running bike.
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8 essential snacks for bikepackers
It is important to eat and drink enough during a cycling vacation. After all, you are cycling for almost the entire day and you can't do that without sufficient energy. It is important to have a good breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also to eat enough snacks while cycling. Below we make a list of 8 essential snacks for the road:
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Salmon with noodles in a green pesto sauce with pine nuts
Salmon is always delicious, even when canned. This is the only way you can take salmon with you on a cycling vacation. Here we use soft noodles. We make a sauce with green pesto and a shallot, some pine nutes and schredded dried basil for extra flavor.
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What you need to consider if you want to use a bike trailer while traveling
You can mount many panniers to your bike, but infinite possibilities do not exist. When you want to increase your capacity, you can always opt for an additional bike trailer. Be aware, this means extra weight to carry. Especially when you want to load a bike trailer with even more"necessities" in addition to your panniers. Always try to think minimalist while packing: do I really need this or that? But, if you prefer the bike trailer over panniers, some set-ups might be lighter!
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Oatmeal with nuts, seeds and fruit
On a cycling trip, a hearty, nutritious and energy-rich breakfast is indispensable. That's why oatmeal is the perfect meal to start off a new day in the saddle. Be sure to mix nuts, seeds and/or (dried) fruit through the oatmeal. For example, you can cut up and add an apple, banana, kiwi, or other easily transportable fruit. Adding cinnamon and/or natural sweetener (e.g. honey, agave syrup, ...) to the recipe will give your breakfast even more flavor.
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Noodles with chorizo in a curry coconut sauce
Noodles have a soft pasta-like flavor that we enrich with flavorful ingredients such as chorizo sausage, curry and coconut milk. You can make the dish as spicy as you like. For example, you can choose a more spicier curry or chorizo.
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Need power to charge your phone on a bike tour? Use a hub dynamo!
We can't live without it, even on a bikepacking trip. Without a smartphone or GPS device you are not necessarily lost, but it is both practical and pleasant to take your smartphone along. Due to intensive use, you will need to charge your device regularly, and you won't find charging points just anywhere. Here's a handy tip: charge your smartphone, GPS device, Go Pro or powerbank while you cycle!
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How to attach additional luggage to your bike?
Are your bags completely full? Do you have no room left to carry that last necessity? Then use some straps and attach your stuff directly on your bike. Thanks to these straps, you can securely tie additional cycling equipment in a wide variety of places. Of course, it is best to attach water-resistant equipment or make sure they can be transported in a plastic or iron casing.
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Tips and tricks for a clean bike
Everyone can think of tons of fun things to do instead of cleaning your bike. Especially after a satisfying and relaxing ride. Yet it is important to keep your bike clean. This doesn't mean it has to be perfectly clean after every ride. To prolong the life of the bike parts it is important to clean them more thoroughly now and then, especially after very dirty rides.
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Bikepacking Checklist
What do you definitely need? What materials should you really not leave at home for a successful bikepacking vacation? In this article we create a list of stuff that you should not forget. Because once you’re on your bike, there’s no way back. We trust you won’t forget your bike, and that you won’t leave without your bags. Of course, you can always forget to fasten one or two bags, so pay attention to this anyway.
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Sleep, bike, bike. Repeat!
Bikepacking is for everyone. It is often labelled as very adventurous, while it is accessible to everyone. You can easily organize a multiday biking trip without camping in the wilderness. Of course camping has its charms, but this is not a precondition for a nice bikepacking trip.
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Which bikpacking bags do you really need?
More and more outdoor manufacturers are catching on to the bikepacking trend. In recent years, panniers have become increasingly sophisticated. They are becoming lighter, have larger volumes and stay more steady while riding. Nowadays, there is an ever-growing range of products, which makes it difficult for new bikepackers to make a choice.
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Which bike fits best?
No bike means no bikepacking. That’s stating the obvious. You can set off with just any bicycle, certainly in more populated areas, like western Europe. If you are planning a longer and more challenging cycling vacation, the type of bike you use becomes more important. That’s why we briefly go through the different possibilities in this article. It is important to know that there are many intermediate types. You can always adjust the handlebars or type of tires as you see fit. You can also use an ordinary city bike if you are planning a small and short trip. Don’t let your current bike hold you back for a first small bike touring trip.
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Plan your own bikepacking vacation
Before you delve into the preparations, it is important to map out your route first. The mapped out route, and the choices you make along the way, determine to a large extent the needed preparations. Do you prefer to camp, or rather to sleep in a comfortable bed and breakfast or hostel? Are you fond of small forest paths or do you prefer to ride quickly to the next beautiful spot on the map? Will you cross an entire region every day or will you keep it to short but powerful stages?
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Bikepacking, this year's trend
A bike ride is the perfect way to explore your own or a new region. Slow but steady you explore the local nature, culture and history. Travelling by bike, you’ll get back in touch with your own surroundings. When you go on a trip for several days, we call this bikepacking. To spend the night bikepackers often camp somewhere, but this is certainly not necessary. Choosing to stay in hotels, bed and breakfasts or hostels can make the trip more comfortable. While traveling with your bike you will create authentic experiences you will cherish forever. Adventure is literally everywhere. The feeling of freedom is priceless.
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What should you look for when choosing a saddle for bikepacking?
For an occasional cyclist, the saddle is not immediately top of mind. Are you planning on spending long days on your bike, several times a year? Then we recommend you to take a good look at your saddle. The type of saddle is of course very personal and a real verdict can only be reached after long use. That's why we take a closer look at it in this article.
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