Travel Tips

We run our tours in the best place on earth to spend a wet and cold spring day outside.  You should count on it raining unless it’s sleeting.  We have done more than a few rides in warm sunny weather, but you can always wear less than what you brought.  Besides lots of cycling clothes, we recommend bringing less of everything else.  There are reasonable facsimiles to your favorite brands of clothes, toiletries, etc. are available in most stores. 

What you should bring with you on your trip to Belgium in the spring-

Riding Clothes:

• helmet (mandatory)
• headband, hat, and/or ear band
• microfiber under layers
• 2 short sleeve jerseys
• rain jacket
• warm vest or jacket
• full-fingered gloves
• bike gloves
• 2-3 pairs of your best bike shorts
• arm warmers, leg and/or knee warmers
• knickers or tights
• bike shoes
• 4-5 pair of bike socks
• Shoe covers or booties
• small daypack for the follow vehicle

Non-riding Clothes - casual

• jeans
• shorts (you never know)
• medium-weight jacket
• tees/polos
• casual shoes for walking
• comfortable shoes for around the hotel

Other Stuff

• Passport
• Euros before leaving the country. 
• prescriptions
• whatever supplements or energy bars you like (we recommend UB Energy Waffles)
• powdered energy drink mix that you like (in a double Ziploc bag to prevent spillage)
• water bottles (but they will also be available in stores too)
• If you have use it, bring your favorite embrocation
• Camera and film/batteries/memory cards
• Umbrella for watching the race

Terrific training trips from the trip leader:

For complete training guidance we would strongly recommend a coach!  For general purpose these tips will get you by and nothing replaces time in the saddle.  See the end of this article for links to coaches in our area on on-line.

Distance

We will be covering 200-300 km/125- 190 miles in cold weather over the whole trip, you should prepare for this by doing at least a few rides outside in the cold at home.  You should also be prepared for a big 6-8 hour ride on one day.  For example here is the training one of our lead guides, John will do:
I will get ready for this by riding the trainer indoors (or a spin class) twice a week and a long 4-5 hour ride on the weekends.  As we are traveling in April, I would be well into this program at the end of Feburary.  Prior to March I would be attending at least one spin class (or indoor trainer session) and 2-3 hours outside on the weekends.
I would recommend doing at least this if not more; you will be able to complete the Tour with just this but it might be nice to enjoy it while you are doing it.

Effort

If you don’t have the time for the long rides on the weekends, you can certainly replace that with effort.  The spin classes we attend in Boulder also provide quite a bit of effort but have to admit that the indoor trainer is a time for easier spinning.  Studies have shown 30 minutes of intervals (1 on 2 off) is the same as 2 hours steady riding.

Recovery

The best part of training is the recovery phase!  Make sure to stretch after every winter ride.  A good night’s sleep after a hard workout is very important to realizing gains from the effort.  Perhaps the week before traveling to join us you can skip one or two workouts to make sure you are fresh.

Links to better coaches than us:

• Bert?
• Joe Friel?
• Chris Carmichael?

 

So you want to travel with your bike?  Here’s all the straight skinny we have learned from traveling all over the world with our bikes-

Packing up your bike

Measure twice: Either with a permanent marker or electrical tape, mark the position of your seat height. Or, use a tape measure and write down the measurements. Also note the spacer arrangement on your stem so you can replicate it later.

Required Tools: Gather the tools you need to dismantle your bike; most likely 4, 5, and 6 millimeter wrenches along with a pedal wrench. After your bike is packed, wrap your tools in shop rags to prevent your frame from getting scratched and place them in your bike case. Some bike parts may require a unique tool, so make sure that you have the right tools with you to reassemble your bike when you arrive at your destination.

Use a bike box: To prevent damage, we recommend a hard shell case, but there are soft sided cases that can be used as well. If you have a buddy who can lend you a case, try borrowing one first. If not, make a trip to your local bike shop and inquire about renting one. Many bike shops will rent a case for your cycling vacation. Plan ahead and reserve one early. If you need to buy a case check with local bike shops or online retailers. There are many brands to choose from. It's a good idea to practice fitting your bike in the case to ensure everything fits properly. Also review airline policies for bike case sizes since regulations change frequently and each airline is very different. A few inches too big could mean your bike may be left at the airport.

Packing everything tight: We recommend putting your helmet and cycling shoes in with your regular luggage in case your bike gets lost in flight. This allows you to ride during your cycling vacation, on a rented bike, without interrupting your itinerary. However we do recommend putting certain items in with your bike; powdered sports drink, extra tubes and tires, tools required to reassemble your bike, etc. Do not pack CO2 cartridges in with your bike. They could explode and damage your bike.

Expect an inspection: The TSA often inspects bike cases. Be prepared for an inspection and make it easy for them to repack the contents of your bike case after an inspection.

Passport Rules

Every traveler to Belgium will need a valid passport to enter and leave the country.  If you need to update or apply for one please allow 6-8 weeks prior to trip departure for the process.  A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.

Money

Belgium and France (and most of Europe) use the Euro as their currency.  It’s a good idea (and probably cheaper) to have some Euros with you before you leave the country.  If you need to buy food or drinks at the airport when you arrive you will be prepared.

Other Notes:

Gearing – we recommend a 39-24 or 25 as the very minimum, the hills are short but steep!

Please be prepared to change a flat (ie, tubes & pump) as you would at home. Do yourself a favor and put new TIRES & TUBES on prior to departure, nothing like shaking hands in the freezing cold to slow your tire change Get a tune-up before the trip to make sure your bike is in top working condition