Ghent 6, 15 to 20 November. Farewell to Wiggo

[DavidShort]

I was just wondering if there would be any interest in a ride to Belgium via North Sea ferries to the Ghent 6 event? Suzie and I are thinking of going. It's a lovely ride from York to Hull, only 60miles, overnight ferry to Zeebrugge, then an easy 45 mile ride on canal sides all the way to Ghent from Zeebrugge. We've done it numerous times. Ghent is a wonderful historic city to explore and then there is the Belgian beer!!! It would be great to be able to cheer on Wiggo at his final appearance before his retirement. If there is sufficient interest I could see about putting a package together.

Cheers David

[Tony]

Sounds interesting, Dave, but I'd like to better understand your plans.

It's a 6-day event, running from Tue, Nov 15 to Sun, Nov 20, so am I correct to assume that you're planning on heading down for one of the weekend evening races (the whole series starts at 18:30 each day)?

[DavidShort]

Nothing at all firmed up at the moment Tony, just seeing if there is any interest. We will probably do a few days in Ghent, taking in the cycle racing in the evenings. Cycle touring during the days or sightseeing on foot, between bars!

Cheers David

[James Milner]

Sounds very interesting. I was looking at doing the battlefields sportive in Ypres at the end of September and cycling there and back via North Sea Ferries, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. A few days in Ghent watching Wiggo's swansong sounds like a fine alternative though. I'm definitely interested!

[IanH]

I'm interested Dave.

Ian H.

[Dr Dave]

Count me in as a 'possible' David

[DavidShort]

Thanks to James, Ian, Dr Dave and Dave I'Anson who have expressed an interest in the above. Whilst spending some time researching options it looks like it's stalled before it's started on the grounds that all the tickets have been sold. There are some for the first night, Tuesday the 15th and limited availability for the last night Sunday 20th.

http://www.sport.be/z6sdaagse/2014/eng/tickets/

It might not be worth it to try and book for what might not be available by the time we get round to it. However, this may have sparked interest in hopping over to Belgium for cycle sport/touring.

Just a thought, ( I should stop having them I know!). How about the Ronde Van Vlaanderen next April? Suzie and I have been twice now and the atmosphere and racing is unbelievable. Next year they have reintroduced the De Muur in Geraadsbergen, the infamous cobbled climb. We have booked a room in a hotel in Geraadsbergen and we will cycle to Hull, overnight ferry then cycle the 60 miles to Geraadsbergen. We have routes which take us to Oudernarde the main focus of the event and also other tours which take in many of the cobbled sections. The best thing about the RvV is that you can get to different places on the route to get some variety.

http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en

It could be something you might discuss at the next Social at the Knavesmire. Unfortunately I can't make the next one, (Isle of Man classic TT races).

Apologies for raising expectations for them only to be dashed but it may be the start of something better.

Cheers David

[like my bike]

Sounds great I would be up for it.