Category: 2017 Zwaantje Bike and Barge

We awoke to bright sunshine and headed off about 9am. We were quickly onto a nice path that ran beside the canal. We spent most of the day on these paths with the occasional diversion into a town for morning tea or lunch.

It was also much warmer and our guide Fred was soon back into sandals without the socks.

We arrived in Tournai about 2.30 and spent 2 hours wandering around and seeing the sights. We watched a short video at the Tourist Information which explained about the various conquerors of Tournai over the last 2000 years – Romans, French, English, Dutch, Spanish and Germans.

A climb up the 257 steps to the top of belfry finished our day before we headed back to the barge which was moored right next to the last remaining part of the medieval wall that circled the city – the Pont des Trous. It was such a nice evening we had a drink on the top deck before dinner for the first time.

Route of today’s ride – Oudenaarde to Tournai – 44 kms

Another interesting day in the saddle. 48km over mostly bike tracks again although today it was a bit more “off road”. Asphalt, concrete, cobbles, gravel and dirt were all encountered. We had some rain today, drizzle actually, just enough to make it feel a bit colder. Our guide, Fred, gave us our first stop after only about 15 km at the small village of Melle. We went to a small barber’s shop that had added a bar and cafe.

The toilet was decorated like the flag of the USA! For some it was the first beer of the day at 10am. A great spot but my tea this time turned out to be black currant!

From here we cycled through some lovely countryside seeing horses, cows, deer and 1 pheasant. Fred did not know this area well but managed to find a pub that would let us eat our packed lunches if we bought a drink.

I have given up on tea so settled for soup – packet chicken but hot and tasty.

The last stretch saw more drizzle but we arrive in Oudenaarde for the final stop at Liefmans brewery where I tried their lasted brew called Yellow which came with ice. Made from pineapple and lemon, it tasted more like cider but was very refreshing.

After this, Warren and I left the group for a quick visit of the Tour of Flanders museum, the famous one day race that finishes in this town.

Warren also bought a bike skull cap to keep his head warm. Looks like it is going to be cold for a few days yet.

Route of today’s ride – Ghent to Oudenaarde – 49 kms

Day 1 of our cycling began with overcast skies and a temperature of about 10 degrees.

It was an easy 53 km though on flat roads with a nice tailwind all day. We had 3 falls, Paula, Kate and Barbara but luckily no serious injuries. We arrived at Ghent early afternoon and Fred took us to a small chapel beside St Baaf’s cathedral that was built in 942. The church was huge after the confined chapel and we marvelled at the money that must have been required to decorate the interior.

The crypt underneath the church was from the 12th century. We then went for a walk around the old town and visited the castle which had fabulous views over the town.

Trams running through the town were a stark contrast to the old buildings.

Route of today’s ride – Bruges to Ghent – 53km

We joined the crew of the Zwaantje at 4pm and were shown our cabin for the next 2 weeks, cabin 12. Captain Martijn introduced the rest of the crew, wife Marjorie (boss), engineer Michael, chef Keith, hostess Nadine and guide Fred.

Also on board was mascot Gaston, a friendly King Charles mix. There are 20 cyclists on the tour, 6 Australians (including friends David and Jenny Boxer), 10 Americans and 4 Canadians. Our cabin is small but has an ensuite and comfy double bed.