Why Belgium ?… Why not?
Set amidst a beautiful landscape of rolling green pastures and lush gardens, and home to ancient castles, gourmet dining and endless carnivals filled with music and excitement, Belgium offers a little bit of everything to welcome travelers. This progressive little country has found a way to brilliantly combine its ancient past with the modern era, making a visit there unique and truly unforgettable. The terrain is challenging, yet inviting – perfect for passionate cyclists who want to experience a new culture while doing what they love. Here are five reasons to grab your bike and head to Belgium.
Bruges
Located in the northwest of Belgium, this historical city is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of the network of canals that run through it. There is so much rich history in Bruges, it’s almost hard to fit it all in. In the center of the city stands the towering Belfry of Bruges, a huge ancient bell tower that has been a prominent symbol there since it was built in 1240. Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for an experience not to be forgotten. The town center is also host to other fascinating old buildings, such as the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and City Hall just to name a few. Park your bike and take a leisurely boat ride through the narrow canals to get a unique view of the city’s ancient architecture.
Cuisine
Any experienced traveler knows that to truly experience another country, you must taste the local cuisine. Belgium is famous for such delectable treats as chocolate and waffles, and the old staples of beer and French fries. Beer production is large part of the Belgian economy with Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewer in the world, based there. In fact, there are over 500 brands of the bubbly beverage produced there, so get your glass ready and start sipping. When it’s time for dessert, there’s the gourmet chocolatiers of Côte d’Or, Callebaut and Godiva to choose from. You’ll need to rest before your next ride to digest all the rich food and drink you’ll consume.
Tour de Flanders
Known by the locals as Ronde van Vlaanderen, this one day bike race is held in Belgium every year during the spring. The course has changed considerably over the years but has consistently started in the city of Bruges for the past decade. Part of the UCI World Tour, it’s a challenging and important race and is unique in that much of the riding is done uphill on uneven, bumpy cobblestones. If you’re visiting in the spring, consider finding a spot on the roadside to cheer on the pros; this is not a race for the faint of heart.
History buffs will be captivated by this World War I monument which is dedicated to the missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought and died in the Ypres Salient. Located at the eastern end of the town of Ypres, the memorial, which bears the names of some 54,896 fallen heroes, was strategically placed near one of the main roads that led the Allied soldiers to the front line. Every night at 8pm, a ceremony called the Last Post is held to allow people to pay their respects to those who gave their lives to provide the freedom that the Belgian citizens enjoy today. It’s a somber yet beautiful tribute.
Brussels 
The capital of Belgium, this progressive city is abuzz with excitement. Bustling with cafes, shops, museums and festivals, Brussels is a must for any travel itinerary. Its center, known as Grand Place, includes a rich variety of historical sites such as a Gothic town hall, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Laken Castle, which boasts brilliant greenhouses filled with lush plant life. So popular is Grand Place that it’s been named a UNESCO heritage site. Art connoisseurs will enjoy visiting the Manneken Pis, a world famous sculpture that depicts a naked boy urinating into a basin. The culturally significant landmark has stood a few hundred meters from Grand Place since it was placed there in the early 1600’s. If that’s not enough to keep you intrigued, there are plenty of other activities and sites to see in Brussels, and an exhilarating nightlife for those so inclined. You’ll want to park your bike and stay a while.
Belgium is a beautiful destination for travelers of any genre, with history, culture, adventure and relaxation all rolled into one. From rolling hills to medieval castles, delicious cuisine and quaint villages, visitors are sure to leave with memories to last a lifetime. One of the best ways to experience the beauty and unique atmosphere of this country is to cycle through it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and find out for yourself why Belgium is the perfect place to ride.