From the cobbled climbs of the Tour of Flanders to the battlefields of the First World War, this guided cycling experience offers South African riders a chance to discover Belgium beyond the usual tourist trail.
Paid partnership with Bicyclegear
For South African cyclists, riding in Belgium holds a particular appeal. This is a country where cycling is woven into everyday life, where professional racing is part of the national identity and where seemingly ordinary country roads can lead to some of the most iconic climbs in the sport.
But there is a difference between riding these roads and truly experiencing them. That is where Jonty and Eve come in. Belgian-born and intimately familiar with the country’s language, history, culture and cycling traditions, they are ideally placed to introduce visiting South Africans to their homeland. They also bring two decades of experience in the South African cycling industry, having run Bicyclegear, a Cape Town-based cycling apparel business, for the past 20 years.
Their Flanders Fields & Forests Cycling Tour combines three days of purposeful road riding with the kind of local insight that is difficult to find when travelling independently. The result is a five-day, four-night experience that goes well beyond ticking famous climbs off a bucket list.
TAKE ON THE CLIMBS OF THE TOUR OF FLANDERS
The headline attraction for cyclists is undoubtedly the opportunity to ride some of the legendary climbs of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, or Tour of Flanders. This is the race that has helped define Belgian cycling, and its short, steep cobbled ascents have earned a reputation that extends well beyond Europe.
The route includes iconic climbs such as the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg and the famous Muur van Geraardsbergen. These are not simply names to recognise when watching the professionals on television. They are real roads with real gradients, rough cobbles and a rich racing history, offering a very different challenge from the smooth tar and long mountain passes familiar to many South African road cyclists.
Across three days, riders cover approximately 230km through Flanders, with time to appreciate the landscape and the places that give this region its distinctive character. This is a cycling-specific tour for riders who want to experience Belgium from the saddle, rather than simply visit a collection of tourist attractions.
You do not need to be a professional racer to enjoy it, but a good level of cycling fitness is important. The tour is designed for moderate to strong cyclists who are comfortable riding around 80km a day on undulating terrain, including the occasional demanding cobbled climb.
THE STORIES BEYOND THE BIKE
What makes this experience particularly appealing is what happens between the climbs.
Flanders is steeped in First World War history, and the route takes riders through landscapes that were once among the most fiercely contested battlefields in Europe. Visits to memorials and historic sites around Ypres offer an opportunity to pause, reflect and understand the significance of the ground being covered.
The Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony is another poignant highlight, connecting visitors with the stories of those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Then there is the pleasure of exploring Belgium at cycling pace. Quiet farm roads link historic towns and quaint villages, with opportunities to stop for coffee, take in the architecture and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of local life. These are the moments that can easily be missed when following a generic itinerary or travelling without someone who knows the area.
Jonty and Eve’s local knowledge adds another dimension. They can share the context behind the places visited, navigate the language and introduce guests to details and traditions that an ordinary visitor might never discover. Their connection to Belgium is not something that can be replicated simply by downloading a route or booking a guided excursion.
A PROPER BELGIAN FINISH
Of course, no cycling trip to Belgium would be complete without experiencing its food and beer culture.
One of the tour’s standout stops is St Sixtus Abbey at Westvleteren, home to the celebrated Trappist beer brewed by the monks of Saint-Sixtus. The included beer-tasting experience offers a taste of one of Belgium’s distinctive brewing traditions, while the opportunity to sample local cuisine adds another layer to the experience.
The itinerary also takes in Brussels, Ypres, Oudenaarde, Geraardsbergen, Ghent and Bruges, each with its own character and appeal. From the historic heart of Brussels to the medieval streets and canals of Bruges, the tour balances its cycling challenges with the cultural richness of the region.
Accommodation is in carefully selected bed-and-breakfast establishments, with breakfasts, ride-day snacks and hydration included. A support vehicle, guide and bike mechanic accompany the riding days, while airport transfers and luggage and bike transport are arranged to make the logistics straightforward. Guests also receive daily Strava analysis, a personalised Bicyclegear jersey and a tour trophy.
Non-riding partners are welcome, too, making it possible to share the Belgian experience even if not everyone wants to tackle the cobbles.
MAKE BELGIUM YOUR NEXT CYCLING DESTINATION
For South Africans who have watched the Spring Classics and wondered what it would be like to ride its famous climbs, this is an opportunity to find out. More importantly, it is a chance to experience the country with hosts who understand what makes it special, both as a cycling destination and as a place to live.
The 2027 Flanders Fields & Forests Cycling Tour has two departure dates: 28 June to 2 July 2027 and 5 to 9 July 2027, with limited places on each departure.
For South African cyclists looking for more than another overseas riding holiday, this is a chance to ride the roads, climb the cobbles, discover the history and enjoy the hospitality of Belgium with people who know it best.
To find out more or to book your place, click here.
For enquiries, email Eve at eve@bicyclegear.co.za.
Paid partnership with Bicyclegear
