Are you in?

We’ll kick off our adventure in the early afternoon, ensuring plenty of time for participants traveling from outside of London to arrive. As we ride out towards Harwich, we’ll encounter rolling hills, most of which are early in the journey, offering a gentle challenge and beautiful views. A must-stop along the way is at Continental Café in Maldon, renowned for its irresistible cakes—perfect for a sweet boost before the final leg of the day.

Before we board the overnight ferry, there will be a stop at a local supermarket to grab dinner or any snacks you might need for the journey. Hot meals are also available for purchase on the ferry.

Our overnight ferry is fully equipped with comfortable cabins and showers, ensuring you get plenty of rest. The next morning, you’ll be gently woken at 8 AM local time in the Netherlands, with a hearty breakfast provided to prepare you for the adventures ahead.

The second day begins as we roll off the ferry into the Netherlands. Holland is famous for its incredible feats of engineering, and you'll quickly see why, as we ride along some of the best bike lanes in the world. Be sure to stick to them—cycling off designated paths can result in a fine, but trust us, you won’t want to! The smooth, flat paths make for an easy-going ride, perfect for enjoying the scenic Dutch countryside.

Most of the flat terrain is covered in the Netherlands, and we cross into Belgium later in the day. Along the way, we’ll make stops at local bakeries, which offer some of the best desserts you’ll find. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you indulge in a second treat!

Arriving in Antwerp, the city offers a wealth of things to see and do. There are great halal food options for those looking to explore the local cuisine. And whatever you do, don’t miss a visit to Antwerp Central Station—an architectural masterpiece and a sight to behold after a rewarding day’s ride.

After enjoying a buffet breakfast, we start the day with a short ride to our first landmark: Antwerp’s iconic underground passage, notable for its historic wooden escalators—an architectural feature long phased out in London due to safety concerns after a fire several decades ago.

From Antwerp, we head west, tracing our way along railway lines towards the enchanting city of Ghent. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and medieval charm, Ghent feels like a step back in time, with its fairy-tale towers, grand cathedrals, and cobbled streets. After taking some must-have photos of the city’s picturesque landmarks, we continue our journey along the scenic canal route toward Kortrijk.

Kortrijk, a city steeped in history, played a key role in the medieval Battle of the Golden Spurs, and its blend of historical significance and modern flair offers a fascinating contrast. You’ll find beautifully preserved medieval towers alongside vibrant cafés and bakeries—the perfect spot to unwind after a day of riding.

Our final day is a delightful ride from Kortrijk into France, another flat stage that lets us enjoy more charming bike lanes. Hopefully, the wind will be on our side! Before reaching the ferry port, we’ll make a brief stop in Ypres, a town rich with history. Ypres played a pivotal role during World War I, being the site of several major battles and home to the famous Menin Gate, a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives but were never found. It’s a humbling moment to reflect on the town’s past before continuing on.

It’s also a good idea to bring a string bag or musette (bonus points for sporting a Gapped one!) to stock up on snacks for the ferry crossing—though hot food will be available onboard too. Once back on British soil, we have a short ride to Dover station, followed by a quick hour-long train journey to our final destination: Stratford International, where we’ll bid each other farewell after an unforgettable adventure!