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1

International / Planning a bike tour thru Belgium

« on: March 25, 2014, 05:26:08 pm »

I'm a fair-weather bicycle commuter from Seattle, and I'm planning a three week plus self-guided bike tour through Belgium this September.  I'm an experienced traveler, but have never done a bike tour.  Belgium seems like a fairly easy place to start.  The main question I have is about the bikes.  My husband and I have solid bikes--I have a Masi Speciale Randonner, he has a Jamis Aurora--and they are already fitted with racks on the back.  Both would be good bikes for the tour, but I've heard that it is more expensive to ship than to find used bikes, especially when traveling to Europe.  The two couples that I've known to do a European bike tour both got bikes in their destination country.  One couple rented in Portugal, the other bought used in Italy.  I've been doing some research, but no clear answer has emerged.  Any thoughts?  If buying used, is it a good idea to get them off of the Belgian craigslist, or does anyone know a decent used bike shop in either Brussels or Ghent?  I've found a couple online, but I would love have more options. 

Also, what resources would anyone familiar with Belgium recommend for planning the route?  I've seen some good ones, but as above, I would love more tips for planning.

2

General Discussion / newbie planning Belgium tour

« on: March 25, 2014, 05:24:40 pm »

I'm a fair-weather bicycle commuter from Seattle, and I'm planning a three week plus self-guided bike tour through Belgium this September.  I'm an experienced traveler, but have never done a bike tour.  Belgium seems like a fairly easy place to start.  The main question I have is about the bikes.  My husband and I have solid bikes--I have a Masi Speciale Randonner, he has a Jamis Aurora--and they are already fitted with racks on the back.  Both would be good bikes for the tour, but I've heard that it is more expensive to ship than to find used bikes, especially when traveling to Europe.  The two couples that I've known to do a European bike tour both got bikes in their destination country.  One couple rented in Portugal, the other bought used in Italy.  I've been doing some research, but no clear answer has emerged.  Any thoughts?  If buying used, is it a good idea to get them off of the Belgian craigslist, or does anyone know a decent used bike shop in either Brussels or Ghent?  I've found a couple online, but I would love have more options. 

Also, what resources would anyone familiar with Belgium recommend for planning the route?  I've found some on my own, but as above, I would love more tips for planning. 

I know this may be more suited for the International forum, but it seems like this one gets more traffic.  Thanks!