For most competitive cyclists, fast, hard, technical races day after day sound like a dream. Yet from experience we know that a bit of rest is a good idea. That’s just one of the reasons we want you to feel at home in Belgium and in the house.
Grab a snack from the roomy kitchen, then sack out on the sofas in the main living area, which has a TV monitor and DVD player, but no live TV reception. The home has a Wi-Fi internet connection which will allow video streaming.
For additional caloric and recreational opportunities, venture outside. You won’t have to go far.
- ‘t Paradijs pub is 30 seconds out the front door. Fun and friendly bartender Bassie, who I recommend you get to know, will treat you right. Bassie’s English is quite good.
- Sportpaleis pub 200 meters out the front door just around the town square. The original owner was Arthur Decabooter, the 1960 winner of the Tour of Flanders and Points winner of the 1960 Vuelta a España. Inside this pub you’ll find many cycling photos from the late 1950s and 1960s. Do not expect any English to be spoken in here, so brush up on your Flemish, your French or your sign language.
- The Frituur (frites vendor) is about 200 meters from the house. Open most evenings.
- To explore the local restaurant scene, consult Ter Biestmolen for a few options in the next town, about five kilometers from the house.
- Need to recuperate? Gino De Potter is a massage therapist and was the Norwegian soigneur at the 2011 World Championship road race. Get a massage and let him tell you about that experience. If Gino’s schedule is full, he can generally find another massage therapist. Cost ranges from 15 to 25e per hour.