Best of gravel Vlaams-Brabant
The Best of Gravel Vlaams-Brabant, is an ultra-gravel tour of 250 km that combines the best gravel regions of the province Flemish Brabant. Immerse yourself in a fantastic mix of different landscapes with phenomenal views. You decide whether you want to complete it in 1, 2, or 3 day stages. As an ultra gravel ride or as a multi-day gravel trip with great accommodation along the way.
Choose the formula that suits you best and enjoy unique places and enchanting views along the way, heartwarming stops where you can recharge your batteries, and accommodations where your steel steed is also welcome.
This route starts at the Averbode abby. If you come by train, you can also start at the Zichem train station (just 3 km from Averbode).
The route was carefully mapped out by Golazo – Bolero Gravel Series. Gpx files for 2 or 3 day stages and tips for places to stay can be found on the website of Visit Vlaams-Brabant.
Start
From Averbode, you will ride along the same gravel roads as the Dwars door het Hageland cycling race towards Diest. A quick sugar boost at Biscuiterie Stuckens is welcome before you start the climb to the citadel. Then you will dive into the Hageland fruit region.
Maiden tower, Zichem
While riding on the excellent gravel section along the river Demer, throw an eye on the 14th century Maagdentoren (maiden tower). It was believed to be named after the castle lord's daughter, who was locked up there after she refused to marry the man of her fathers choice.
Climb Diest's cobbled Citadel
This cobbled climb to the Citadel in Diest is also the climb to the finish line in the Dwars door het Hageland race. It is 500 meters long and peaks at 9%, with an average of 5,1%.
Stairway to heaven?
Reach for the sky at the Vlooyberg tower. Enjoy the view while you catch your breath.
A tribute to Eddy Merckx, the greatest cyclist of all time. This mural can be viewed on the facade of Café 't Klein Verlet in his native village of Kiezegem and is located on the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route and the Sven Nys Cycling Route.
Wave to the greatest cyclist of all time along the way. You can't miss the giant portrait of Eddy Merckx in his birthplace, Meensel-Kiezegem. The route takes you across the Brabant plateaus to the Brabant Woods. You will pass through the Meerdaal Forest, the Sonian Forest, and the Hallerbos, the ‘big three’ of Brabant's forests.
Cathedral of trees in the Meerdaal Forest
Tervuren Park
Right before entering the Sonian Forest, you ride through the Tervuren Park and pass by the Africa Museum.
Hallerbos
Halle
Time for a shot of caffeine and homemade pastries at Falco cycling bar, located in the shadow of Halle's basilica. You'll have to leave the route for a moment to get there. A little later, you'll pass the majestic castles of Gaasbeek and Groenendaal. Lovers of gueuze and lambic beer can stop off at the Lindemans Brewery.
Pajottenland hills
Crossing the Zenne river
After admiring Remco Evenepoel's mural in Schepdaal, you cycle back east through the Brabant Kouters with a view of the Brussels skyline. You wind your way along the meandering Senne and Dijle rivers towards the Rock Werchter festival park and the Sven Nys Cycling Center on the famous Balenberg hill.
The Sven Nys Cycling Center, at the top of the Balenberg in Tremelo, has been thoroughly renovated. Off-road cycling is still the main focus, but the downstairs area with reception and experience centre has been given a complete makeover, nine years after its opening, and is now freely accessible to all while being cut out for group activities
As you make your way back to the gravel roads along the Demer river, you know this gravel adventure is almost coming to an end. Only 20 km to go. Enjoy those beautiful last stretches!
