321.. Go! Notts to Belgium

Nottingham, UK to Ypres, Belgium

Circa 270 miles / 430 km

It was an early start and, at the time of writing, I’m sat on the Chunnel heading to France with two CBs and one bird.

This trip has been in planning for almost a year. It started with trawling HUBB and Google for advice, then reaching out to bike storage companies. In the most recent few months, the activity reached a crescendo: bike purchases, prepping, camping, and buying items I won’t need. It’s always the same and I love it.

We refer to the trip as 321, partly because it’s likely to be the launch pad (or practice) for a RTW, and secondly because the aim is 3 years, 2 bikes, 1 trip. It will be split into stages, with home responsibilities in between. We’re both excited, Sarah perhaps more so, as we’re taking the bikes on a train. Next to a lottery win, this is right up there for her. Train geek.

Below, some oddballs shooting outside Ypres centre.

321 Stage 1 covers England, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, ending in Frankfurt, Germany. Storage is courtesy of Stefan Knopf Tours.

Below, a key set into the pavement in Ypres

Ypres is our destination this evening. We arrived at approximately 15:45, rolled up to a campsite near town, and pitched up.

I understand the town was decimated during the war, and this incredibly handsome town centre was rebuilt brick by brick.

In homage to the fallen, the town proudly displays the names of the brave on monuments in pristine condition.

We enjoyed the rich tapestry of local ale and spent the night attempting to sleep next to a reggae concert, no wonder the campsite had spaces left!

Below, our neighbour at Reggae Central Camp. An englishman who has a youtube called GuttsandGlory.  He’d ridden from Norway.

...and so we leave for Luxembourg 🇱🇺