Dunkirk to Bruges

I'm riding with a group of pals at the end of October from Dunkirk to Bruges. Not far - about 50miles.

Anyone here done it? Looks pretty flat going by google maps.

Also, any tips of where to go in Bruges? Hoping to avoid any gangster shoot-outs :-)

I've done Bruges to Dunkirk. The ferry terminal is nearly ten miles south of Dunkirk Town, and the main road is horrendous. Try to turn left out of the ferry and left again and go through the town, we just picked a route avoiding the the main roads through the countryside when travelling back from Bruges. In Bruges avoid eating on the main square it's a bit of a rip off there are several bars tucked away on other streets. The afternoon I was there a brass band marched through the city centre about 4pm. The tour rule should be never drink the same beer twice.

Ta!

Will be doing this (well, Calais to Bruges) this weekend. I'll try and stop back here with route advice etc afterwards!

thanks buddy

I would ride to Ostend and stick to the canal to get me to Brugge. But staying close to the shore might be windy and cold.
The Belgians have cycling routes that are very well signposted. This is the planner I use:
http://www.fietsroute.org/Cycling_Planner_Belgium.php
Just be aware that part of these routes may be gravel and cobble streets- I wouldn't wanna test them on Carbon rims.

If you feel like splashing out check out this place. It does beer matching dinner.
http://beerprole.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/beer-in-bruges-beer-matching-dinner-at-den-dyver/

If you are on a budget, this is a cool place to go to and pretty authentic.
Brugsch Bieratelier
Wijngaardstraat 13
8000 Brugge

p.s. I was based in Brugge for a month or so last year.

^This is what I did (coming from Calais). We went around Dunkirk through the countryside just south of it, through to Ostend and then south on the canal. Didn't stay in Bruges long unfortunately, but the hostel we stayed at was decent and had a good range of cheap Trappist beers . Yes, it's dead flat, might be windy if you're unlucky though (should be with you in that direction hopefully)

Got back late last night.

Awesome ride on Friday to Bruges. Slight tailwind and gorgeous weather. Rode in short sleeves and shorts. Sunny all day. Mainly along the canals. Road and drivers were all so nice.

So warm in Bruges on Saturday!

Return ride yesterday was hard. Strong headwind nearly all the way. Right in our faces. Luckily only started raining at Dunkirk passport control, but then ferry was delayed by 1.5 hours because of the weather.

Drank many beers. Ate many mussels.
7/10. would recommend. (the company made it a 9/10 trip!)

Made a wee film about the trip. My first ever attempt at video editing and I loved it.

http://youtu.be/xusltdeG1k8

Good work. What kit did you use to edit etc?

I saw this too late but I did the same trip earlier in the year. Roadie bike with a fuck off backpack. Best thing was the surface, and watching the wide gamut of other cyclists. Great video :)

Cheers :-)

iphone 6 and imovie.

Yeah, loved the variety of people on bikes.

ps: rode right over the fingers. didnt give a shit. /csb