Tuesday, September 19

Ypres, Belgium

Bike With Us: Ypres

Tyne Cot Memorial Wall
An Unforgettable Experience:
Spend the Afternoon where the 20th Century Began,
The Battlefields of Ypres
 
Democrats Abroad Belgium will be hosting a bicycle tour around Ypres next Tuesday, Sept. 19 as part of its 2nd Annual Tour de Belgique.  
 
 
Join us beginning at 11:30 at the Biking Bar in downtown Ypres, where we'll pick up our E-bikes. The approximately 4-hour planned itinerary includes:
  • Hill 60 and the Caterpillar Crater: A powerful reminder of the Battle of the Mining on June 7, 1917, showcasing the devastating impact of war on the landscape.
  • Hill 62: The Canadian Memorial, a symbol of the birth of a nation, commemorating the valiant contributions of Canadian forces during World War I.
  • Passages Blackwatch Corner and Hooge: Witness the remnants of German trenches and bunkers, with historical significance dating back to 11/11/1914.
  • Brothers In Arms Memorial and De Dreve Lunch Stop: A quaint cafe and one man's personal WW1 museum make this an unusual place of remembrance and reflection, offering a 30-minute break for a picnic and refreshment.
  • French Cemetery St. Charles de Potyze: A poignant sight with Muslim gravestones alongside Christian crosses, symbolizing diverse backgrounds united in sacrifice.
  • Lapidarium nearby St. Martin's Cathedral: The Ground Zero in Ypres, where the war story of Ypres is vividly introduced, recounting the city's profound wartime history.
  • Menin Gate: Currently undergoing renovations, it stands as a solemn Peace Memorial, honoring the brave souls who served during World War I. This is the location of The Last Post, a memorial to the fallen that has occurred with rare interruptions every night at 8 p.m.
We anticipate returning around 4:15, and those needing to depart should be able to do around 4:30. For those staying for The Last Post, feel free to enjoy the Biking Bar or a downtown restaurant until the 8 pm ceremony.
 
Cost: 35 Euros for E-bike rental and tour. Lunch is on your own at De Dreve, which should be under 20 Euros per person. To RSVP, click here.

WHEN

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM Brussels Time

WHERE

Biking Box
Menenstraat 15
Ypres 8900
Belgium
Google map and directions

CONTACT

Jeffrey Edison
[email protected]

Will you come?

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If you are already a member of Democrats Abroad, please enter your name and email address that you have on your membership record.

4 RSVPs