Bicycling Women Ardennes Challenge 2023

Especially for the members, fans and followers of FIETSWOMEN we offer a training weekend in the Belgian Ardennes with all the trimmings. A big trip for the women with Panache in their legs who want to go for a nice training weekend, the women who want to ride a few nice tours and enjoy good food and fun together.

Choice of 2 versions, named after the Champagne variety 'Doux' or 'Demi-Sec', however, we also offer customized according to the desire and level. There is a third 'customized' option.

We leave at 2 points and have 2 types of participations in store for you:

1-Maastrichtat Fixed Gear Coffee, accessible via NS at Maastricht Central station where you can also hook up for the "DEMI-SEC" version. We will take your luggage in the follow car.
2-Fromhome; you sign up for the "DOUX " version or as an option

A third option is a customized solution so that everyone can come along on this fantastic weekend!

Want to find out more or experience what it's like to bike in the hills?
Then be sure to check this out:
Put in your agenda: the Bike Women climbing clinic in April; it's all about climbing and descending in South Limburg. Should you sign up for this trip you will receive a 50% discount on this clinic with the special code; cycletravel

THE JOURNEY

From Panache in La Roche we will be riding two very nice routes in the Belgian Ardennes. This big trip is named after the Champagne species with a very sweet character, the "DOUX". And that's what this one should be called, not as intense as the DEMI-SEC but certainly as challenging!

We offer 3 types of participation;
-VersionDoux; We go for 200km and 3900hm in 2 days on road bike.
-Version Demi-Sec; We go in 3 days for 300km and 4500hm on the road bike
-Customized; We want to keep this tour accessible to everyone. So for each route we have a shorter version available of max 60-70km.
This allows for every level and participant to have a weekend together! Because fun comes first!

Day 1: Travel day or bike day to La Roche-en-Ardennes.
Participants in the "DEMI-SEC"Gather at Fixed Gear Coffee in Maastricht. After this we will drive a beautiful route via Borgloon (break place) to the Belgian Ardennes. There is a car to follow the participants on this trip.
In the afternoon a recovery snack awaits us on arrival. In the evening a delicious pasta meal in La Roche at location Panache.

Day 2: On Saturday we ride a very nice and challenging round in the Belgian Ardennes, surroundings Durbuy, La Roche and ride all the famous hills like, col de Chaussy.
Care along the way from our car and in the evening a pleasant get-together with good food and strong stories.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast the participants of the DEMI-SEC version back to the Netherlands, but not without tackling those last beautiful climbs in the Ardennes. The route goes east in the direction of Liege.
We ride a nice lap including La Redoute where our groups will also split. `
With the participants DOUX and SEC participants via Stavelot and Houffalize back to La Roche.
At Panache you can still refresh and we drive back home.

In Maastricht at Fixed Gear Coffee, the finish line of the participants in the Demi-Sec version awaits us there.

What is included?
-All inclusive weekend including lodging, food & beverages, lunches, dinners; no extra cost for participants!
-Tour guide with support car
-Provision of lunch & coffee from the support vehicle en route
-Mechanic support in La Roche
-Bike wash service after the rides on Friday and Saturday
-Breakfast & snacks right after the bike rides
-Dinners on Friday and Saturday evening
-Transportation of bikes and luggage for participants of the Demi-Sec version to and from Maastricht
-Free cycling shirt of the Ardennes Challenge
-All drinks (except alcoholic)

What is not included?
-Carriage for participants of the Doux version
-Insurance
-Tourist tax p.p. (to be paid on the spot)

Additional services to book:
-Single room for the whole weekend €150,-
-Sports nutrition package for the whole weekend (also on the road) worth €33.95
-Laundry service cycling clothes €9,95

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TRAVEL GUIDE on behalf of Bicycle Women; Maks Groeneveld

Maks bought her first bike in 2017, but as she met more and more people with the same passion starting in early 2021, she really got the cycling bug. It started with many miles on her road bike, but soon a gravel bike was added. Since then she likes to take the car as much as she can to beautiful areas to gravel with friends.

In daily life, she supervises Maks students and their parents, but she also gets great joy from being among people outside of work. She loves helping others, creating a welcoming atmosphere and exploring beautiful, new areas.

No shortage of visuals when Maks along on trips; she prefers to record her adventures so that all the memories are preserved.