The Bullet's Belgian Adventure

Day 12- Tuesday, April 11 , 2006 Final Day of Adventure!

Today was a treasure hunt.  I went into the heart of Flanders looking for monuments to cycling’s great heroes.  First was the Eddy Merckx “fietsroute” in Kluisbergen.  These are marvelous cycling routes throughout Belgium .  This included the Tour of Flanders toughest climbs and had a monument to cycling’s number 1 hero. 

Up the highway to Moorslede I started my search for Cyriel Van Hauwaert’s statue.  After driving around the search brought me to a small bike shop.  Their English was limited but the directions were perfect.  Just outside the town’s sports center sat the statue dedicated in 1983, nine years after his death at the age of 91.  

Next stop was a special one for me.  Lichtervelde was the home of Henri Van Lerberghe.  Winner of the Tour of Flanders in 1919, Van Lerberghe’s story is legendary in Flanders history.  [see CR’s Time Line 1919].  However, the legend expanded today.   

I stopped at a wonderful pub on the City square for directions to the plaque and of course a “demie”.  The owner was a bike racer, who raced against Roger De Vlaeminck, and offered great stories.  According to local folk lore Van Lerberghe was during his solo breakaway came to a railroad crossing and rode through the passing train (?).  So when Flanders passed through Lichtervelde Main Street was covered by a replica of a railroad car with an opening symbolizing Van Lerberghe’s ride through the train in 1919. 

After a second “demie” I headed out for Kanegem and a memorial to Briek Schotte.  This one was easier to find.  Right in the town’s main street was the Schotte likeness in bronze.  The statue was dedicated in 1996 to the town’s hero born in 1919.  

All in all a very rewarding treasure hunt.  Not only did I pay my respects Belgian heroes but I met some wonderfully passionate Flanderians.

  I will visit that Pub again!