The October sun shines in all its brightness. The rolling hills colour a green and yellow palette. The trees in the forests are slowly beginning to show their autumn coats. In this beautiful setting, we get to enjoy ourselves for two days. At the invitation of the Luxembourg tourism office and, in collaboration with our partner Etxeondo, we are heading for the hills. Two beautiful routes, both starting at a shop. For today, Ostergaard's Bike Shop is our starting point, where Jan Ostergaard has been in charge for 21 years.
Don't let Luxemburg fool you
While looking at the Wahoo, I see a graph showing a climb. The graph starts green, then rapidly changes to yellow and then it is red. On the overview graph it stays red, but on the 'percentage' box I see some shocking figures. Rapidly the counter climbs to double digits and I really see double when I see the first number turn into a two. It finally stalls at 22 per cent. Two-and-twenty-two. If I had only looked at the graph I would not have been startled. In front of me and behind me, I see people swerving across the road. This is Luxembourg in a nutshell. Beautiful fields that suddenly present an Ardennes climb-plus around a corner. Just four-and-a-half hours' drive from Utrecht, this is a sometimes forgotten gem. Lovely for a nice weekend of cycling with friends or girlfriends.
Luxembourg in a nutshell: sleek cycle paths
One thing to remember when thinking of Luxembourg: infrastructure. Luxembourg is uncluttered and the lion's share of the time you drive on well-maintained roads and cycle paths. Yes, indeed, cycle paths. There are so-called 'pistes cyclables', which run right through the Grand Duchy. Free of car traffic, no madmen racing by, just enjoy it on two wheels. There is a somewhat zealous official who has sometimes drawn a fence halfway along the path, but if you look in front of you, you can see it coming and you can go well around it. Apparently, it is meant to take the speed out of it, but it doesn't make much difference an sich. It sometimes causes confusion.
From straight to hairpin in an autumn jacket
Luxembourg is sometimes very nice and smooth and flat. However, in general it is an alternation of steep climbs that make the Flemish classics pale into insignificance. Indeed, we ride over stretches with real hairpin bends and for a moment it seems as if we are 300 kilometres south, in the low mountains. Nothing could be further from the truth. This really is Luxembourg and I keep repeating it: it is only four-and-a-half hours from Utrecht. You get there in no time. The variety makes it possible to create a satisfying route for every cyclist, from beginner to trained pro. That is also Luxembourg in a nutshell, variety and therefore good for each.
Through the tunnel and over the bridge
Our route today has almost 1400 altimeters, which is quite a challenge in over 80 kilometres. But as said, you can handle it just fine, even if you haven't cycled for very long. Just make sure you choose a gear that is as light as possible. Then you will always get to the top. You can also adjust the route we rode a bit and it's maximum cycling fun for everyone. We are pleasantly surprised when we cycle over a small bridge, through an old railway tunnel. It yields beautiful pictures and riding in such a tunnel is always something special. Because you have been pushed uphill for a while, you also ride a bit higher against the hill again, with a beautiful view as a reward.
What to pack?
If you descend to the Grand Duchy, you will have to think carefully about what you put in your bag. Because the green surroundings betray a lot of precipitation throughout the year. It can get really hot in summer and chilly enough for winter gloves in winter. Snow is no exception. We are there in autumn and we are lucky with sunshine. If you stand still in the sun, then short-shorts are lovely. Then again, on the bike, long sleeves are fine, with a jacket or a vest. Plenty to think about. Today we rode with the Orhi trousers, with a long Alde shirt And finally a Busti cardigan. It was perfect. Always check our packing list, what you really need to take with you on your trip.
Route of the day
The route starts and ends at Ostergaard's BikeShop. What a fine start and friendly welcome from Danish former MTB champion Jan Ostergaard. He has been shop owner here for 21 years and it is a pleasure to start in this cycling mecca. The route is perfect for road bikes with tight asphalt. There is a
Stay
Because we are guests in Luxembourg for two days, we also get to stay one night. The beautiful hotel Martha in Guddesch is our place to be!
