Day 6: Luxembourg – Reims

The queen stage. The longest stage of the entire journey. Amazing 192 km! And what an incredibly beautiful stage it was. The pictures speak for themselves. I’m so glad I got a dash cam for my bicycle and I’m happy to be able to share some of the of pictures and videos.

But first, a little about the route – it took us through three countries. We started in Luxembourg, after about 20 km we were in Belgium, and another 50 km later, into France. Some parts of Belgium once belonged to Luxembourg and were ceded to Belgium at the time of Belgium’s founding. Along the highway (in Belgium), there were milestones that I noticed last year in France. These milestones are a reminder of the Allies during World War II, because they drove along this road toward Germany. We have learned this and a lot more from Matthieu during the ride, in case anyone is wondering what we do all the time besides cycling. 😉

The roads in Belgium are a different matter. I’ve heard a lot about them so far. But to be fair, we spent a long time on a through road that actually was in a good condition. The same could not be said for the cycle path running parallel to the road. To avoid constantly creating traffic jams behind us, we would have liked to have ridden partly in the cyclists’ lane. Most of the time, however, that wasn’t possible. Occasionally we encountered really bad roads, and again our team mate Matthieu had the explanation ready: the EU doesn’t just fund road projects, and even then, it doesn’t fund everything. And then only if the local authority can also contribute its share (15%). Which rarely works, at least not in Wallonia, for various historical reasons.

Another thing that can happen is any kind of defect on the bike. A flat tyre, anything with the chain or rear derailleur, you name it. We had it. Such things will be handled depending on the situation. In the first place we clarify the issue over the radio and mostly the group can continue to ride slowly, to allow those who are affected to catch up with the group once the issue is fixed. That’s why we have the “taillight”, they are supposed to help fixing and to bring anyone back to the group if needed. However, sometimes a longer break is needed to fix the issue while the other group may pass. Waiting time ca be used variously…

Overall, there were once again an incredible number of very entertaining moments and, at times, insightful conversations during the journey and, of course, during the breaks too. We’ve become such a well-coordinated team by now. But time really does pass incredibly quickly. Yet everything is somehow very intense. You get to know each other better and better and are always surprised by one anecdote or another or something you have in common. I think it’s the many little things that make this trip so particularly worthwhile. Say what you will about it, but a trip together for a little over a week not only brings you closer together, but you also get to know the other people intensively. It’s variable, sometimes more, sometimes less. Strengths and weaknesses. And both can be positive

A special highlight today wasn’t just the fact that we’d traveled through three countries. There was also the small stream that marked the border between Belgium and France. Completely inconspicuous, without any sign. Instead, there was a Gallo-Roman-style restaurant right by the stream. There we received a friendly welcome, and once again, our service team looked after us perfectly.

After crossing the border into France, we were truly spoiled. Not that Belgium wasn’t worth seeing, but my personal impression was that it was obvious we were traveling in a different country. The villages looked different, more decorated and more inviting. At one point, we drove for what felt like an eternity along the fields, with a wide horizon, and time and again, there were such magnificent views that we could only marvel. Simply beautiful. The Ardennes Canal and the rural region between Attigny and the suburbs of Reims will definitely remain in our memories.

And all this in perfect weather. Apart from the second day, we’ve been really lucky with the weather over the past few days. It stayed dry, with just a bit of wind, but today it really shouldn’t have been any warmer.

Also worth mentioning is the Ardennes Canal, which reminds me of various other cycle paths in Brandenburg. For example, the Finow Canal or the Voss Canal. Only it’s even more beautiful here. Last year we also cycled along a long canal, which was simply beautiful, just like today.

And so the longest stage (192 km) came to a quick end. With lots of fun and entertainment during the ride, we easily completed this stage. Luckily, there were no long or steep climbs, instead a constant up and down, which at times reminded me of the Schorfheide in Brandenburg. Only everything is more beautiful. The landscape, panoramas, villages. Simply fantastic.

Thanks to the team for that. And to everyone who made this possible.

And thank you for your donation to support this charity project!

–> You can check here to learn more about our mission. In case you haven’t read anything about it prior to this blog post article: we are on a serious mission, although we have fun during the rides. Of course we are having fun. Anyway, this journey is also serious as we support children suffering from critical illnesses. We are supporting by collecting donations and our current campaign “Cash for Kilometer” lasts until end of August 2025. Still some time left to help! 😉

Next day, next stage: Reims to Torcy on day 7