Following my previous article on the Groenedijk Motorcycle Loft Hotel, (see extract below), we now have Pete Jenkins, Steve Hancock, Par & Lorraine LJ as well as Sue and I who wish to go "sur le continent". If anyone else wishes to join us you will be very welcome, the more the merrier. If the itinerary below does not suit you then "cut & paste" it to your own requirements.

16.00 Leave M25 Clacket Lane Services with a full tank of petrol.

17.25 Book in for the 17.45 P&O Stenna Line sailing to Calais: Dinner on Board

20.00 (Local time) Arrive Calais

21.15 Arrive at the Groenedijk Motorcycle Loft Hotel, Belgium

10.00 After Buffet Breakfast leave for Brugges

10.30 Visit Brugges brewery, (much free beer included)

12.30 Lunch in Brugges, (I recommend moules cooked in beer)

14.00 Afternoon in Brugges to include "Retail Therapy" of chocolate, lace, leather and/or tourist stuff in the street market, horse & carriage rides, canal boats and museums

If you wish to find out more about Brugges look in www.trabel.com/brugge.htm

19.00 Groenedijk Motorcycle Loft Hotel to relax ready for dinner

10.00 After Buffet Breakfast leave for riding tour of the semi-deserted Belgium roads

13.00 Lunch in the picturesque Flemish City of Ypres

14.00 Ride on the quiet Northern French roads to Calais

16.10 Book in for the 16.30 P&O Stenna Line sailing to good old Blighty

17.00 (BST) Land at Dover for ride home

You will need your passport, insurance cover and a recovery service for your bike, and I suggest you get a form E111 which provides for NHS cover on mainland Europe.

Telephone 087 0600 0600 for reservations.

Outbound the 17.45 sailing on Friday 3rd September.

Return on the 16.30 sailing on Sunday 5th September.

Mention Motorcycle News for a 30% discount! Cost should be £58.50 plus £1 for a pillion.

Groenedijk Motorcycle Loft Hotel - Oudenburg
Tel. 00 32 59 26 85 40: Fax 00 32 59 26 85 80:

Email Ivan or Karine at grd@planetinternet.be

Depending on your choice of accommodation the price of B&B is about £22 per person.

Please ring me on 01 737 210 665 or email stephen_whitmore@hotmail.com if you intend to come along. In the meantime see you at the camping weekend I hope !! Stephen Whitmore.

At the Groenedijk Motorcycle Loft Hotel the owners have taken over a 1, 700 M² factory unit and converted it into a hotel which that caters especially for motorcyclists. You ride your bike right through a side entrance into the rear section of the hotel. The bikes are parked inside the building in a "magic" circle which is illuminated by ultra violet lights. If you should turn up in a car you have to park outside in the elements.

Two sides of the factory have had rooms added and there are a mixture of twin, double and four bedded rooms, 30 in total, all with en suite wash basins and toilets nearby. Rooms have independent electric heaters, hand towels and all bedding. Also in this area are various soft chairs, hammocks, and a shower block with excellent underfloor heating built to look like an oasis complete with hair dryers. There is a workshop for running repairs to bikes, racks for helmets and wet leathers to dry, and an info corner full of maps etc.

The front of the factory was originally a loading bay but the addition of a bar, comfy chairs, dining tables, pool & football tables, clever lighting and good sound equipment has made it an experience not to be missed. On warm evenings the glazed up and over doors are opened to allow unfettered access to the grassed patio area for drinking, eating or just plain sitting. The food is excellent and the overnight charge of about £22 includes a buffet breakfast.

For more info visit: http://www.kmonet.be/motorcyclelofthotel