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David has been exploring the cobblestone streets of the Flanders region for the past 25 years. Climbs that are seriously tough on the legs are his favorites, especially when he’s anticipating a hot meal at a tiny restaurant in one of the small villages he passes through on his rides. A region rich with cycling history, most Flanders’ roads he rides down have hosted infinite cycling legends. David founded The Last Cobble, a cycling experience company that brings riders to the Flanders’ region to experience the iconic cobbles! We're happy to talk with him this week about his experiencing cycling in the place known for inventing happiness. :)

I've been cycling for over 25 years in my native Flanders region, which straddles France and Belgium.

Belgium is 20 times smaller than France. Three languages ​​are spoken there: Flemish, German, and French. It's a country with few hills and is swept by the north wind. It's said that its inhabitants invented happiness and the joy of living!

Cycling in France is geared towards major events and stage races; it's considered a seasonal sport. It allows the population to get excited in the summer for its national champions with the "Tour de France," which showcases the country and its splendid landscapes, broadcast on television channels worldwide.

In Belgium, cycling is a year-round activity; it's more than just culture and passion—it's a tradition, a way of life. Every village has its own race, which takes place on "kermesse" days, amidst the funfair atmosphere and the smell of fries. Cyclocross and velodrome racing in the winter, then the Spring Classics starting at the end of February with the Flemish Classics, followed by the Ardennes Classics until May. Rain, cold, wind, cobblestones, and crosswinds are the essential ingredients for the ever-renewed drama of these races, eagerly awaited like the harvest!

Winning the Tour of Flanders for a Belgian is like wearing the yellow jersey for a Frenchman! Eternal glory.

I'm lucky enough to live on the border between these two countries, and I can't bring myself to choose between them: Yes, France has Mont Ventoux and the Champs-Élysées, but Belgium is possessed by its races! Come visit us!

Departing from Lille at sunrise, I headed towards the « Carrefour de l'Arbre » and its cobblestones, then crossed the Belgian border towards Tournai, following the long farm tracks of the plains swept by wind and damp. After climbing Mont St Aubert, I headed towards Geraardsbergen and its famous "Muur" (wall). A pause at the summit allowed me to reflect on all the champions of the Tour of Flanders. 

The route then led me through the countryside of the Flemish Ardennes’ "bergs" (hills): Kluisberg, Kwaremont, Kopenberg, Paterberg, and Haaghoek, among others, are all cobbled challenges that severely test both legs and morale. I enjoyed a hot meal with a local beer at the café of the Tour of Flanders Museum in Oudenaarde before setting off again, facing a headwind, towards Kortrijk and its canals. These roads often resembled a procession of cyclists braving the elements. The weather is playing with our morale; we have to push on despite the drizzle, the wind, the timid sun, and the almost spring-like temperatures. I'm taking advantage of these moments for long periods of introspection on my condition as a humble cyclist.

It's almost the end of this journey that took me 18 hours.

I remember the kindness of the people, the impromptu refreshments, and sometimes the applause from children in the villages as we passed. What a beautiful region and incredible people!

It's a land of cycling, the most famous without a doubt. Just count the number of races and cycling monuments... come and discover it.