WyomingGoat

Hey Guys, I am new to the site and thought I would try to get a little info from those that may be in the know. My wife and I are going to the Tour of Falnders and then Paris Roubaix and info has been tough to find. We are taking the bikes along and can be pretty mobile but I was hoping to get some ideas on the ideal place to stay the night before and where to get the best view of the guys as they pass, I think for Roubaix it is a given that I will be somewhere in the Arrenberg but would like to see several different parts of the course. Any advice would be great or ideas on other resources. By the way tickets to Paris are way cheap right now...Take Care.

YMCA

I hope Gent-Wevelgem as well!

For Flanders, I would definitely find my way to the Oude Kwaremont. Get yourself a spot about 600 meters past the cafe. The steeper section goes up to the cafe and then it's a false flat for a while before getting back onto a highway. The whole thing is cobbled and your best chance to see lots of action is after the top, when everyone is really grappling for wheels and the race is breaking up into many smaller groups. Always a decisive spot.

You wanna' hang with biggest crowds? You could try the Muur de Geraardsbergen or the Bosberg. Those are the last two climbs.

Also popular is the Koppenberg, but since they recobbled it, the climb lost some of its magic, although it's still one steep son-of-a...

One of my favorites is the Eikenberg, but it's usually not a breaking point.

Lastly, you could go to the Tenbosse in Brakel (hometown of Peter van Petegem). His huge fan club will be all over that hill and you'd probably have a blast helping them cheer their local stud.

Just go to the Tour of Flanders website. You will probably find more info there.

www.rvv.be

WyomingGoat

Thanks for the great info YMCA, I was also wondering what you guys recommended about travelling by train with the bike, Do you have to box them up each time and what you recommend as far as travelling goes.

YMCA

A lot of trains have bike hooks in the front engine car. You just pay a little extra and bring it to the guy in the front car and he'll throw it in for you. Not sure all trains do that, but just google some of these questions and I'll bet you could find out.

ed073

Another vote for the Tenbossestraat. Will see the race at 10/10ths and as Phil says, "The faces willl be a picture of agony".