Weekend ride to Menin Gate – Belgium

When you sign up for a trip with EKAM you know that it will be well organised and amongst people who share your passion for motorcycling.  What you don’t see until the day is the amount of time and effort those organising these trips have put in.  A big thank you goes to Henry Tredwell for planning and leading the trip, his brother for being our tour guide, Sarah Farbrace, our amazing TEC who organised the whole trip.

Whilst most of the group have toured extensively in Europe before, some are new to touring so Sarah kindly offered to meet at Whitfield and ride down into Dover Port with anyone uncertain of what to expect.  There has long been talk of the new EU Entry/Exit System coming to the port requiring travellers to register their biometric details (fingerprints and facial images) but this is still not in place so passing through customs was relatively painless and we were soon waiting in our lane to board the 08:15 P & O Ferry to Calais.  Thankfully, we were early enough that we missed the demonstration that took place in Dover that day.

Riding with a group of friends (even if some are friends you are yet to meet) means that there is always someone on hand to offer advice and help if needed.  With bikes securely strapped down we made our way up to the passenger deck for the crossing.  Once we were underway Sarah and Henry got us all together for a briefing and to check emergency contact details (another example of the planning that goes into these trips).  As everyone was not parked in the same place on the ferry we were to meet at the Police Station at the port exit to regroup.

Once assembled at the Police Station we departed through Calais town heading to the Hooge Crater where we were having lunch.  Those inexperienced riding aboard went towards the back so that they didn’t immediately have to drop off and where Sarah was on hand to assist (that Lady has nerves of steel and, when required, the patience of a saint). What a joy it is to ride on well-maintained open roads without queues of traffic, although Henry did have to navigate a number of detours where roads had been closed for maintenance.

Priority from the right is an interesting concept and the signs are not always obvious but the lack of stop/give way lines across the road to the right helps identify likely roads.  “Cedez le Passage” is another one to look out for.

Throughout the trip the route was adjusted by Henry and Sarah to ensure we stayed on time as bookings had been made at various restaurants to accommodate our numbers.  Our first lunch stop was at Hooge Crater and perhaps now is the time to mention how amazingly lucky we were all weekend with the weather.  Sitting outside in the sunshine eating lovely French food among friends after a great ride is always a good feeling. Knowing the scale of the lives that were lost in order for us to do that makes you very grateful.  “For your tomorrow, we gave our today” is never far from your mind.

Next stop was the Tyne Cot Cemetery where Henry’s brother Moray talked to us about the history of the area and gave us an insight to the 1^st World War.  It was supposed to be the “war to end all wars” but it seems we just don’t learn.  Standing in these beautifully maintained Cemeteries with headstones of thousands of young men, some whose names are known others which just say “A Soldier of the Great War, Known unto God” is very sobering.

Our final destination for the day was Ypres and our hotel for the night.  Riding into Ypres through the Menin Gate was something very special.  The Menin Gate is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgium Flanders that cover the area known as Ypres Salient. It crosses over the moat into the Town Centre where the architecture in stunning.  In front of you sits the square with buildings surrounding it, typical French Cafes and shops adorn the pavements and everywhere is so clean and tidy.

We were staying in the Novotel Leper Centrum which was just off the main square and although the underground parking proved to be an issue, parking was found just along from the hotel and everyone helped to squeeze the bikes into the space available.  The restaurant was booked for 18:00 which gave just enough time to shower and change before meeting in the foyer and walking across the square to the restaurant.  The food and company were excellent and the staff coped with us admirably.  Following the meal we made our way to the Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony.  Despite arriving early it was already very busy but most got to see and hear the ceremony and two of our group, who were ex-military, laid a wreath in respect.  Following the ceremony the group split up and wandered around the town before retiring to the hotel ready for an early start (relatively speaking).

It was an 08:30 start which everyone made, and we departed for Vimy Ridge (Canadian National Vimy Memorial) stopping enroute at McDonalds so that those that hadn’t had breakfast at the hotel could grab a coffee and something to eat.  This was followed by a quick fuel stop for those needing it and briefing on the route for the day before setting off once again.  The roads on the second day seemed even better than the first with long open winding stretches and perfect weather for riding.

Arriving at Vimy Ridge Moray once again gave us a talk then we were able to wander around the memorial.  It is hard to imagine the loss of lives, devastation and conditions the soldiers had to endure when you visit on a beautiful day and experience the beauty of the memorial built in their honour.  There were also a number of aircraft that flew over while we were there.  Whether it was an organised display or just people flying over the memorial in the same way as they do at Capel le Fern it was an added bonus.

We now started the trip home and had a table booked in Hesdin for 12:45 which we just about made.  It was yet another lovely setting, sat beside a stream in a square in beautiful weather and enjoying banter with the owner.  Once again the food was outstanding and much as it would have been nice to stay longer we had a ferry to catch.

Arriving in Calais we were met with quite a queue for customs and it was now quite hot!  Because of the speed at which the different queues moved we got split up but eventually made it onto the boat for the return trip.  Sarah had quite a bit on her hands helping someone and thanks go once again to her and a couple of the group for the help they provided.  As we approached Dover ‘goodbyes’ we said as the bikes were scattered around the boat decks.

Departing the port proved relatively painless, there had been rumours that protestors were going to be in Dover again on the Sunday but I think they diverted their attention to Portsmouth.

It was a wonderful weekend and if members are kind enough to run it again then it is well worth going!