It wouldn't be a Belgium blog if we didn't start off with some trail photos from the start of the ride. The first one is a gravel path that is surprisingly easy to ride on.
The second photo is an asphalt path and it is showing how when you get a bunch of riders together, it's almost hypnotic watching the line of riders enter turns, lean into the turns then start the process again in the other direction.
It was a somber day as we cycled through where WWI battles had taken place more than 100 years ago (1914 through 1918). You may have read the famous poem; "In Flanders Fields"
In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
We had the opportunity to visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery which is a moving experience where almost 12,000 soldiers are buried.
Though the Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest WW1 cemetery, there are other cemeteries located in the area. The battle raged on for over 4 years and some soldiers had been repatriated to their home countries, but not all. This cemetery for the Canadians is located only a mile or so from Tyne Cot Cemetery. It's so difficult to envision this beautiful land in a state of destruction and death over 105 years ago.
I can't publish this blog without talking about a moving experience that we had in Ypres after dinner.
Each night, rain or shine, at 8 PM, a "Last Post" ceremony is held at the Menin Gate to honor the fallen.
Brian
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