This day took me from Lille to Mons.
I had problems getting out of Lille. Getting out of large cities and towns in Europe is often difficult on a bike. There are typically one way road systems that take you to a ring road. This often means you are initially travelling in the opposite direction of your ultimate destination. It is often very confusing and can add lots of kilometres to your trip.
On a Canal
After about 35 klms on bike path next to road I arrived Tournai. I found the Tourist Office and asked for a Velo (bicycle) map.
The map showed a bike path to Mons along the Grande Canal. I headed off.
All went well for until I approached Mons. The canal spit into smaller canals that went off into industrial areas. I clearly took the wrong one and got completely lost.
I can across a fellow cyclist coming the other way. I asked for direction into Mons. He tried to explain the way and then said “it is very difficult because of some construction work”. He turned around and at told me to follow him. We went about 4 klms before he showed me the direct route into the city. I am not sure how far he went out of his way to do that, however, I was very pleased to get his assistance.
Great Hostel
I headed to the main city square (Grande Plaza) and asked for directions to the Hostel. I turned out to be just of the square. It is very good. The girl in the Reception told me that is was designed by the same bloke that oversaw the stabilisation of the Tower of Pisa.
Mons is a bit popular this very as it is the ‘European Capital of Culture. There are lots of events on.
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
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