Maastricht: Vennbahn

• details
• information
• route

• GPX track

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  date

  14 June 2025

  start

  09:00

  finish

  05:00 (20:00)

  distance

  300km

  sign-up

  closed

  organiser

  Ivo Miesen
  ivo@randonneurs.nl

  start location

  Stayokay Maastricht
  Maasboulevard 101
  6211 JW Maastricht

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• Pre registration only!

  The Vennbahn is the central topic of this ride, an old railroadline with a very interesting political history.

  The brevet does start in Maastricht though, directly next to the Maas. So the first part goes steadily uphill via the south of the Netherlands and Belgium. In Raeren we'll reach the Vennbahn which we'll follow nearly to it's end, in Troisvierges.

  There's a staffed controlin Troisverges. Then the route continues through Luxemburg until the former railroad between Bastogne and Gouvy. This bikepath we'll follow till Limerle. Via mainly smaller roads the route leads to Vielsalm and the final big climb, up to Lierneux. From Lierneux on it's mostly steadily downhill, via the valleys of the Lienne and the Ambleve. After passing the city of Liege, we'll head back along a canal.

  This brevet is a nice way to enjoy the remoteness of the Ardennes and Luxemburg without an insane amount of climbing. it's not flat either, so please make sure that you'ven enough low gears. Both the Vennbahn and the Lienne Valley are remote areas, so please do take enough food and water with you and resupply on time. For the full value riders, the last stage will be easier, as in Remouchamps, Aywaille, Esneux and Liege there are enough (snack)bars and café's open till late.