ISHA 2026 Social Ride: Flanders Fields & Heuvelland
A Journey Through History, Hills, and Camaraderie – The Perfect Pre‑Congress Warm‑Up on Wednesday 7 october 2026
🟠 Kick off your ISHA 2026 experience a day early!
Join us the day before the official congress begins for an unforgettable social ride. It’s the perfect opportunity to shake off your travel legs, meet fellow delegates in an informal setting, and experience one of Europe’s most legendary cycling regions before the academic sessions start.
🚴♂️ Route highlight: Through the heart of Flanders Fields (Ypres) and the rolling hills of Heuvelland — a landscape rich in history and cycling tradition.
🚴 The Route & Ride Details
This is a Social Ride meaning we ride together, support each other, and keep a steady, enjoyable pace. However, the terrain is challenging, so a good basic fitness level and road cycling experience are required.
- When: The day before the start of the ISHA Congress (October 2026)
- Distance: Approx. 100 km
- Elevation Gain: Approx 1000 heightmeters of climbing
- Average Speed: 26–27 km/h (flat sections)
- Bike Recommendation: Road bike with gearing suitable for short, steep climbs.
- Support: The route includes two planned refueling stops along the way to rest, socialise, and recharge.
🌍 The Region: History Meets Flemish Hills
Our route combines deep historical reflection with the classic topography of Flemish cycling heritage.
Ypres (Ieper) & WW1 Heritage
We start in the historic city of Ypres (Ieper), a town completely rebuilt after being flattened during the Great War. You will ride past silent witnesses of World War I, including beautifully maintained Commonwealth war graves, old trenches, and the iconic Menin Gate. It is a deeply moving landscape where history is preserved in every mile.
Heuvelland (The Flemish Hills)
From the flat plains of the polders, we head south into Heuvelland (literally “Hill Country”). This region is famous for its rolling green landscapes, vineyards, and short but steep hills. You will tackle iconic climbs known from the famous spring classic Gent-Wevelgem, including the legendary Kemmelberg.
🎨 Practical Information & Registration
- Timing: Departure on the morning before the congress begins (exact time shared with registered participants)
- Start & Finish: Ypres (Ieper)
- What to Bring:
- Mandatory helmet
- Spare inner tubes / puncture kit ( not required )
- Clothing suitable for unpredictable Belgian autumn weather (wind/rain jacket recommended).
- Each rider receives a unique water bottle, personalised to the ISHA RIDE.
- GPX Files: Provided to registered participants by this site.
📝How to Register
To help us organize a seamless experience, please sign up via our official registration page. During the registration process, you can indicate:
- Register now : to join the ISHA Social ride with us. (45€ pp )
- Transport : Whether you require organized transport from Bruges to the starting point in Ypres (and back). (80€ pp from Bruges and back )
- Bike Rental : Whether you will bring your own bike or would like to rent one. If you choose to rent a bike, please specify your preferred bike type and size on the form. The rental fee is €100 per professional road bike, including transport of the bike to Ypres. There is one roadbike available with electric assistance for the price of €125 (size medium) . This roadbike has the power to do more then 120km and 1200 heightmeters.
Get ready to spin those legs, make new friends, and experience the best of Flanders before the congress officially begins!
Click on the button below to join the ISHA Social Ride
Be part of a great cycling day — register now and ride with us!
