Bram Tankink, known to all as a pioneer of the gravel scene, is also a former professional cyclist. His expertise in creating routes is evident in his latest masterpiece, crafted in collaboration with Limburg Cycling: Epic Limburg 500. This route, available in both road and gravel variants, traces the borders of Limburg, offering cycling enthusiasts the chance to ride at their own pace.
Photo: The Sint Pietersberg, a special part of the Netherlands.
Epischlimburg500.nl offers a 500-kilometer basic route, available in various "gravel" or "road" options. The route can be divided over several days and is customizable via Komoot. Similar to 'The Green Divide' and 'Limburg Divide,' this concept is gaining popularity. One advantage of this route is that you end where you started.
Although our hearts beat faster with off-road riding, we opted for a two-day road version. This turned it into a "self-supported" bikepacking adventure. There are no recommendations for overnight accommodations: it's a complete 'do-it-yourself' package. Despite numerous warnings from Komoot about potentially unsuitable roads, we trusted Bram completely and uploaded the route to our bike computers without hesitation.
Prudent preparation is essential for such long distances. We logically chose to start as close to home as possible, on the border with Brabant. We divided the route into two roughly equal stages and booked an overnight hotel to avoid extra luggage. Considering the predicted heat, we carefully checked the locations of water taps and catering establishments in advance. On our bikes, we mounted 32 mm tires for optimal comfort. Our tactic: riding from catering stop to catering stop!
Our adventure begins at 7 a.m. in Helenaveen, on what promises to be the hottest day of the year. Despite the early start and the challenging 260 kilometers ahead, the sunrise against a clear blue sky is breathtaking. After just two kilometers, we reach the first gravel stretch. After 15 kilometers, a narrow unpaved path through "the Peel" follows. I wonder if maybe I didn't download the gravel route after all...? Fortunately, the gravel strips are good. Later, we are surprised by a large deer crossing our path. We are totally in our element! We traverse quaint villages like Thorn, cycle along the Meuse River, and follow beautiful roads and more off-road trails until we take our first real break in Maastricht, halfway through our trip.
Photo: The longest climb in the Netherlands, the Camerig.
From then on, the real work begins: serious meters of elevation await us during the hottest part of the day. After a slight climb over the Sint Pietersberg, a unique piece of the Netherlands, we follow the asphalt along the border and climb hills such as the Loorberg and Camerig. The ice cream stop at the Bakhuis in Voeren is an absolute must. In Vaals, the highest point of our route, we take a coke to cool off and get some extra energy for the last 65 kilometers. We defy the elements: on Buienradar we see dark red spots coming our way, the wind picks up, we see flashes, and the showers literally hang above us. Only the last 15 kilometers do we get rain, but fortunately, we had already left the rougher gravel stretches behind us. Just as we walk into our hotel in Sittard, a huge downpour erupts. What luck!
After a wonderful night's sleep, the second part of our route begins. Our expectations are exceeded. In this part of the route, we discover even more breathtaking gravel strips and narrow winding paths that lead us past the Meinweg, Maasduinen, and the rolling landscape of Groesbeek. Fortunately, the temperatures are more pleasant this day, but in the meantime, we play Russian roulette with the threatening rain showers on Buienradar. Nevertheless, it stays dry and we can even enjoy our cake and pancake stops on the outdoor terraces. From Groesbeek, we head south again. The last 30 kilometers seem monotonous, probably because we have been spoiled by the previous 470 kilometers, and the legs have also had their best time. Still, the 500 kilometers have flown by: two days really feel like a week full of adventure!
Photo: The Peel, one of the many natural areas the route traverses.
We are particularly surprised at how well this route is put together: only seven traffic lights in 500 kilometers! It's a cliché, but this tour reminds us that great adventures can also be found close to home and how beautiful the Netherlands is. The route seamlessly connects the natural areas of Limburg. Speedsters looking for tight asphalt will have less fun here. Lovers of adventure and nature will love it: the mix of narrow trails and challenging gravel strips makes this ride extra special. Make sure you have good equipment and be aware that inexperience on dirt roads can slow your pace. In cold or wet conditions, this route may not be the ideal choice on a road bike.
Photo: through Maastricht.
Naturally, there is also the gravel variant of Epic Limburg 500, with more than 60% of unpaved trails for even more off-road adventure. Limburg has beautiful, picturesque villages and great catering facilities. The vacation feeling is constantly present. What are you waiting for? More info and the route can be found on the website.
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