Voor | Pour | Für | For
Deelnemers | Participants | Teilnehmer | Participants
Deelnemers | Participants | Teilnehmer | Participants
Terms & conditions
Terms & Conditions | Inschrijvingsvoorwaarden | Modalités d'inscription | Anmeldebedingungen
When do I get the invoice? Have I missed this email?
Invoices are being sent gradually to people who registered. If you only just signed up, you'll get one not earlier than 2 weeks after registration. Add vvbad (at) vvbad.be to your trusted contacts. Questions? C4LBelgium (at) gmail.com
Getting there
Airport
Airports of Liège-Bierset and Maastricht-Aachen only fly people to and from sunny destinations.
There's a train from Genk to Brussels and Brussels Airport Zaventem every hour. Last train leaves around 9pm.
If you are traveling to or from Zaventem Airport: the Diabolo fee is included for most tickets, check the site if you're not sure.
Belgian Rail: http://www.belgianrail.be/en/Default.aspx
TRAIN
First train for Trois-Ponts leaves around 6am in Liège-Guillemins.
Trois-Ponts is a 50 min train ride away from Liège. Lots of trains or HSTs go from Brussels, Cologne, Antwerp, Maastricht or Aachen to Liège-Guillemins. You can't get to the departure point on time on Sunday unless you're staying nearby... or coming by car.
Trois-Ponts is a 50 min train ride away from Liège. Lots of trains or HSTs go from Brussels, Cologne, Antwerp, Maastricht or Aachen to Liège-Guillemins. You can't get to the departure point on time on Sunday unless you're staying nearby... or coming by car.
BIKES ON THE TRAIN?
You have to pay 5 euros one way to take your bicycle on a train. Not all local trains have a separate space for bikes. Usually, staff on board the train will tell you where to put your bike, most likely somewhere between two compartments.
http://www.belgianrail.be/en/stations-and-train/bike-on-the-train.aspx
For bikes on HSTs it depends very much on the company you are travelling with:
https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Questions/Preparation
http://www.belgianrail.be/en/stations-and-train/bike-on-the-train.aspx
For bikes on HSTs it depends very much on the company you are travelling with:
https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Questions/Preparation
Start & End
When does the tour start? When does it end?
Registration will start at 7:30am (for those who rent bikes). We leave at 9am sharp. For people staying in Liège this will mean getting the train at 6am :-/
Rental bikes will be available from 16
We arrive in the late afternoon of 13 September. Bikes will be picked up at 5pm.
Rental bikes will be available from 16
We arrive in the late afternoon of 13 September. Bikes will be picked up at 5pm.
The night before
Where do I sleep the night before the tour?
To Trois-Ponts there are trains every 2 hours on weekends, so it might be best for you to find accommodation for Saturday anywhere along the railroad connection between Liège and Trois-Ponts.
The Chateau de Wanne hostel is now not only an option for those who bring their own bikes!
We are happy to announce that the rental bikes will be available on the day before the tour: if you like you can pick up your bike and use it to climb up the hill to the Chateau de Wanne hostel. We will arrange for a luggage depot.
Chateau de Wanne is not a regular hostel, it's a Gîte-Etape: but luckily we’ve been informed that Chateau de Wanne treats us like a group, even though everyone books a bed individually. So you can just ask to have a bed in a room with other C4L-participants! Mind you, it is beautifully located, but a good half hour climb for about 5 km. We wouldn't advise you to do this with a big backpack on your back if you are not used to it.
There is also the Domaine de Farnières hostel in Vielsalm at 6km from the starting point. They come and collect you at Vielsalm train station if you call them: Info : +32 (0)80/559.040 - Reservations : +32 (0)80/559.026 http://www.farnieres.be/fr/infos-pratiques/farnieres-en-train
The Chateau de Wanne hostel is now not only an option for those who bring their own bikes!
We are happy to announce that the rental bikes will be available on the day before the tour: if you like you can pick up your bike and use it to climb up the hill to the Chateau de Wanne hostel. We will arrange for a luggage depot.
Chateau de Wanne is not a regular hostel, it's a Gîte-Etape: but luckily we’ve been informed that Chateau de Wanne treats us like a group, even though everyone books a bed individually. So you can just ask to have a bed in a room with other C4L-participants! Mind you, it is beautifully located, but a good half hour climb for about 5 km. We wouldn't advise you to do this with a big backpack on your back if you are not used to it.
There is also the Domaine de Farnières hostel in Vielsalm at 6km from the starting point. They come and collect you at Vielsalm train station if you call them: Info : +32 (0)80/559.040 - Reservations : +32 (0)80/559.026 http://www.farnieres.be/fr/infos-pratiques/farnieres-en-train
Itinerary, distances, hills, speed
Why TRois-PONTS?
It's the nearest station to Malmédy, our first official library visit. At Trois-Ponts we will be welcomed with coffee by the library staff- at 7:30 on a Sunday. It may be Heritage Day, but still...
Malmédy and Sankt-Vith no longer have a train station. Trois-Ponts is also a RaVEL starting point: a RaVEL is a French term for a cycling path on a former railroad track. It's not such a steep climb uphill from there to Eupen. From Waimes/Weismes, we'll be taking the Vennbahn which traces the old railroad around and through the High Fens.
Malmédy and Sankt-Vith no longer have a train station. Trois-Ponts is also a RaVEL starting point: a RaVEL is a French term for a cycling path on a former railroad track. It's not such a steep climb uphill from there to Eupen. From Waimes/Weismes, we'll be taking the Vennbahn which traces the old railroad around and through the High Fens.
What about distances? Hoe zit het met de afstanden? Quelles sont les distances?
- First day: Trois-Ponts-Eupen will be a good 85 km. We'll need to start early though to have enough time at Malmédy library and be in Eupen before sunset. We have shortcuts ready, just in case. (beer: check) The rest of the itinerary we still need to scout out.
- Second day: Eupen-Liège ca. 60-65 km, depending on the programme, which might include Val Dieu abbey (beer, cheese: check!)
- Third day: Liège-Tongeren ca. 50 km+Liège visits (beer: check, chocolate: check)
- Fourth day: Tongeren-Genk ca. 35 km (beer: check)
Will there be lots of hills? Gibt es viele Bergetappen?
Actually, it's not as steep as we imagined. But don't underestimate it though, and don't underestimate fatigue after little sleep and long days of cycling. We think the hardest part will be by far the climbing up the hill to Chateau de Wanne on the day before the tour starts, if you stay there. But there are also so-called faux-plats: it looks flat, but it isn't. The good news: it gets easier and flatter as the tour progresses. In your mind and legs. And don't underestimate the power of cycling in a group!
What about the speed? Hoe is het tempo? Wie ist das Tempo?
Cycling for Libraries is for everyone. We'd like the group to stay together and adapt its pace to those not used to doing lots of cycling. This way everyone can have a chat while cycling. It's not a competition. We will try to be on time when there are people waiting for us, but we will also try to pause regularly for toilet and other breaks. Not everyone is used to drinking while cycling...
Fit enough?
Will I be able to keep up? Ga ik het wel aankunnen? Wie fit sollte man sein?
Yes, you will be able to do it! Especially if you start training now. It's perfectly doable for people who have never biked much. What matters is that you like cycling. This is an excellent way to start something you never imagined yourself doing.
It's only 4 days. But still, if you are not used to cycling long stretches, or up and down hills or faux plats, it's time to prepare for it. Your neck, back, arms will need to get used to new positions. Not to mention your backside.
Try at least to improve your physical condition so you'll recover more quickly and won't be too exhausted after a day's ride. We'd like to enjoy your company in the evenings as well!
It's only 4 days. But still, if you are not used to cycling long stretches, or up and down hills or faux plats, it's time to prepare for it. Your neck, back, arms will need to get used to new positions. Not to mention your backside.
Try at least to improve your physical condition so you'll recover more quickly and won't be too exhausted after a day's ride. We'd like to enjoy your company in the evenings as well!
How do I prepare? Hoe bereid ik mij het beste voor? Comment se préparer ?
- Work towards cycling 120 km in 2 consecutive days in the coming months.
- Start gradually: from 10 to 20 to 40 km to 80 or 100 km.
- Do your training for this tour on hilly terrain.
- Get used to switching gears and to cycling slowly but steadily uphill to save your strength. The first 2 days we'll climb a few hills and we'll have some 'faux-plats', like on the last day of Le Toubo. The first day is the longest bike day with one slow steady climb, a long stretch of no elevation on a plateau and then up and down hills towards Eupen.
- If you are not very fit yet, or only do a few km a day every day, it is not advisable to do 85 km without any kind of preparation.
- Cardio training could help you endure and be less tired at the end of the day: e.g. go running or spinning at the gym
- The whole training programme thing is also very much about: making your backside get used to long hours in the saddle
Bike
Heb ik wel een goede fiets hiervoor? Is my bike good enough for this edition?
7 speed bikes are doable if you are strong, male or well-trained. The more gears the better, esp. if you are less physically prepared or have knee issues. Be sure to practise switching gears. City bikes may not be your best bet, but it has been done. A more 'athletic' position on a bike relieves pressure from your back to your arms. So you might want to consider borrowing, renting or buying a hybrid. Some people prefer sitting upright, others prefer another angle. One of the crew cycled along on an 8 speed city bike and she didn't complain. It's up to you, ask advice if in doubt.
Welk zadel is het best? Which saddle is best?
You will have a sore behind. That's the one thing you can be sure of. But this will pass.
Some experts recommend hard saddles. Others swear by gel saddles and cushions and the like. It's only a 4-day tour. Not too hard, not too soft might be your best bet if you're a cycling newbie. And wear padded shorts.
Some experts recommend hard saddles. Others swear by gel saddles and cushions and the like. It's only a 4-day tour. Not too hard, not too soft might be your best bet if you're a cycling newbie. And wear padded shorts.
Welke fiets kan ik huren? What are the rental bikes like? Quel sont les vélos de location proposés ?
Cycle Center Valkenburg will deliver rental bikes at Trois-Ponts and will pick them up again in Genk. You can choose between 7 speed and 24 speed bikes. Participants will be able to sign up for a rental bike in the coming weeks.
What to bring?
What (not) to wear? Help, wat moet ik aan?
Airy t-shirt, cycle chic dress, skirt, comfortable shorts...? No spandex or lycra required. Padded shorts are the one thing we do recommend. Buy a few (once the season's over) so you can wash and let one dry while you wear the other. The rest is up to you and the weather. Make sure it is comfortable. Wear layers. Bring rain gear and shoe covers. Belgian weather can be fickle, though we are hoping for another Indian Summer. We recommend wearing a helmet, but it is not mandatory in Belgium. Bring a cap or hat to wear and sun screen for sun protection.
A list of things to bring will be provided as the tour draws near.
Should we bring a sleeping bag or air mattress?
No, that won't be necessary. We'll provide a (non-exhaustive) list of what to bring in the Info section soon.
Insurance
Which insurances do I get?
That's up to you. Travel insurance, cancellation insurance, health insurance if you haven't already. There are bike insurance policies with legal aid which might come in useful should you collide with another cyclist. This is the kind of accident most likely to happen when cycling in group, or on much used cycle paths.
Safety
Road safety
We'll publish, print and announce the Cyc4lib road safety rules and hand signs in the weeks before the tour.
To make the tour a safe cycling experience it's important to abide by the rules and to follow the instructions of the road captains. It's also good to use your eyes and ears when cycling, even while you are 'talking shop' (talking about your job) with your neighbour.
To make the tour a safe cycling experience it's important to abide by the rules and to follow the instructions of the road captains. It's also good to use your eyes and ears when cycling, even while you are 'talking shop' (talking about your job) with your neighbour.
Language
Trilingual, quadrilingual: our language policy | Drietalig, viertalig: onze taalpolitiek
Cycling for Libraries is an international cooperation and attracts people from all over Europe and beyond.
English is our lingua franca. But we are a local tour, with a local theme and focus: the linguistic riches of a country with 3 language communities and 4 different language regions. We chose not only to bring together librarians from the 3 language communities, but also to connect 3 language regions. They are close together in the East of Belgium. This tour will provide a brief overview of 3 separate library worlds within one small country. We would also like to facilitate practising languages between participants.
The ideal situation would be that we provide every information in 4 languages. But, we are all volunteers with full time jobs. As much as we love all 4 languages, we have to make difficult choices.
Translations are made available for all important and basic communication. All the rest is on demand and if time allows for it. Don't hesitate to ask for a translation. Use the mailing list or our contact form.
English is our lingua franca. But we are a local tour, with a local theme and focus: the linguistic riches of a country with 3 language communities and 4 different language regions. We chose not only to bring together librarians from the 3 language communities, but also to connect 3 language regions. They are close together in the East of Belgium. This tour will provide a brief overview of 3 separate library worlds within one small country. We would also like to facilitate practising languages between participants.
The ideal situation would be that we provide every information in 4 languages. But, we are all volunteers with full time jobs. As much as we love all 4 languages, we have to make difficult choices.
Translations are made available for all important and basic communication. All the rest is on demand and if time allows for it. Don't hesitate to ask for a translation. Use the mailing list or our contact form.
Do's and don'ts when talking to someone who wants to practise your language
One way to do this is by talking one language for a while and then change and talk in another.
- Understanding is easier than talking for most people. So don't think because someone isn't fluent that they don't understand what you say.
- Pronunciation and articulation can be key to better mutual understanding.
- Try to avoid using metaphors, expressions and idioms when talking to a beginner. Or use them and then paraphrase them. (This goes for us as well! Easier said than done)
- Use synonyms that derive from Greek or Latin which the other person might recognise, e.g. 'grammatica' instead of 'spraakkunst' or 'verbum' instead of 'werkwoord' in Dutch.
- All advice taken from Huis van het Nederlands (Flemish office for Dutch as a foreign language)
Voor | Pour | Für | For
Bibliothecarissen | Bibliothécaires | Bibliothekare | Librarians
Bibliothecarissen | Bibliothécaires | Bibliothekare | Librarians
Waarom is dit voor mijn bibliotheek interessant?
Welke meerwaarde heeft een bezoek aan onze bibliotheek?
- Je kan lokale en regionale pers uitnodigen om verslag te doen van het bezoek
- Je kan lokale politici en volksvertegenwoordigers uitnodigen om tegenover pers en publiek hun steun aan de bibliotheek te betuigen
- ...
Waarom is dit interessant voor mijn medewerkers?
Waarom zou ik mijn medewerkers laten meedoen?
- 50 bibliothecarissen uit verschillende delen van het land en daarbuiten
- elke dag verschillende bibliotheekbezoeken
- informele (en soms ook formele) uitwisselingen van ideeën, goede praktijkvoorbeelden en leerzame mislukkingen
- ...
Quel intérêt pour ma bibliothèque?
Une visite de ma bib : quel interêt pour nous?
- Vous pourriez inviter les médias : TV, radios, journaux, web pour relayer le message auprès de la population
- Vous pourriez inviter les élus locaux et regionaux, pour témoigner de leur soutien à la bibliothèque.
- ...
Quel intérêt de participer pour mes collaborateurs?
Cycling for Libraries :
- renforce le bien-être des bibliothécaires et employés de bibliothèques
- enseigne la coopération et l’action
- ...