It was only later that I found out that the delay was actualy our own fault. The whole idea was based on crowdfunding. In fact after all it didn't take that long, it was just me, walking pass too many times in a short period, that made it look a long time.
Anyway doors are wide open now. But when I went for a coffee last saturday arvo I was surprised that only four other people had the same idea. Altough it was raining and all other tea rooms and coffee bars were chock a block. And let this be my problem, to understand why people have an initial resistance to walk in this great coffee house.
Ok they are focused on coffee and cycling, fantastic idea I would say. But that doesn't mean that a football fan or a stamps collector can't have a brew in that place.
I do admit that it looks like a cyclist paradise, as the first thing you see even before opening the door is that you can take your best friend (read: your bike) inside and hang him up on the wall. Yes several hooks are fixed on the wall. A cobble stone wall! For the rest the decoration is basic, some caps and mussettes and an old "Marcel Rijckaert" bike.
Few corners where you can sit down with your coffee and cake and some bar stools at the front window. In the middle a higher table and some first rang seats in front of the flat screen.
Yep you can watch road races and in wintertime cyclo cross live. In moments of no racing on tele, there are some interesting books to read too.
And even if your girlfriend (or in case you are a girl, your boyfriend doesn't like cycling) there is a little shop in the back with a clothing section and a bike parts display, all for sale. Means no excuse on sunday that you had a puncture and couldn't find a shop to buy a spare.
When it comes to coffee, I can tell you that the Rocket Espresso machine in combination with Il Magistrale Coffee does a perfect job. Race food is also available in cakes and special on the menu are the gummies
(that is only if Peter Sagan turns up).If you keep an eye on their Facebook page you will find out when they go for group rides as well. Other extra's are the possibility to rent a bike, training indoor and even clean your bike.
I would say, reasons enough to visit this great place.
(Who is Marcel Rijckaert? he was a professional cyclist from 1944 till 1960, road and track. He was an excellent six day rider. After his career he was the mecanic of Eddy Merckx).
PEDALEUR DE FLANDRES - Volderstraat 58 - 9000 Gent
www.pedaleurdeflandres.be - closed on monday and tuesday
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