After our launch event in Eindhoven, we return home to Oud-Berchem with our second Heart for Gaza event! Once we have completed our cycling, running, and walking routes in and around the city, we will come together for a lively street party in F. Coosemansstraat, which will be transformed for the occasion into a vibrant meeting place with food, drinks, and music.
Everything will be focused on our friends from the Gaza Sunbirds, with whom Mohammed and Alaa will join us that day.
An event organised by Koersklub Rood-Wit (B).
€11,559 raised
On March 30, we set off from Sint-Hubertus Church on Victor Jacobslei, in the heart of Oud-Berchem, for a unique gravel ride with a deeper purpose. We begin the day with a warm welcome and complimentary coffee and tea. At the start and finish location, you’ll find stands selling posters, T-shirts, and more—all proceeds going to support the inspiring Palestinian para-cycling club Gaza Sunbirds.
The 60 km Heart Route offers a surprising mix of on and off-road cycling, perfect for road bikes. Starting at Antwerp’s Central Station, the route heads north, crossing the new Bicycle Bridge, and takes you through parks, villa districts, and past historic landmarks. You’ll cycle over the anti-tank moat, navigating gravel roads, forests, and quiet paths through the countryside. The journey leads you to Lier, then back to Antwerp via a peaceful bike lane.
After the ride, you can enjoy a delicious meal,prepared by Palestian chef Nour Elnono and served by volunteers—with all proceeds supporting Nours Kitchen for Gaza collaborating with the Sunbirds. DJ Papa Mojito will bring a unique blend of music from around the world (Latino, merengue, salsa, raï, soukous, cumbia, Balkan, Punjab …), mixed with a touch of folk and Dutch-world sounds. At parties, he’s also known to throw in some rock ‘n’ roll, electro swing, new wave, 60s-70s-80s classics, waltzes, and even dance music.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow cyclists, including Mohammed Abu Asfour and Alaa al-Dali from the Gaza Sunbirds.
Join us and let your heart race—during and after the ride! ❤️🚴
Disclaimer: The routes are made for its heart shape. So we crisscross residential areas, old industry sites, along rivers and canals, through for ests and parks. We alternate nicely paved bike paths with poorly maintained concrete slab roads and here and there you can expect an unpaved trail. You will definitely discover new paths you did not suspect existed! Really the thing for those who prefer adventure to high averages;-)
The 60 km heart route is one that will surprise you. It contains a few off-road roads, but is perfectly accessible with a road bike.
We ride past the Central Station to the North of the city.
We leave Antwerp via the new Bicycle Bridge past Merksem and then go off-road briefly through Bouckenborg Park.
Via Schoten, we then head towards Wijnegem, where we ride over the lock complex.
The route then goes criss-cross through the villa districts of 's Gravenwezel and Schilde to finally arrive at the Anti-tank moat. Because anti-tank, that's what we are at Hearts for Gaza ;-) We ride for several kilometers on the typical so-called Dolomite, compact gravel that is perfectly doable with thin road bike tires.
We then navigate through the wooded areas of Halle Zoersel and Oelegem to Massenhoven.
After crossing the Albert Canal, the woods give way to the fields and farms between Broechem and Emblem.
It then heads towards Lier via the old tramway bed between Broechem and Lier, where it is super quiet and safe cycling.
Once we get to Lier, we take the bike lane back to Antwerp. This relatively new bike road is an ideal red carpet to Cafe Rood-Wit, where a well-deserved recuperation drink awaits you.
Join us for a heartwarming community meal in support of war victims in Gaza. This special afternoon will bring together neighbors, cyclists, runners, and walkers from all walks of life to enjoy a festive meal while contributing to a vital cause. Food will be prepared by Palestinian chef Nour Elnono.
Café ROOD-WIT in Oud-Berchem, once known for its billiard history, no longer features the game. Today, it’s a cozy gathering spot where the café cycling team “ROOD-WIT” and locals enjoy drinks and community, while its nostalgic charm endures.