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.
This route takes you first trough the Waasland regio via the bike tunnel under the river Scheldt. After about 45 km, you cross the bridge over that river again in Temse. Via the scienic roads in Klein-Brabant we reach the southern tip of the heart in Humbeek. Passing along Mechelen and the river Nete, we ride straigth trough the beautifull historic centre of Lier. The last part of the route goes trough the agriculturel landscapes of Broechem and Ranst, the woods of Oelegem and the residential area of Schilde. A last obstacle is the famous Broekstraat cobblestones street, known from the cycling race Scheldeprijs in Schoten as well as a gravelsection followed by a cobbelstones road that looks like being copy-pasted from Paris-Roubaix near domain Erbrugge in Deurne.. Finally, you reach the Rivierenhof, Antwerps biggest park and finish in Berchem.
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;-)
Starting in Berchem, you’ll ride through the bicycle tunnel under the Scheldt to Antwerp’s Left Bank. From there, you’ll explore the sweet Waasland, meandering along the bulbous fields and pollard willows towards Vrasene and Nieuwkerken-Waas. Enjoy a nice tight stretch of off-road before crossing the Scheldt near Temse, where you can take in the beautiful view over the town.
Next, the route takes you through Klein-Brabant and over the Brabant Kouters to Castle Ter Wilder in Humbeek. You’ll then traverse the historic centre of Mechelen, where bikes are welcome in the car-free streets, and pass the fruit and vegetable farms of Sint-Katelijne-Waver on your way to Lier. Unfortunately due to the Carnaval in Mechelen a little detour is made on March the 30th, so we made a little detour through the beautiful Vrijbroekpark.
In Lier, you can enjoy a loop through the centre of this picturesque town and its beguinage before heading towards the fields and farms between Broechem and Emblem. After crossing the Albert Canal, you’ll ride through the wooded area of the Vrieselhof towards Oelegem.
The route then goes criss-cross through the villa districts of ‘s Gravenwezel and Schilde, and you’ll get a solid warm-up on the cobblestones of Broekstraat in Wijnegem. Finally, you’ll ride through Rivierenhof park to complete your journey.
Enjoy your ride!
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.