Sledding Route 1

The name Land van Rode has an important historical significance. In the 13th century, the Count of Flanders gifted, among other things, the parish of Bottelare and parts of Munte to Rodolf, the Lord of Rode. He, in turn, was a feudal lord of the Counts of Aalst. The most important place in Land van Rode was Schelderode, where the eponymous lords had a castle. In the 14th century, Oosterzele also belonged to the Land van Rode. The Rodelandroute 1, in the triangle of Merelbeke-Oosterzele-Gavere, runs somewhat squeezed between the E17 and the Schelde. Slightly more to the southeast is Rodelandroute 2, with Oosterzele as the central place. The proximity to the Schelde contributed to the preservation of a beautiful, still relatively intact landscape. Generally, green dominates along this route; alternating in the form of forests, meadows, and fields. Various locations emerge like large raisins in this rural cake of village centers and hamlets. The distant past is evident in the form of windmills here and there along the route. Bunkers refer to an unforgettable recent past when the German army and the associated brown ideologies occupied our country.

WAYMARKING
Hexagonal signs with the name of the route in red letters.

SAFETY
This route often runs over rural roads. Special caution is advised, particularly on certain sections along somewhat busier roads, such as Geraardbergsesteenweg, Gaversesteenweg, and Hundelgemsesteenweg.

CONDITION OF THE PATH
Paved roads everywhere, except for a small stretch of field path. 13% traffic-free.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Sint-Pietersbandenkerk, Merelbeke.

INFORMATION
Cultural Department Merelbeke, Hundelgemsesteenweg 353, 9820 Merelbeke, 09 210 32 11, www.merelbeke.be.

Cultural Department Melle, Town Hall, Gemeindeplatz 1, 9090 Melle, 09 272 66 15, www.melle.be.

VVV Oosterzele, Town Hall, Dorf 1, 9860 Oosterzele, 09 362 77 22.

BIKE RENTAL
You cannot rent bicycles in the immediate vicinity.

FOOD AND DRINK
Saloon Porky's, Hundelgemsesteenweg 333, 9820 Merelbeke. Local in American
style, with corresponding snacks and drinks, but also a large selection of good Flemish beers.

Inn Oud Munte, Munteplein 7, Munte, 09 362 62 88. Cozy dining and drinking spot where many cyclists and hikers meet. Varied menu for small and big hunger.

Café Buitenland, Molenstraat 12, 9890 Gavere, 09 384 62 26. Pleasant café from days gone by, where alongside Tonnekes beer, many other beers are served. With a small playground.