E17HospitalNetwork

This bike route connects the hospitals that are part of the E17 hospital network: AZ Maria Middelares Ghent, AZ Sint-Vincentius Deinze, O.L.V. van Lourdes Hospital Waregem, Sint-Jozefskliniek Izegem, AZ Groeninge Kortrijk, AZ Glorieux Ronse, AZ Sint-Elisabeth Zottegem, and Zorgband Leie&Schelde (joined member).

The route starts at AZ Maria Middelares but is a complete loop, so it can be started anywhere along the route.

The route can also be followed via junctions (a pdf is attached to the description). Unfortunately, there are no junctions near some of the hospitals. Those who wish to follow the route via the junctions will have to check the map on routeyou a few times. This can, however, be perfectly prepared ...

From Maria Middelares, the route follows the Leie to Drongen. Via Vosselare, the Schipdonk Canal is then followed to the Sint-Vincentius Hospital in Deinze. After that, back again via the Leie to the OLV van Lourdes Hospital in Waregem. Via Leie and Roeselare-Leie Canal to the Sint Jozefskliniek in Izegem.

Then towards Kortrijk and again via the Leie towards AZ Groeninge. The continuation towards Ronse is slightly hilly and follows, among other things, some old railway beds.

After AZ Glorieux, the hill zone begins to the AZ Sint Elisabeth in Zottegem. Given the length of the route, I have intentionally left quite a few attractive climbs behind. The most well-known climb on the route is "La Houppe." An XL version of this route will follow, where many climbs in the Flemish Ardennes will be added.

From Zottegem back to AZ Maria Middelares, the route passes the joined member Zorgband Leie&Schelde, ultimately landing back in AZ Maria Middelares via Schelde and Ringvaart.