The best traffic-free bike rides around Erpe-Mere

Scenic towpath along the meandering Dender River. The towpath is narrower than other towpaths, which can lead to precarious situations on weekends between pedestrians, runners, recreational cyclists, and athletic cyclists.

The Schiptrekkersbrug (Ship Tractors Bridge) spans the Dender River between Denderleeuw and Liedekerke, and is part of the Schiptrekkers cycling route. The bridge is named after the people who used to pull ships across the river using ropes and horses. It was a hard and impoverished profession, also performed by women and children. The Schiptrekkersbrug is a tribute to these people, who played an important role in the region's history. A heritage plaque on the bridge tells their story.

Ninove, which acquired city rights in the 14th century, was defended by a castle, a tower, and an earthen rampart, interrupted by four city gates. The gates provided access to the city via the four main approaches: the Brabantse Poort on the road from Brussels, the Geraardsbergse Poort on the road from the city of the same name, and the Kloosterpoort on the road from Aalst. The Koepoort provided access to the Nederwijk (hence also called Nederwijkpoort), the Kouter, and the Dendermeersen. In peacetime, all gates served as housing for the poor, a storehouse for powder and weapons, and a prison. By the end of the 18th century, three of Ninove's four city gates had been demolished. Where they once stood, you now find reminders: a fountain with two turrets (Brabantse Poort), a work of art (Geraardsbergse Poort), and two memorial stones (Kloosterpoort). The Koepoort's survival from demolition likely stems from the fact that it stood least in the way of the city's systematic expansion. The Koepoort, first mentioned in 1397 under the name "Warmoespoort," was completely rebuilt around 1600. It was constructed of sandstone from the quarries of Geraardsbergen and, after its restoration, officially served as the city prison. Because, unlike the other gates, it lacked a drawbridge, an earthen rampart was built around it in times of war. After its function as a city prison, the Koepoort successively housed the city's volunteer fire department and the library. It was then used as a venue for socio-cultural organizations. However, the ravages of time took their toll, and the building required a complete and thorough restoration, both interior and exterior.

The statue "The Cyclist" in Mere is a tribute to Lucien Van Impe, the legendary Belgian cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1976. The statue was unveiled in 2016, exactly forty years after his Tour victory.

Denderpad between Denderleeuw and Erembodegem

The Makegemse Bos is a beautiful, unspoiled natural area. It's actually a collective name for nine forests. Here you'll find diverse tree and animal species, such as salamanders, birds, and bats.

Fun climb, but be careful on the steepest section (after the railroad crossing), because the road surface is in a bad state. That makes this segment pretty tricky to ride down.

A steep, but fun little climb in Dikkelvenne