June 11: Short Ardennes Tour Valves

The track is followed clockwise.
From Spa, the track heads east. The first real ascent is the Côte de Cokaifagne.
Via Hockai, it goes towards Xhoffraix through a beautiful forest area adjacent to the High Fens.
The road from Xhoffraix to Ovifat runs with two climbs because the valleys of the Pouhon and Bayehon streams are crossed.

Via the dam of Lake Robbertville, it heads towards Waimes. There, the track passes on the asphalt cycle path on the old railway line in the Amblève valley, up to Malmédy. More information (in German) about this bike path (and photos) can be found on http://bahntrassenradeln.de/bahneur_bel.htm#be045

Then comes the climb of Côte de Floriheid: do not be discouraged by the sign of 20%, because this is only achieved in 1 place, namely in the inside bend of a hairpin bend. Then follows a beautiful descent with panoramic views to Bellevaux. The track then heads towards Stavelot (with a climb before reaching the village of Beaumont). From Stavelot, we head for Wanne and the track crosses a beautiful setting. However, the difficult Côte de Wanneranval must be climbed before reaching the village of Wanne: http://www.klimtijd.nl/beklimming/wanneranval .

By a beautiful descent to Trois-Ponts, the track passes through secondary roads to the village of Coo. Finally, you arrive at the main road and follow the ascent of nearly 9 kilometers of the Côte du Rosier: http://www.klimtijd.nl/beklimming/rosier-sud. Then, the long and beautiful descent of 6 km to Spa remains.