Words
Larendo van Gennip
Photos
Joost van Asch
Operation Pheasant, the liberation of North Brabant, was a pivotal campaign during World War II. Its mission was to drive German forces from the province of North Brabant, Netherlands, as part of the Western Front battles. To honor 80 years of freedom, we set out on our gravel bikes, retracing the steps of the liberators who came before us.
Our alarm buzzed at 6 AM, signaling the start of our day and adventure. After a hearty breakfast, we rode towards Fort Isabelle, the starting point of our 168 km route through the province’s most significant war memorials. After signing in, we indulged in a warm, traditional bread with sausage roll—a true local delight—accompanied by a rich, aromatic coffee from Paso Paso (check those guys out!). With spirits high and energy levels boosted, we were ready to set off.
Despite a few early morning showers, the sky opened up just as we were about to start, promising us an ideal day for gravel and adventure. Under the archway, we rolled off, immediately greeted by a stunning gravel path encircling Fort Isabelle. The first kilometer was pure joy—a perfect introduction to the ride ahead.
The day’s adventure promised a mix of rugged paths and historical intrigue and it didn’t disappoint. As we rolled out, the terrain quickly gave way to delicious stretches of gravel, the kind that lets you find your rhythm. The bike felt at home on the loose stones. Soon, the gravel morphed into muddy farm tracks, splattering our bikes as we navigated through the earthy terrain. It was classic countryside—the kind that makes you feel alive as you push through each patch, feeling the grit.
Along our way we passed historical World War II landmarks, each one a reminder of the past struggles fought on this soil. A long, winding gravel path took us along the edge of an anti-tank trench, its stillness contrasting with the rush of our ride. These quiet, reflective moments are what make these routes so special—combining the thrill of the sport with the weight of history. Around midday, the weather shifted, and just as we reached a perfect stop for a warm cup of soup, a drizzle turned into a sudden downpour. We huddled under a bridge, the rain pattering above us as we waited for the skies to clear.
Back on the road, the rain added a new layer of challenge, making the gravel and the mud stickier. We encountered a small ferry crossing, a little hand-pulled pontoon that carried us across the water. It was a playful break and the route eventually led us past Camp Vught, a sobering moment that reminded us of the history embedded in every kilometer of this journey. The gravel beneath our tires felt different here, as if the stories of the past were woven into the path.
Finally, the day’s challenge came to an end as we approached the finish, but not without one last test — riding through water. The splash of the cold water as we powered through the final section was the perfect way to close out the ride.
As we crossed the finish line, we were met with a warm welcome which was just what we needed after a long day on the gravel. A delicious burger was waiting for us, paired with a crisp, refreshing 0.0 beer. It was the perfect way to refuel and unwind. We also had the chance to rinse off our bikes, washing away the mud and dust collected along the journey.
Below you will find five gravel routes full of war history in North Brabant. These routes were created in honor of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of North Brabant. Each route includes a museum and various other impressive places and monuments with a story. These routes are an ode to our liberators and our freedom!
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