在比利时的夏日，根特这座城市展现出它独特的魅力。阳光洒在古老的建筑上，河流静静地流淌，我们决定趁着升天节假期的好阳光，用一种特别的方式探索这座城市——骑行。
准备工作
- Komoot导航
为了规划骑行路线，我们提前在Komoot上寻找路线。这个应用程序提供了详细的导航，并且可以根据骑行者的需求定制路线。打开应用，输入骑行范围，Komoot便给出了建议的骑行路线，并且可以筛选适合自己的路线。上面的骑行时间只具有参考意义，我们选择了一条标识为两小时的骑行路线，水平是简单，实际上骑了将近五个小时。也许是我们的骑行速度慢了，当然也有可能是车子的原因。
- 租车
因为我们一直没有买自行车，所以选择了租车。在比较了不同的租车方式后，我们选择了Blue-bike。这家租车是会员制，每年有12欧元的年费，每次租车24小时内是3.5欧元，一个会员一次可以租用两辆自行车。类似的还有Donkey Republic等选择，但价格相对不同。我们在根特的火车站找到的Blue-bike的租车点，车子上配备了手机支架和篮子，可以方便地放手机进行导航。
出行
跟着导航两公里后我们骑到横跨运河的自行车桥，路上可以放心高速起飞。在一公里后有螺旋状的自行车道，先上坡再下坡，上坡也并没有感觉很费力，下坡很畅快。这些车道专为自行车设计，宽敞平坦，且与机动车道分隔开来，骑行起来既快速又安全。沿途的标识还算清晰，很容易找到方向。
下了高速自行车道不久后，就可以看到一片绿油油的麦田，路边一户的篱笆上还开着红的粉的花朵。路上有一段我们没有跟着导航走，我们看到有一段路通向了幽静的社区，还有不少复古的房子，很有氛围感。
在一段小路上，绿色的田野中间有一条骑行出来的羊肠小道。我问老婆，这个时候应该配什么样的BGM，我们不约而同地想到了《菊次郎的夏天》里的背景乐。
经过一段时间的骑行后，我们来到了沿河的自行车道，这条道单程大约有8公里。一路上可以看到河中有人驾驶摩托艇，有人在玩冲浪板，还有人躺在小船上惬意地晒太阳。远处的农舍旁有放养的牛马。我们在一群奶牛前停留拍照，有一只牛看到老婆在拍它，还试图接近我们。路上的时刻，让人感到无比的宁静和满足。
在享受完大自然的美景后，我们沿着导航返回了根特市区。从这个不同的角度，我们感受到了这座城市的多样性。最后回来一共骑行32公里，要累断腿了。
Below is the English version of the blog. It was generated by ChatGPT and the author is not responsible for its accuracy. If there are any inaccuracies, please refer to the original Chinese version.
Summer Cycling in Ghent: Exploring the Charms of Belgium
In the summer of Belgium, the city of Ghent reveals its unique charm. The sun shines on ancient buildings, and the river flows quietly. Taking advantage of the good weather during the Ascension Day holiday, we decided to explore the city in a special way - by cycling.
Preparation
- Komoot Navigation
To plan our cycling route, we searched for routes on Komoot in advance. This app provides detailed navigation and allows riders to customize routes based on their needs. Opening the app and entering the cycling range, Komoot suggested recommended routes, and we could filter to find the one that suited us. The cycling time indicated was only a reference. We chose a route marked for two hours, but it took us nearly five hours. Perhaps we cycled slowly, or maybe it was due to the bikes.
- Bike Rental
Since we didn't have our own bikes, we opted to rent. After comparing different rental options, we chose Blue-bike. This rental service operates on a membership basis, with an annual fee of 12 euros and a rental fee of 3.5 euros for 24 hours. A member can rent two bikes at a time. Similar services like Donkey Republic are also available, but their prices vary. We found the Blue-bike rental station at Ghent's train station. The bikes were equipped with phone holders and baskets, which made navigation convenient.
The Ride
Following the navigation for two kilometers, we reached a bike bridge spanning the canal, where the wide deck allowed us to speed up confidently. After another kilometer, there was a spiral bike path that required a climb uphill before descending. The uphill wasn't strenuous, and the downhill was exhilarating with the wind whistling past our ears. These paths are designed specifically for bikes, spacious and smooth, separated from motorways, making the ride both fast and safe. The signs along the way were clear, making it easy to find the direction.
Shortly after leaving the bike highway, we saw a green field of wheat, with a fence beside the road adorned with red and pink flowers. We deviated from the navigation for a while because we saw a road leading to a quiet neighborhood with many vintage houses, creating a charming atmosphere.
On a small path, a narrow trail had been worn through the green fields. I asked my wife what kind of BGM would be fitting, and we both thought of the background music (Summer from Kikujiro).
After some riding, we reached a riverside bike path, which stretched about 8 kilometers one way. Along the way, we saw people riding jet skis, playing on surfboards, and lounging on small boats, basking in the sun. There were also barns in the distance, with cows and horses grazing nearby. We stopped to take photos in front of a herd of dairy cows, and one cow, noticing my wife was photographing it, tried to approach us.
The moments on the road brought a sense of tranquility and fulfillment.
After enjoying the beauty of nature, we followed the navigation back to Ghent's city center. From this different perspective, we experienced the diversity of the city.