Around Kasterlee and Retie

This tour takes you through the watery and sometimes marshy polders of the Antwerp Kempen region. The name of this region is derived from the Latin Campinia or Campina, meaning "open space." The defining characteristic of this region is its sandy soil, which is why the Kempen region was primarily covered with heathland, oak forests, fens, and peatlands until around 1860. One of the beautiful areas you'll cycle through is the Tikkebroeken nature reserve, a characteristic Kempen lowland peat bog boasting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here you'll see alder swamp forests, wet and dry heathland, pastures, and fields. During heavy rainfall, the Rode Loop (Red Loop) traditionally flooded the surrounding valley. In the early twentieth century, peat was still extracted in the Tikkebroeken, transported by flat-bottomed barge along the Rode Loop. The current mosaic landscape is rich in flora and fauna. Retie is the village of the seven Netes: small streams that feed the Kleine Nete river. The name Nete is said to be of Celtic origin, meaning "smoke" or "vapour." Among older cycling enthusiasts, Retie is perhaps known for a tragedy. In 1971, the cycling race "De Grote Jaarmarktprijs" (The Grand Fair Prize) was held here. One of the participants was professional cyclist Jean-Pierre Monseré, the then world road champion. He was participating in preparation for the Milan-San Remo classic. During the race, he collided head-on with a roadside car and died instantly from a blow to the neck. Just before the end of the route, you cross the Kleine Nete again. On your right, you'll see the Waterradmolen (Water Wheel Mill). This corn mill was first mentioned in a charter from 1248. In 1583, during the Eighty Years' War, the originally wooden water wheel mill was set on fire. Ten years later, it was rebuilt in stone. The last renovation dates from 1921.